As vocalist for the Cinematic Orchestra for over 15 years and the go-to vocalist for acts such as Thundercat, Bugz In The Attic and Soweto Kinch, Heidi Vogel has long been a critics choice for her extraordinary voice and velvet tone. Respected and revered, Heidi is a frequent face on the London and LA jazz & soul scenes and has toured with Erykah Badu at Dubai’s Chill Out Festival amongst numerous other appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Gilles Peterson Worldwide, Sonar Japan,BBC 6 Music Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Festival and Central Park Summer Stage
Alongside her jazz and dance music credentials, Heidi has also performed as a soloist for the 2019 BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall for a recital of The Sacred Music of Duke Ellington, which received rave reviews. She has also performed and recorded with The Brand New Heavies,Louie Vega, Isaac Hayes, IG Culture, Eska, Roots Manuva, Ty, and Terry Walker to name a few. Her debut album “Turn up the Quiet”, received impressive reviews from stellar jazz magazines as well as support from Jamie Cullum, Benji B, Osunlade and many others.
Hey Heidi, It’s great to speak to you around the release of your new single “Enamoreme” produced by Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel and can you talk us through how it came about?
Jorge had the idea and the main hook in Spanish and he sent it to me and I said YES immediately ! The groove and the hook sat really well in the track and we then went in the studio and recorded it with some embellishments.
You’ve worked with Juan & Jorge before on their Imagenes Recordings label and what’s your favourite song you’ve recorded with them and what makes it special?
I’ve been working with Jorge since 2013. It’s been our connection with Brazilian music, latin and soulful house that brought us together. Favourite song? I love them all!
One of London’s best-loved jazz singers as well how’s 2023 been for you and what have been your highlights so far including releases and live shows?
I have a couple of shows at this year’s London Jazz Festival which I’m very much looking forward to. I also have a new jazz album which will be released early next year.
You work with The Cinematic orchestra and last heard of on “A Promise” from their 2019 “To Believe” album, and what have been the highlights of your longstanding association with these guys?
There have honestly been so many highlights but I few that come to mind are playing at the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and Coachella when Prince headlined. And of course opening for Erykah Badu in Dubai and appearing on The Jimmy Kimmel show.
You’re also one of broken beats shining stars and work with many different producers such as Bugz In The Attic, Danism and Sean Khan, and do you think this keeps your music fresh and broadens what you do?
I do. I’m working on a new record with involves Daz from Bugz so…. Broken beat is not dead and watch this space.
For anyone unfamiliar with your work, can you tell a bit about your background and introduce yourself.
I’m a jazz singer who came up in the broken beat scene and I love Brazilian music and speak Brazilian Portuguese as well. I love roots music and I love London.
Working in the independent label sector how tough is it right now to create new music and what drives you?
Live music is honestly what drives me.
How would you describe your music?
Well it’s all different. I make records that are jazz. I make house, I make broken beat, I’ve made drum and bass tunes. It’s all music from the soul.
Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration and peers during your career?
Ooooh. Too many to say. Honestly. For jazz it’s Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter. For peers – Eska, Gustavo, Bruno, Anselmo… all of my friends I’m lucky enough to play alongside every day.
And before you leave us can you tell us what your future plans are
Releasing new music in early 2024 and playing live, always. Come and see me live!
*****
“Enamoreme” the Extended Rework & Instrumental from Heidi Vogel produced by Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel is out on Friday September 15th on Imagenes Recordings. Cat Nr: Imagenes143. For all info on Imagenes please contact Nicky Trax at nicky.trax@gmail.com / 07951 128001
Imagenes: https://soundcloud.com/imagenes-co-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/imagenes_recordings/
