Biography
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Years Active
2003 – present (21 years)
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Founded In
Moscow, Russian Federation
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Members
- Alexander Kretov
Ummagma is a Canadian-Ukrainian duo originally formed in Moscow, Russia in 2003. The EP LCD, released in September 2017 through Label Obscura (Canada) and Somewherecold Records, is full of lush melodic gems, including remixes by Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins and Dean Garcia of Curve and SPC ECO. Grounding and entrancing, Ummagma conveys the spirit of artists like Cocteau Twins, Stereolab and Broadcast, while remaining undeniably unique.
Comprised of Shauna McLarnon (vocals, lyrics) and Alexander Kretov (all instruments, programming, production), Ummagma produces music that is hybrid between dream pop, electronica, shoegaze and ambient. Owing to their dreamy uplifting soundscapes and ethereal vocals, they have often been compared to Lush, Slowdive, and numerous early 4AD artists.
Joe Foster of Creation Records calls this “really very cosmic music, made of stardust”, while Rudy Tambala of seminal 4AD band A.R.Kane, with whom Ummagma co-released the EP Winter Tale, refers to Ummagma’s “sound, emotion, and clean cool space”, noting that “if Underworld or Chemical Bros did ‘Lama’, it would be proclaimed an instant classic”. Clash Magzine says Ummagma "explores otherworldly climes, matching heavenly vocals to arrangements as complex as they are hopelessly beautiful", while Rolling Stone says they deliver "a full kaleidoscope of sounds, harmonies and musical instruments".
Ummagma debuted with two debut LPs released on the same day in July 2012 – Ummagma and Antigravity – both met with critical acclaim. They subsequently released the Rotation single in 2013 and the Lama and Kiev Remixes extended EPs in 2014 through German boutique label Emerald & Doreen Recordings. They subsequently released the Frequency in 2015 through Moon Sounds Records, including remixes by Malcolm Holmes of Orchestral Manouevres in the Dark, and Lights That Change.
Ummagma derive their name from Pink Floyd’s fourth studio album Ummagumma, and are inspired by this band’s understanding and conveyance of space and soundscapes. Kretov's spellbinding potion of guitar, vocals, synths, beats, programming and effects create an impeccable Floydish Fripp-laced soundscape to help the listener take flight.
Ummagma has had a full-page feature in Rolling Stone Russia, won the 2013 Alternative Eurovision competition on Britain’s Amazing Radio, and picked up four awards at the 2013 & 2014 Australian Independent Music Video Awards. Ummagma has had a full-page feature in Rolling Stone Russia, won the 2013 Alternative Eurovision competition on Britain’s Amazing Radio, and picked up four awards at the 2013 & 2014 Australian Independent Music Video Awards. Ummagma also co-wrote, performed on and produced the New Born debut album from Sounds of Sputnik , earning them a Jagermeister Indie Music Award, Russia's equivalent of the Mercury Prize.
Releases
Ummagma (July 2012)
Antigravity (July 2012)
Rotation / Live and Let Die (December 2013)
Lama (May 2014)
Kiev Remixes (October 2014)
Frequency (December 2015)
New Born with Sounds of Sputnik (August 2014, May 2016)
Winter Tale (January 2017)
LCD (September 2017)
Official Websites
www.ummagma.com
www.facebook.com/ummagma
http://ummagma.bandcamp.com
http://twittter.com/ummagma
www.youtube.com/ummagma
www.reverbnation.com/ummagma
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