New music: Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel, Julie Christensen

Acclaimed artists Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel and Julie Christensen are back with essential new albums.

Artist: Caroline Cotter
Title: Gently as I Go (Independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Natalie Merchant, Carol Martini
Tell me more: On her newly released album Gently as I Go, Maine-based folk singer Caroline Cotter showcases a lovely soprano heard on a range of introspective and heartfelt originals. The album opener "Coming Your Way" is a beautiful introduction where Cotter's lyrics and vocal yearning paint a picture of two soulmates who share a powerful bond and how no distance can keep them apart. On "The Year Of the Wrecking Ball," there is a deep sense of melancholy to be sure about the ghosts of childhood and the painful loss of the comfort we find in family: "Inside the bedroom I hear her still on the phone / 33 years of pleading God, please don't leave me alone." The album's first single, "Don't Wait," is a song of encouragement pushing listeners to seize the day; indeed the song's strong call includes the admonition to: "Don't wait for the sun to rise to get out of bed / Don't wait for money to get ahead / Don't wait for praise to feel proud and strong / Don't wait for the true love to feel you belong." Other bewitching tracks on the outstanding independent album include the sweeping "The Call" (written for her 104 year old grandfather's funeral), the heartbreaking "Gently As I Go" that explores a doomed relationship and hopeful album closer "Morning Mantra." The music on Cotter's third album is artfully sparse, with gentle instrumentation adding mood to her poignant and beautiful songs that capture love, loss, hope and the most powerful experiences and emotions that shape our lives. Information: carolinecotter.com. 

Artist: Idina Menzel
Title: Drama Queen (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheryl Lynn, Cher, ABBA
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel conjures up the groundbreaking dance music of the late 1970s and early '80s on her aptly-titled Drama Queen. The album is a true departure from her six past albums, but the aptly-dubbed "Queen of Broadway" brings bona fide vocal firepower and joy to the collection of dance floor-minded anthems on the nine-track album. The lead track "Move" immediately immerses the listener into an infectious disco moodscape, the driving beat catapulting the song forward with every beat. The contemporary R&B track "Beast," ABBA-styled gem "Dramatic," soulful "Paradise" (the latter featuring guest vocals and cool guitar work from Nile Rodgers), funky "Make Me Hate Me" and soaring "Funny Kind of Lonely" further expand Menzel's reach across the outstanding album. In addition to Menzel's talents as a great vocalist and songwriter, a slew of global hitmakers (including the aforementioned Rodgers as well as Jake Shears, Eren Cannata, Simon Wilcox, Lindy Robbins, Michelle Zarlenga and others) bring their skills to elevate the ambitious project. While so much music today is focused on the dangers of romance, self doubt and turmoil across a divided planet, there is something to be said for a stellar collection of songs geared toward escape and the lure of the dance floor.  Information: Website idinamenzel.com. 

Artist: Julie Christensen
Title: The Price We Pay for Love (Wirebird Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Rachael Yamagata
Tell me more: Julie Christensen's latest full-length album The Price We Pay for Love features the New Mexico-based artist teaming up with bassist and string arranger Terry Lee Burns for an album of genuinely moving tracks that flawlessly blend Americana, jazz, blues and singer-songwriter stylings. Delivering a mix of self-penned tracks and original arrangements of material written by other artists, Christensen's emotive vocals shine across the 10-track disc. A mesmerizing 7-minute take on Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" opens the album, with Burns' majestic bass playing bringing a lofty creativity to the musical reading. Christensen brings palpable emotion and forcefulness to the acoustic Michael Moss-penned "Goldbridge Road" as well as the Jimmy Webb classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," the latter enhanced by John Funkhouser's touch on the piano. Other highlights on the wonderful The Price We Pay for Love include the tender original "How He Lost Her," plaintive version of Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home" and sorrowful closer "Hilltop." Information: Website stonecupid.com or Facebook.com/Juliechristensenmusic. 

