Lee Negin is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, synthesist, sound sculptor, vocalist, producer and recording engineer. He was a pioneer in the international Indie/techno/new wave movement of the 1980s, and his recordings receive airplay and distribution around the world. He is listed as an influential artist in "The International Discography of the New Wave." He has several critically acclaimed videos on YouTube.
Leaving the USA 21 years ago (San Francisco), he has lived in India, UK, Japan (15 years), Warsaw, Poland and for the past 4 years in South Korea. He has traveled in over 40 countries on 5 Continents. Currently a university professor.
Two CDs of new material are slated for release in 2011: "Hungry Ghosts" in February, and "Wu Wei" in the summer. Several EPs and new videos will also be released. One of his songs, the techno classic "Nothing Goes Right" from the 1980's appears on a compilation released on a German label, Genetic Music, in March 2010.
Lee Negin Feeds the 'Hungry Ghosts' with his New Album on Passing Phase Records
Storming back after a too-long hiatus from music, Lee Negin launches his electric and eclectic new album, HUNGRY GHOSTS (Passing Phase Records) with an official release on February 1st. Fan reaction to the songs on streaming sites and YouTube videos has been strong, with many comments of the "trippy" and "mind-bending" variety.
Tracks from the album have already received strong response on the Maemeeti international tracking charts, with "Masks" reaching #2 on the Indie Dance/Nu Disco chart and "The Dance" #3 on House-Electro. On the Reverb Nation electronica chart, "Masks" was #3 in Korea for three months, and "The Saga of Cheeze" is now #2.
Album sonics are being praised by audiophiles. "I am honored that 'Hungry Ghosts' was mixed by Simon Humphrey who has worked with Jeff Beck, the Clash and Hans Zimmer," states Negin, "and fortunate that the album was mastered by Jon Astley, who has worked with Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin and The Who."
Press and radio are expressing positive reactions: "Weirdness and a bohemian approach" and "Pure entertainment" states Pro Mobile Magazine in the UK. "Mixture of ambient and electro pop. Very much a mind-bending trip of sounds. Outstanding album," noted Paul ED on Music World Radio, adding that it was "great on loud systems." AAA Music Magazine (UK) stated, "Lee Negin is an eccentric genius. "Hungry Ghosts" is a mad masterpiece...addictive and blissful."
After playing "The Dance" on the Sheena Metal Experience at LATalkRadio, Ms. Metal said "Sometimes people who have had near-death experiences say that they are taken to a place where their entire life flashes before their eyes, and in 'The Dance,' that's what I felt."
Upon hearing the album, the venerable New Music Express exclaimed that "This is a bit too far off the wall for us." When informed of their reaction, