Ragamuffin Children return with Seahorse Emporium

January 22, 2009

Ragamuffin Children return with The Seahorse Emporium

After lighting up music critics with their stunning debut album Werecat Lullabies in 2007, the delicate, ethereal sounds of the Ragamuffin Children return in February with the launch of their sophomore album The Seahorse Emporium.

To celebrate the release of the album, Ragamuffin Children have announced a 14-date national tour.

Ragamuffin Children's lush and unique sound made a significant impact on the New Zealand music scene when their first album Werecat Lullabies was released in 2007, an album Real Groove hailed as "surprisingly affecting" and NZ Musician welcomed songwriter Brooke Singer we "one of the country's finest young songwriters".

The duo of Anita Clark (vocalist, fiddle, guitar) and Brooke Singer (keyboard, songwriter) formed the band in 2006. Brooke is an accomplished songwriter and pianist whose melodies have gained national recognition. Multi-instrumentalist Benjamin James from rising Wellington band Spartacus R and vocalist Karena-Tui Miles-Hemopo feature on ‘The Seahorse Emporium’ and will join the ‘Ragamuffin Children’ on their nationwide tour.

Recorded at the legendary Wellington studio 'The Surgery' by Lee Prebble with funding from Creative New Zealand, The Seahorse Emporium promises a more mature and professional sound from the Ragamuffin Children.

The album includes instrumentation from some of Wellington's best musicians; A string trio from the Wellington Sinfonia perform upon a number of tracks. Jess Chambers, Rio Hemopo (Formally of trinity roots) and Andy Hummel provide backing vocals on the single 'Following the leader'. Michael Kane (Drums) and Tim Prebble (Bass), both from Wellington band Spartacus R, also feature.

Over the past two years the Ragamuffin Children have performed extensively around New Zealand gaining national recognition for their heartfelt, and intimate songs and performances. They have performed at the Parihaka Peace festival, Camp A Low Hum, Canaan Downs festival and with Swedish songwriter Jose Gonzalez.

New Zealand audiences get their chance to see one of this country's most fascinating emerging talents when the Ragamuffin Children commence their tour January 24. Full tour details listed next page.

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