Robert Kinsler

ABBA Christmas single and video out now

Check out the new music video for ABBA's first-ever Christmas song, the lovely "Little Things"...Robert Kinsler 

CHRISTMAS SINGLE ‘LITTLE THINGS’ OUT NOW   WATCH THE SOPHIE MULLER-DIRECTED MUSIC VIDEO   ABBA RECEIVE THEIR FIRST EVER GRAMMY NOMINATION   ABBA has released their first Christmas single ‘Little Things’, out now with proceeds going to Unicef to help support the Global Child Protection Fund.   Taken from ABBA’s album Voyage (Capitol), ‘Little Things’ is a reflection on the joy of Christmas morning and family time around this special time of year.   Agnetha, Björn, Benny & Anni-Frid say: “We think it is impossible to eradicate poverty without the empowerment of women. That's why we support Unicef in protecting girls from sexual violence and empowering them through the Global Child Protection Fund. We have done so for many years with our song Chiquitita and now we have decided to give Unicef a Christmas gift in the form of a second song: Little Things from our album Voyage.”   The official music video for the single also launched yesterday (Dec. 3, 2021). Directed by Grammy and BRIT Award-winning British music video director and longtime ABBA fan Sophie Muller (Gwen Stefani, Annie Lennox, Sade, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Radiohead, Björk) alongside Executive Producer Juliette Larthe (Arca, Kanye West, Little Simz ), Producer Chris Murdoch (Kylie Minogue, Franz Ferdinand, Maneskin) Performance Director Theo Adams (Years & Years, Paloma Faith, FKA Twigs) and PRETTYBIRD UK, the film is a brilliantly-conceptualised take on the production behind ABBA Voyage, the series of concerts featuring digital versions of ABBA that will open in London next year.   Centred around a dedicated and ambitious group of school-age children, many of whom in real life are close to (or even related to!) the creative team behind the groundbreaking concerts, this next generation of geniuses are inspired to create an ABBA Voyage ‘Christmas Special’, and embark with irrepressible enthusiasm on the enterprise of motion capture, choreography, costume design, stage lighting and band rehearsals, culminating with the arrival of parents and family members and the beginnings of snow, to watch a very convincing performance by the re-imagined ‘ABBA’, as ‘Little Things’ draws to a close.   After what was one of the biggest and most anticipated comebacks in history, ABBA’s new album Voyagewas released last month, going straight to the No. 1 spot in 18 countries including the UK, Germany, Australia and Sweden and reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard 200. In its first week, Voyage achieved worldwide sales in excess of 1 million copies, and has received more than 190 million combined streams to date.   The single ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ has just received the band’s first ever Grammy nomination for ‘Record of the Year’.   Speaking on the success of Voyage, “We are so happy that our fans seem to have enjoyed our new album as much as we enjoyed making it! We are absolutely over the moon to have an album at the top of the charts again / ABBA”.   ABBA / Voyage - global launch highlights include: ●      Voyage achieved worldwide sales in excess of 1 million copies in its first week, and has received more than 190 million combined streams to date.  ●      In the U.K. Voyage became ABBA’s 10th UK Number 1, and their first to top the Official Albums Chart in 40 years. It is 2021’s fastest-selling album to date and registered the biggest first week sales in four years (203,909). It is also the fastest-selling vinyl release of the century.  ●      In the U.S. – Voyage debuted at #1 on the Top Albums chart, as the band achieved their biggest ever US chart debut. ABBA also claimed the highest sales week in 2021 for a group. ●      The album achieved multiple gold and platinum certifications around the world. ●      Voyage is the biggest international debut of the year in Japan, Germany, Australia, U.K. & France.   Next year will see the opening of ABBA Voyage, the revolutionary concert that will see Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid as digital avatars at their very own purpose-built ‘ABBA Arena’ at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, performing a set-list of ABBA’s greatest hits along with two songs from their new album Voyage, ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ and ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, alongside a ten-piece live band.   Tickets on sale now at abbavoyage.com.    ABBA Voyage is directed by Baillie Walsh (Flashbacks of a Fool, Being James Bond, Springsteen and I), and produced by Svana Gisla (David Bowie Blackstar/Lazarus, Beyoncé and Jay Z for HBO, Springsteen and I) and Ludvig Andersson (And Then We Danced, Yung Lean - “In My Head”, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again).

https://abbasite.com/ Instagram Twitter Facebook TikTok YouTube   About ABBA With nearly 400 million albums sold worldwide, 17 No. 1 hits and over 16 million weekly global streams, ABBA are one of the world’s most successful music acts of all time. Ever since their breakthrough with ‘Waterloo’ back in 1974, ABBA’s music has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Today, the songs they created – written and produced by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and interpreted vocally with passion and commitment by Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad – are regarded as an important part of the international music canon. In the 21st Century, ABBA are more popular than ever. ABBA Gold, originally released in 1992, recently passed its 1000th week on the UK Album Chart, the first album in history to reach this milestone. Content using the #ABBA hashtag on TikTok recently reached one billion views, without the catalogue officially being available on the platform. ABBA was inducted into the Rock N’Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, and ‘Dancing Queen’, one of their most beloved songs, was added to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2015.

