Moby announces new album Reprise, which will give a classical makeover to much-loved highlights from the musical pioneer’s 30-year career. Together with the Budapest Art Orchestra, new orchestral and acoustic arrangements see recognizable rave classics and anthems truly transformed. A stellar line-up of guest artists include Kris Kristofferson, Amythyst Kiah, Gregory Porter, Skylar Grey, Mark Lanegan and Jim James. There is a haunting vulnerability to American singer James’ vocals, which in the new Porcelain rework fuse well with the evocative, well-remembered piano strains.
Referring to the new musical arrangements, Moby says: “I long for the simplicity and vulnerability you can get with acoustic or classical music.”
Reprise includes some reworked gems, among them the breakthrough dance track Go, Extreme Ways (notably from the Bourne movie franchise), Natural Blues and Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?. Many of the new versions have been slowed to give a softer, sweeter, more melancholic feel, while others take full bombastic, orchestral advantage. The idea for Reprise came after Moby collaborated with friend Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in October 2018, to deliver a live concert of his music at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Three decades into Moby’s career, Reprise is not a greatest hits collection as such, more a chance for reflection and adaptation of pre-loved refrains to changing contexts and settings. No stranger to evolving with the times and pushing boundaries, the multi-platinum musician and DJ is also a photographer, author, businessman, activist and advocate for many causes.
The coming year may be the most exciting chapter for Moby yet, as he releases not only Reprise but also a documentary film, MOBY DOC. Directed and edited by Rob Bralver, the film will be out on digital platforms from 28 May. MOBY DOC is a surrealist biographical documentary, reflecting on the backstory of the artist’s turbulent life and subsequent rise to fame. Also featuring interviews with legends David Lynch and David Bowie, audiences will be offered profound insight into the shaping of Moby as a multi-faceted artist.
Moby’s Reprise is released on 28 May on Deutsche Grammophon.
Stream Porcelain featuring Jim James & pre-order Reprise HERE
