'I was already thinking about the migrants who perished at sea when I named the chapter The Shoal of Souls, and this new composition is dedicated to all the people who have lost their lives crossing the sea in search of a better future.
I hope the music conveys the strength and power of the human spirit, the bravery to risk everything for their families, the anger I feel at the response of the West, a lack of empathy, a lack of compassion. They are not a swarm, they are us - humans.' - Yazz Ahmed
IXCHEL are proud to present a super limited single release from the formidable Yazz Ahmed entitled ‘A Shoal of Souls’.
Released in March 2019 and marking the final chapter of her explosive 2017 album ‘La Saboteuse’, the single is ‘dedicated to all the people who have lost their lives crossing the sea in search of a better future’. The track is also inspired by Sufism, the idea of whirling and turning, falling into a trance or a dream.
This is the third project Yazz and Sophie have collaborated on, cementing the formidable working relationship between the two. After seeing her work visually ‘come to life’, Yazz was inspired to create, feeling ‘compelled’ to create this piece.
The track is also inspired by Sufism, the idea of whirling and turning, falling into a trance or a dream. Taking her cues from the music, Sophie’s work mirrors the idea of Sufism, while highlighting the ‘whirlpool of lost souls, of untold stories, talents and lives unfulfilled’ at the heart of this release.
Front and back of record sleeve
Presented with the intertwining of two mammoth creatives, IXCHEL were compelled to create something truly special...
The record comes heavyweight, as a limited collectors edition worthy of the discogs-breaking prices Yazz's 2017 album 'La Saboteuse' is currently fetching.
Cementing the collaboration, Yazz’s special composition 'A Shoal of Souls' forms A side while on the B is Sophie’s artwork; a whirlpool of fish and souls spinning backwards into the ocean when played, embodying the voice of the music.
Copies 1 - 50 come numbered and include a limited edition print of the cover art signed by Yazz. The release also marks the first time a Yazz Ahmed test pressing has ever been available to buy.
A and B side of the record
Project Tags
Companies
IXCHEL Collective
- Arts and Culture