New Music: Aimee Mann, ABBA, Tommy Womack, the Brothers Steve, Steve Goodman, Bobbo Byrnes

Excellent new albums featuring songstress Aimee Mann, Swedish legends ABBA, Nashville hero Tommy Womack, L.A. quintet The Brothers Steve and Americana singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes make for an especially strong crop of new releases. 

Artist: Aimee Mann

Title: Queens of the Summer Hotel (SuperEgo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Aimee Mann began to craft new music for what would be her latest album Queens of the Summer Hotel back in 2018 after she agreed to write songs for a stage adaptation of "Girl, Interrupted," author Susanna Kaysen's memoir about her psychiatric hospitalization in the late 1960s. The subject matter was perfectly suited to Mann, whose previous album was even titled Mental Illness. While the coronavirus pandemic put the "Girl, Interrupted" project on hold, Mann decided to collect the songs into Queens of the Summer Hotel, her 10th studio album. Mann's otherworldly ability to craft songs that are literate, melodic and layered shines across Queens of the Summer Hotel, the album's soundscape bolstered by acoustic piano, strings, woodwinds and horns. The Baroque pop gem "Home By Now," probing "Little Chameleon," sumptuous "Suicide Is Murder," soaring "Burn It Out" and potent "You're Lost" are among the many stellar selections on the album. Information: AimeeMann.com. 

Artist: ABBA

Title: Voyage (Capitol)

You might like if you enjoy: ABBA

Tell me more: ABBA's first new full-length release since 1981's The Visitors, Voyage is a worthy return celebration of the Swedish quartet's groundbreaking pop style. Indeed, the signature voices of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad sound as youthful and wonderful as ever, while Björn Kristian Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson prove their skills as songwriters and producers continue to be inspired and in tune with the group's signature sound that scored 48 hits in the 1970s and early '80s. The Celtic-tinged "When You Danced With Me," melancholy-filled "I Still Have Faith In You," beautiful "Little Things" (enhanced by a children's choir) and soaring "Don't Shut Me Down" are early standouts on the album. The confessional "I Can Be That Woman," New Wave-flavored "Keep An Eye On Dan," captivating "Bumblebee" and Neo-classical closer "Ode To Freedom" keep the momentum going on the album. Information: ABBAsite.com. 

Artist: Tommy Womack

Title: I Thought I Was Fine (Schoolkids Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Camper Van Beethoven, Tom Petty, Matthew Sweet

Tell me more: Nashville-based hero Tommy Womack is back with an album that signals a bona fide return to his rock and roll roots. The 13-track I Thought I Was Fine is filled with smart songwriting, lots of great rhythm and lead guitar, in-the-pocket rhythms and super clever lyrics. The melodious "Pay It Forward," edgy "A Little Bit of Sex Part 2," confessional rocker "I Got No Place To Go," melodic sortie "I Do" and contagious "That Lucky Old Sun" showcase an unbridled approach that makes the album such a wonderful listen. Womack also utilizes other styles on the album when it makes sense for specific songs; the heartland rock-flavored title track, spoken "Call Me Gary," and countrified "You Don't Get Over Love" and "Job-Hunting While Depressed" are good examples how Womack's approach eludes simple categorization. Information: TommyWomack.com. 

