Photo credit: Coco Campbell
The Loneliest Girl was recorded by Chelsea between 2016 and 2017 in her home studio in West Auckland, New Zealand with production assistance from label-mate Jonathan Bree. Chelsea’s trademark arrangements featuring classic 80s Synths (Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50), ambient guitars, and orchestral instruments are all here but are presented in a more refined and simple manner than on her previous releases.
The album examines the loneliness and ultimately the artistic satisfaction a strong work ethic can bring, the result of which is this eclectic collection of pop songs. As a studio based artist Chelsea was conscious of not wanting to fall too deep into a production hole for her third album and wanted to more than ever before capture moments of inspiration, madness and spontaneity on record.
A classically trained pianist, Nikkel lent her talents to self-professed “circus punk” act Teen Wolf in the mid-2000s, and later in the touring lineup of indie pop outfit the Brunettes. When she wasn’t performing, she worked as a composer for a local recording studio, all the while refining her songwriting and production skills. Her full-length debut as Princess Chelsea, Lil’ Golden Book, was released in late 2011 by New Zealand label Lil’ Chief, and included the viral YouTube hit “Cigarette Duet” (nearly 41 million views and counting). The album was a collection of songs about her youth presented with innocent melodies and baroque arrangements to create a musical fairy tale. The juxtaposition of her simple arrangements, childlike delivery and cynical wit is a signifiant and defining characteristic of her music.
She followed up with a synth-heavy sci-fi opera about a future world rendered helpless in the face of depression brought on by technology, The Great Cybernetic Depression was released by Lil’ Chief and Flying Nun in June 2015. She also released a surprise album of covers called Aftertouch, featuring covers by Nirvana, The Beatles, Interpol, Lucinda Williams and Marianne Faithfull.
Stylistically The Loneliest Girl moves away the more uniform synth sounds ofThe Great Cybernetic Depression to more eclectic territory similar to her first release Lil’ Golden Book and certainly sounds like a record made by a lover of pop music across all genres from 60s girl groups to 80s power ballads, and late 80s acid house to 90s pop. Like her earlier work, adult issues are presented in a humorous and sometimes childlike manner, and this juxtaposition rather than softening the blow makes jarring social commentary hit harder.
The Loneliest Girl NZ tour
Proudly presented by 95bFM and undertheradar
Friday October 26 – Hollywood Avondale – Auckland
Saturday October 27 – Sawmill Café – Leigh
Saturday November 10 – San Fran – Wellington
Saturday November 17 – Blue Smoke – Christchurch
The Loneliest Girl NZ tour will be the first time Princess Chelsea has performed to New Zealand audiences in three years. It sees Chelsea and her band return home after an extensive “Planet Earth” circuit of the U.K, Europe and Korea.
“I’ve got some new band members, which is pretty cool,” she says“and we have spent the last three months tightening our live set before touring the album…”
Princess Chelsea – The Loneliest Girl
1. The Deer With The Golden Lights
2. Good Enough
3. The Pretty Ones
4. I Love My Boyfriend
5. Wasting Time
6. The Loneliest Girl
7. I Miss My Man
8. It’s Nothing
9. Respect The Labourers
10. Cigarette
11. Growing Older
12. All I Need To Do
PRINCESS CHELSEA ONLINE
http://princesschelsea.
