Kirsty Hawkshaw 'Reach For Me' album

Kirsty first came to public prominence in the early 90's with the number 1 single 'Fine Day' from Opus III. A massive and influential record, this provided Kirsty with a platform to expand her musical vistas and collaborate with a host of pioneers in electronic music including Orbital, Steve Hillage, Youth, Spooky & Rachid Taha. It was her vocal talents that provided Orbital with arguably two of their finest moments - 'Halcyon' & 'Lush'. Since then she has gone on to work with a who's who of today's leading electronica/dance producers and artists including B.T., Hybrid, Ian Pooley, Judie Tzuke, Way Out West, DJ Tiësto, Warm and Joshua.

This musical prowess is not surprising when one considers Kirsty's background. Her grandmother was a successful opera singer and her father a highly respected composer. Leaving home at 17, Kirsty was initially influenced in her musical direction by seminal indie label 4AD.

After two albums, Opus III disbanded and Kirsty retreated to Cornwall to regroup, recharge and develop. It was during this time that she worked on her debut album and began a close working relationship with producer Mark Pritchard, one half of leading dance remix/production outfit Global Communications and The Jedi Knights.

"Mark", says Kirsty, "Really & truly knows his shit, and not only that but he is also really humble and ego-less. I had never worked with such intuition and talent before that. I knew he was the one to help me go deep - he was my rock." With the help of Mark's technical expertise, production skills and musical insight, they completed 'On Ultimate Things', a deeply personal, introspective and moving album.

The critical success of her album can be attributed to more than just a creative union with a jedi knight. Over the past few years, Kirsty has developed her writing skills and has become not only an in demand vocalist, adding a uniquely idiosyncratic quality to many leading dance hits, but also a highly respected lyricist, providing infectious melodies, memorable hooks, and contrasting vocal shades and tones.

Most recently, Kirsty's lyrics and vocals can be heard on DJ Tiësto's recent chart hit 'Urban Train', new material from Slovo (AKA Faithless collaborator Dave Randall), new Hybrid tracks, forthcoming tracks from Warm on 'It's in the Music' (United Recordings), an EP for The Big Chill produced by Tom Gilleron and new material for End Recordings. As well as all this, Kirsty has still found the energy and time to work on her own forthcoming solo album.

Oh and by the way, Kirsty's is the voice you heard on Cadbury's Flake 30th anniversary advert!

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Kirsty Hawkshaw - Reach For Me