Artist: The Brothers Steve

Title: Dose (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Empty Hearts, Fountains of Wayne, Cheap Trick's 1977 album "In Color"

Tell me more: Fans of top-tier melodic rock will love the Brothers Steve's new album Dose. The Los Angeles troupe's 10-track disc is loaded with smart, fun, infectious and melody-rich originals courtesy of singer-guitarists-frontmen Os Tyler and Jeff Whalen, drummer Coulter, bassist Jeff Solomon and guitarist Dylan Champion. The exhilarating opener "Get On Up" is bolstered by a joyful spirit enhanced by harmonies, handclaps and artful musicianship. The band taps into a perfect blend of early rock 'n' roll abandon and '70s power pop on the swirling "Wizard of Love." They adorn the chamber pop "She Will Wait" with creative harmonies aplenty. They turn on a dime for the propulsive rocker "Electro-Love." Other excellent melodic rockers include the tuneful "Sugarfoot," Beach Boys-meets-Fountains of Wayne zing of "Griffith Observatory," and dazzling album closer "Better Get Ready to Go." Dose is a flat out great record. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman

Title: The Best of Steve Goodman (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Dion, Harry Chapin, John Prine, Jimmy Buffett

Tell me more: A triple threat as singer, songwriter and guitar master, the late Steve Goodman's growing legacy is celebrated across an outstanding new 19-track retrospective. The Best of Steve Goodman features studio recordings, radio sessions, live performances and even a solo demo of his enduring masterwork "City of New Orleans." During Goodman's short lifetime — he died of leukemia in 1984 at the age of 36 — a relatively small but dedicated following in his native Chicago and beyond purchased his albums and attended his live performances. Over the past several years, Omnivore Recordings has been reintroducing the music of Goodman to a wider audience. The Best of Steve Goodman is an excellent way for uninitiated listeners to fall in love with an artist the equal of many of his well-known contemporaries. The chilling "Yellow Coat," comedic "You Never Even Call Me by My Name" (co-written with his good friend John Prine) and "This Hotel Room," a beautiful rendition of Mike Smith's "The Dutchman," introspective "Video Tape" and bittersweet "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" are among the stellar tracks on this essential collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes

Title: So Many Bars, So Many Saturday Nights (Bobbo Byrnes)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes

Tell me more: Americana singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes is back with another batch of enticing originals via his seven-song CD So Many Bars, So Many Saturday Nights. The mandolin- and fiddle-anchored "Charlie" and driving roots rocker "Different Beds" are early standouts on the fast-moving disc, while the countrified "Outlaws & Angels" and folk rocker "Walk Away" (the latter bolstered by Byrnes' stylish mandolin solo) are highlights later on the CD. Byrnes closes out the musical proceedings with an alternative country-flavored take on the AC/DC classic "Long Way To The Top." Information: BobboByrnes.com.

Robert Kinsler

ABBA releases 'ridiculously happy' new single "Just A Notion" from upcoming 'Voyage' album

Another advance track from ABBA's long-awaited return has just been released. Check out the tuneful "Just A Notion" and learn more about the group's upcoming album 'Voyage' below...Robert Kinsler

ABBA

NEW SINGLE

‘JUST A NOTION’ OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

 

FROM ABBA’S UPCOMING ALBUM, VOYAGE, OUT NOVEMBER 5^th

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER HERE

MORE TICKETS RELEASED FOR  ABBA VOYAGE CONCERT ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD   Photo credit: Ludvig Andersson Friday October 22nd - Following what was one of the biggest and most anticipated comebacks in history last month, ABBA release the new single ‘Just A Notion’ today.   ‘Just A Notion’ is the third single from ABBA’s new studio album Voyage, which is out Friday November 5th on Capitol Records. The album, recorded at Benny’s studio Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, includes the previously released singles ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ and ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’.   On ‘Just A Notion’, Björn Ulvaeus says: “Wikipedia says this track was recorded in September 1978, which sounds about right. That puts it in between ABBA the Album and Voulez-Vous, and it would have been included in the latter had we not decided against it. Why did we decide against it? In hindsight, I don’t have a clue. It’s a good song with great vocals. I know that we played it to a publisher in France and a couple of other people we trusted and as far as I can remember they liked it very much. So it’s a mystery and will remain a mystery.”   “Now Benny has recorded a new backing track to which we’ve added drums and guitars, but all vocals are from the original 1978 tracks. In a way, it demonstrates what we plan to do with ABBA Voyage in 2022. There, we will have a live band playing, but all vocals will be from the old recordings.”   “‘Just a Notion’ is a ridiculously happy song and hopefully it will cheer you up in these dark times!”   Last month, the four band members - Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid - confirmed to the delight of fans all over the world that they were back, after nearly 40 years, with a new album and with a revolutionary concert that will see them perform as digital avatars at their very own purpose-built ‘ABBA Arena’ at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Today they announce that more tickets for their concert ABBA Voyage will go on sale Wednesday November 3rd.

