Off the back of a US tour and the release of their phenomenal track, ‘If You Don’t Love Me’, husband and wife duo Ida Mae, (Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean) today announce their debut album ‘Chasing Lights’ – out July 12th on Thirty Tigers
Ida Mae also release fabulous new single ‘Reaching’, taken from the album, which is available as an instant grat now.
Album highlights include ‘If You Don’t Love Me’, which oozes beautiful simplicity that demands your attention. Stephanie’s vocals weave in and out of Chris’ haunting melodies, resulting in a balanced, fresh and elegant sound. The more upbeat ‘Reaching’ is effortlessly bluesy, showcasing the duo in a more vibrant light.
Ida Mae is the sound that Chris Turpin always dreamed of creating. After the break down of their raucous first group, Kill It Kid, Turpin, as opposed to seeing the band’s dissolution as a setback, saw it as an opportunity: “We wanted to make something simple and honest and raw,” says Chris. “We wanted to make a record our way, with no compromises.”
‘Chasing Lights’ was helped to become the masterpiece it is with the guidance of legendary producer Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Laura Marling, Kings of Leon). The duo’s natural chemistry proved to be an ideal fit for Ethan Johns’ minimalist approach to production. “Ethan records live and very quickly,” explains Turpin. “He loves the naïve discovery of early takes. It could be terrifying at times, but we always trusted his judgment.”
Blending elements of vintage Delta blues and gritty rock and roll with boldly modern arrangements and fearless punk swagger, ‘Chasing Lights’ captures Ida Mae in its purest form. From the pulsating ‘Higher Than Light’ to the Beat poet-inspired ‘My Girl Is A Heartbreak’, ‘Chasing Lights’ is an impressive eclectic debut. Singing together, the couple have an unusual ‘which-is-which’ dynamic.
Having toured with the likes of The Lone Bellow, Nick Mulvey, Nikki Lane, The Marcus King Band, Will Varley and Greta Van Fleet, Chris and Stephanie are no strangers to hitting the road. Ida Mae will play the following UK dates. Tickets on sale now:
March 2019
Tues 12th NORWICH, Norwich Arts Centre
Wed 13th LONDON, Omeara