Ramsgate’s Ramrock Red Records has announced a new signing and release to the label.
Electroacoustic duo Whitstable singer/songwriter Abigail Hubbard and Ramsgate producer/engineer Matt Smyth, collectively known as Liotia, have joined the Ramrock family.
Between them, they create an ensemble of original sounds, licks and melodies which fuse electronica, trip hop influences alongside acoustic and natural sounds.
Liotia combines Abigail’s vocals and with Matt’s digital soundscapes and drum machine to deliver their original version on the “Blackout” EP. The song also features the work of local cellist Ivan Hussey and pianist Jamie Ferguson and was recorded at both On U Sound and Bitcat studios in Ramsgate.
There are remixes from Ashley Beedle and Darren Morris – the Africanz On Marz vocal remix and Melodica Dub (melodica courtesy of Dr Rey). Darren was the studio keyboard player for Massive Attack – known for 90s hits Teardrop and 100th Window.
The Blackout video is edited by Swedish born, Ramsgate resident and director Helga Fannon.
The record has already gained national support on BBC 6’s Huey Morgan show and was featured in Bandcamp’s ‘Best Of’ weekly podcast.
Abigail and Matt began working together after meeting at Ramsgate music charity Pie Factory.
Matt, who also works alongside producer Adrian Sherwood at On U Sound and is Living Colour’s UK/Europe tour engineer, produced Abigail’s debut EP ‘People Watching’ which gained support from Tom Robinson at Radio 6 and was licensed to producer Robert Miles’ Open Lab compilation.
This working partnership progressed into the Liotia project with a tighter, polished more cinematic style including a range of acoustic and electronic instruments. The band have been likened to Portishead meets Little Dragon. Other releases from the duo include their debut EP So Close / Yours Tonight in July 2019
The EP can be ordered now at https://ramrock.bandcamp.com/album/rrr009-liotia-blackout-ep
Liotia also have local shows coming up on December 5 at Ramsgate Music Hall along with Argyle. NME’s 2015 Small Venue Of The Year and on December 12 for a benefit gig in aid of Thanet Winter Shelter at Elsewhere, Margate
To keep up to date with the band, join the mailing list at www.liotia.co.uk
Listen to Liotia on Bandcamps radio show here: bandcamp.com?show=347