ABBA Voyage opens May 27th, 2022, and will see the digital versions of ABBA perform a set jam-packed with some of their greatest hits and much-loved songs, along with the new tracks ‘I Still Have Faith in You’ and ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’ - alongside a ten-piece live band, which was put together by musician and former Klaxons keyboardist James Righton, and features the acclaimed BRIT-nominated singer Little Boots.   The additional tickets for ABBA Voyage, which will take bookings to December 4th 2022, will be on sale from 10am Wednesday November 3rd from abbavoyage.com, with a priority booking window for ABBA Voyage database subscribers from 10am Tuesday November 2nd.   ABBA Voyage is directed by Baillie Walsh (Flashbacks of a Fool, Being James Bond, Springsteen and I), and produced by Svana Gisla (David Bowie Blackstar/Lazarus, Beyoncé and Jay Z for HBO, Springsteen and I) and Ludvig Andersson (And Then We Danced, Yung Lean - “In My Head”, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again).   ABBA’s studio album Voyage will be released November 5th on Capitol Records. Tickets for ABBA Voyage are available from abbavoyage.com.   https://abbasite.com/ Instagram Twitter Facebook TikTok YouTube ###

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the return of ABBA

ABBA / Photo credit: Baillie Walsh

ABBA is back! After 39 years the Swedish quartet is back with two new advance tracks, a forthcoming album (Voyage, due via Capitol Records on Nov. 5, 2021) and a series of groundbreaking digital concerts. Watch TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss all things Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad on a new episode you can see HERE:

ABBA is back!

 No, this is no joke. ABBA is set to return with a new album! Robert Kinsler

It’s been a while since we made music together. Almost 40 years, actually. We took a break in the spring of 1982 and now we’ve decided it’s time to end it. They say it’s foolhardy to wait more than 40 years between albums, so we’ve recorded a follow-up to “The Visitors”. To tell the truth, the main inspiration to record again comes from our involvement in creating the strangest and most spectacular concert you could ever dream of. We’re going to be able to sit back in an audience and watch our digital selves perform our songs on a stage in a custom-built arena in London next spring. Weird and wonderful!   To all of you who patiently have followed us in some way or another these past decades:   Thank you for waiting -it’s time for a new journey to begin.   Benny Anderson:  “We simply call it “Voyage” and we’re truly sailing in uncharted waters. With the help of our younger selves, we travel into the future. It’s not easy to explain but then it hasn’t been done before.” “It’s hard to say what’s been the most joyful thing for me with this project. If it’s the involvement in creating the concert together with everyone or being back in the studio together again after 40 years. I think hearing Frida and Agnetha singing again is hard to beat. When you come to the arena you will have the four of us together with an absolutely glorious 10-piece band. And even if not in the flesh, we will be right there, thanks to the work of the creative team and ILM.”    Anni-Frid Lyngstad: “Those first sessions back in 2018 were such fun and when Benny called and asked if I’d consider singing some more I jumped at it! And what songs!! My respect and love go out to these exceptionally talented, truly genius songwriters! Such joy it was to work with the group again. I am so happy with what we have made, and I dearly hope our fans feel the same.”    Agnetha Fältskog: “When we got back together in the studio I had no idea what to expect...But Benny’s recording studio is such a friendly and safe environment, and before I knew it I was really enjoying myself! I can hardly believe that finally, the moment has come to share this with the world!”    Björn Kristian Ulvaeus: “They’re such amazing singers those two, I was completely floored by the way they delivered those songs. They’re true musicians; totally unimpressed by pop star glamour but still having a great time being creative in a recording studio. The “Voyage” project has injected new life into us in more ways than one.”“So, again, thanks for waiting! We hope to see you in the “ABBA Arena” and yes -see -because we have infused a good deal of our souls into those avatars. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we’re back.”

