“When we first heard Alev Lenz, we immediately got goosebumps. Taking influences from European classical and mixing it with some incredible electronic production, she is crafting a new sound that is getting the Black Cab Sessions team very excited.” Black Cab Session Presents… 05/2013
“Rising star and German-born, London resident singer songwriter/pianist Lenz brings a refreshing edge and openness to her poignant and beautiful originals (…) Lenz is a compelling prospect live.” – TimeOut London 03/2013
“Lenz is blessed with the kind of hauntingly wistful voice that puts her in the same happy league as Lykki Li and Feist – (…) Count us in.” - http://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2013/02/music-video-premiere-alev-lenz-song-no-1/
“Creative wunderkind alev lenz is a remarkable songwriter from germany, a songwriter who has been branching out into ambitious and heart-stopping directions, bringing a purity of voice and lightness of touch to her songs. collaborating with mum/ kronos quartet man samuli kosminen and jas shaw of simian mobile disco shows has given the songs a brilliant sheen but it’s the melodic strength and feeling that shine through, not least carried by lenz’ striking bird-like voice.” - http://www.roughtrade.com/albums/69948
“(…) Mixing alt-rock and savvy pop confessionals, Lenz is a compelling prospect live.” – TimeOut London 09/2011
“With eloquent lyrics and evocative melodies, Alev Lenz’s debut UK EP is a diverse and beautifully moody collection of alternative pop.” – The Panel, MusicWeek
“Certainly someone to look out for this year.” – Music News
“Stomping Tori Amos and Sheryl Crow spirited horn hounded pop rises in tempo and spirit, as this Berlin based singer/songwriter oozes confidence, independence and heart-on-sleeve honesty.” – All Gigs
“Possesses enough tenderness, deep delving, instrumental weaving and a splash of cynicism in order to earn Lenz some exposure and respect.” – ComfortComes
“What else is floating our boat at Hit Sheet Towers this month: ʼquirky pop singer songwriterʼ Alev Lenz“ – Hit Sheet UK
“Love songs for every temperament” – Roomthirteen
„Simply different. (…) The 26-year young (Alev), whose turkish name translates into ‚flame’ won’t be caught up in cliches: Her compositions oscillate from Classic, Jazz and Pop, indulge in arragements with a string quartet or sparkle with clever guitar accompaniment out of the speakers into the Room.“ Associated Press
„The half german, half turkish Alev Lenz covinces on her debutalbum as a Storytelling Piano Playing Fräulein. (…) Now if that’s not the popcultural equivalent to the first chairman of a party with migration background.“ Rolling Stone Magazine
// About ‘Song No. 1’/ ‘Memphis’
Alev Lenz is due to release her first UK single on 18th March. Since the release of her debut album in her home country of Germany the singer/ songwriter/ producer has busied herself with gigs in London and New York alongside working on soundtracks for several high profile German films and recording what will become her second album in London’s Premises Studios.
Song No. 1 and Memphis are the first tracks taken from Alevʼs second album and take in a diverse set of influences, from European classical through to experimental electronics.
Alev’s main collaborator for the album was acclaimed Finnish drummer Samuli Kosminen (Múm, Hauschka, Kronos Quartet, Jónsi). A mutual friend suggested they work together, which began weeks and months of emailing sessions from London to Helsinki and back. Song No. 1 and Memphis are the first songs from that collaboration. The two songs were then mixed by Jas Shaw of Simian Mobile Disco.
Since arriving in London Alev’s played shows at The Vortex, the hub of the capital’s avant jazz and electronic scenes, had an exhibition of her own artwork and hosted a show on the independent NTS Radio.
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photo by: Kaapo Kamu
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// PRESS VIDEOS
St. Pancras Station Session
by The Station Sessions
Deutsche Welle Report (EN)
By Nils Schmidt
TRT Report (TR)
Haber: Ayse Adanali
Kamera: Ahmet Kavi
