Guess who made a guest appearance at yesterday’s music video shoot? Everything was perfect, the rain held back, the golden sunlight softly lighting the veld scene where we were about to shoot a music video for Christmas. Then just as we were ready to begin, the local grazers decided they would like to feature in the video and wandered into shot!
This week I got to dust off my viola for a session on a Spanish track. The lovely alto sound is just perfect for a sultry Spanish song.
Tears That Flow (Instrumental) is a violin led version of a vocal song I wrote and released by the same name with my band Cherry Pill. Listen out for soaring melodic choruses and pensive verse parts.The song was inspired by overcoming a period of physical and personal drought. Tears that Flow recalls the feeling of longing for the return of something you once had or a hunger for something new. The contemplative ‘Tears That Flow’ will gently take you to that place of yearning.
Take a listen here:
To hear the Vocal version visit:
As all things turning increasingly online, I have been trying my hand (or fingers as it were) at online session work.
Very happy to have had some contented clients in the past few weeks.The most recent project had this to say
‘Kristel did an amazing job on my track. She was easy to work with, and got the job done more than on time. The recording quality and performance were both excellent. I just got the first mix back from the mixing engineer who’s working on my album with me, and your violin part had me in tears this time. Thanks again!’
So glad to be included on the Melody Nest roster as a session musician. Looking for any string recordings for an upcoming project? Get in touch for blazing solo violin leads or warm, cosy string sections for your next song.
https://www.melodynest.com/listings/south-africa-kristel-birkholtz/
It’s the start of the rainy season here in Gauteng with some big downpours. It reminded me of a recent improvisation I did on ‘Singing in the Rain’ the carefree song from the 1952 film of the same name. Hope it brightens your day!
Tonight’s the night! Tune to #SAMA26 6 Aug 21h30 on https://mymuze.com or on Mzansi Magic DSTV Channel 161.
#ForThaCraft.
Begin die dag met musiek.
Luister 2 Augustus Sondag oggend saam met Esté Gross tussen 05h00 en 07h00 op RSG se Oggendstemming. Deel van my album sal gespeel word tussen ander verwikkende musiek.
Start the day with music.
Listen 2 August Sunday morning with Esté Gross between 05h00 and 07h00 on RSG 100-104 fm’s Oggend Stemming. Part of my album will be played among other invigorating music.
http://www.rsg.co.za/programme-skedule.asp
https://www.facebook.com/SouthAfricanMusicAwards
What started out as a project to help violin students practise for their music exams, evolved into a recording project and subsequently has received a SAMA Nomination (South African Music Award). So delighted to find that my Classical album ‘Vignettes for Violin’ released in 2019 has been nominated for an award under the Classical Music category.
The #SAMA26 awards will be held virtually mymuze.com, and Mzansi Magic, 3-7 August @ 9:30pm to catch the winners and all the industry buzz!
Special thanks goes to Rory Gaddin who engineered the recording, piano whizz Ashlea Martin who accompanied me on all the pieces and master of mastering Keith Forsythe who added the finishing touches to the album.
Take a listen to the album here https://open.spotify.com/album/74HIWARZ8YQ0oKClVbiPtZ
and the videos are here:
For more […]
Recordings can still happen with social distancing in place. It was fun to spend some time today working on some violin parts for a composition by Gregory Nottingham.