Photo Credit: Baillie Walsh ABBA ARE BACK!   Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid return with   ABBA VOYAGE   A revolutionary concert, 40 years in the making,  and a brand new studio album Voyage

Voyage Artwork

Thursday 2nd September - ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time, have today announced that, for the first time in 40 years they are back, with a revolutionary new concert that will see Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid performing digitally with a live 10-piece band, in a purpose-built arena in London from May 27th2022, and a brand new studio album.   The digital versions of ABBA have been created following weeks and months of motion-capture and performance techniques with the four band members and an 850-strong team from Industrial Light & Magic, the company founded by George Lucas, in what is the company’s first foray into music.   Now, an incredible 40 years since their last studio album The Visitors, ABBA have not only recorded two new songs, ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ and ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, that will both feature in the concert, but they have recorded and produced an entire new album. Recorded together at Benny’s studio Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, Voyage will be released worldwide on November 5, 2021 on Capitol Records.   ABBA Voyage will open May 27, 2022 at the ABBA Arena, a state-of-the-art 3,000 capacity arena located at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Pre-registration for tickets opens at 6 p.m. tonight on abbavoyage.com with tickets on general sale from Tuesday September 7, see below for more detail.   The ABBA Voyage concert is made with the help of: Producer Svana Gisla (David Bowie Blackstar/Lazarus, Beyoncé and Jay Z for HBO, Springsteen and I), Producer Ludvig Andersson (And Then We Danced, Yung Lean - “In My Head”, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), Director Baillie Walsh (Flashbacks of a Fool, Being James Bond, Springsteen and I), Co-Executive Producer Johan Renck (Spaceman, David Bowie Blackstar/Lazarus, Chernobyl) and Choreographer Wayne McGregor CBE (The Royal Ballet, Company Wayne McGregor, Paris Opera Ballet).   Svana Gisla, Producer, and Ludvig Andersson, Producer: “The magic of ABBA and the herculean efforts of this whole magnificent team reaches a long awaited milestone today. To be able to finally share this endeavour with the world is a proud moment for us and we can't wait to welcome you to our arena in East London, a place where we are so happy to be.” Baillie Walsh, Director: "I watched ABBA win the Eurovision song contest in 1974, and never did I imagine that 47 years later I would be with them on this extraordinary voyage. Life is weird and wonderful sometimes."   Wayne McGregor, Choreographer: “Imagine: growing up in the North of England in the 70’s and learning to ballroom, Latin and disco dance to the incredible songs of ABBA. I was 8 and I was totally transported. Fast forward to 2020, being in Sweden and dancing with ABBA - in real life! I was about to be 50 and I was totally transported again. That is the magic of ABBA. We have shared many creative and joyful adventures with a bold collaborative team to make the impossible possible for ABBA Voyage: technological wizardry, state of the art immersion and entertainment innovation. And still at its searing heart we simply have new songs, new moves, classic songs, classic moves: ABBA is DANCE and always will be. See you on the dancefloor”.   Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group: “From the very beginning of my career, and having had the privilege to work with them directly for many years since, it's been a tremendous joy to be surrounded by ABBA and their music. Their boundless creativity and timeless melodies makes us want to partner with them on everything they do because we know it will be simply great.”   The music video for ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ has been directed by Shynola.   Tickets for ABBA Voyage are available from 10am Sunday September 5th for fans who have pre-ordered the album from the official ABBA store, and from 10am MondaySeptember 6th for those who have pre-registered. General on sale commences 10am Tuesday September 7th. Head to abbavoyage.com. ABBA’s studio album Voyage will be released November 5th on Capitol Records.   abbavoyage.com @abbavoyage (Twitter, Facebook Instagram, TikTok)

###    About ABBA With nearly 400 million albums sold worldwide, 17 No. 1 hits and over 16 million weekly global streams, ABBA are one of the world’s most successful music acts of all time. Ever since their breakthrough with ‘Waterloo’ back in 1974, ABBA’s music has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Today, the songs they created – written and produced by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and interpreted vocally with passion and commitment by Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad – are regarded as an important part of the international music canon. In the 21st Century, ABBA are more popular than ever. ABBA Gold, originally released in 1992, recently passed its 1000th week on the UK Album Chart, the first album in history to reach this milestone. Content using the #ABBA hashtag on TikTok recently reached one billion views, without the catalogue officially being available on the platform. ABBA was inducted into the Rock N’Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, and ‘Dancing Queen’, one of their most beloved songs, was added to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2015.