Feline and Strange ready to bring cabaret soul stateside (original) (raw)

Feline Lang is ready to take the U.S. by storm.

The Berlin-based cabaret soul performer is bringing her ensemble Feline and Strange to our shores for the band's first American tour, which will include performances on July 16 at the Steampunk World's Fair in Piscataway and May 21 at Langosta Lounge on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

With a musical background in opera and tango, Lang converted the remnants of her opera troupe into an alternative pop and rock band back in 2009.

But, she said in a recent interview, there isn't that wide a gap between the worlds of opera and tango and that of contemporary pop.

"Pop music, at the core of it, is more or less classical music," said Lang. "It follows the same rules, it follows the same ideas. And, with the storytelling, people have told me that the songs I write are sometimes constructed like opera arias. It might be, because I've sung opera arias, a lot of them, for a long time in my life.

"Still, I always try to tell a story, like in a classical song or an opera aria. I think that's the connection. For me, it's not that much of a difference."

That commonality, Lang said, even extends to her classical style of singing, which she described as "the most natural way of using your voice."

"It's no different for me if I sing an opera aria or a pop song — well, at least one of my songs," she said.

Lang and company are touring in support of their upcoming third LP, "Lies." Officially set for release in mid-June, Lang said copies of the album will be available at the band's upcoming American shows.

"Lies" was produced by Jason Rubal, known for his work with members of bands like the Cure and Garbage.

Through Rubal, Lang was connected with Dreden Dolls and Violent Femmes drummer Brian Viglione, whose distinctive percussion work is featured on "Lies."

"Feline and Strange band have a wonderfully unique approach to their music," said Viglione, "and I had a great time recording with them, bringing that world to life."

"He was so incredible," Lang said of Viglione. "He listened to the songs, listened again, asked some questions. And then, he played, and that was it. There are two songs on the record that are the first take he played, the only take, because it was just perfect."

Wall native singer/songwriter Emily Grove, another of Rubal's artists, was introduced to Lang by the producer. The two have since stuck up a friendship via email, and Grove will be among the acts appearing with Lang at Langosta Lounge.

Rubal, Grove said, "is great at bringing together artists who are not only great musicians, but who also are great people. It's like a little family, spread out all over the world. Feline and Strange's music is so different and special, and I can't wait to experience it all live!"

FELINE AND STRANGE

WHAT: Performing as part of the Steampunk World's Fair

WHEN: Saturday

WHERE: The Radisson Hotel Piscataway-Somerset, 21 Kingsbridge Road, Piscataway

TICKETS: General admission 70,70, 70,80 at the door and 35inadvance,35 in advance, 35inadvance,40 at the door for attendees ages 8 to 14.

ON THE WEB: For a complete lineup, information on ticket upgrades and other events and to purchase tickets, visit steampunkworldsfair.com.

ALSO: May 21 with Emily Grove, Homeless Apians and La Noia at Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park.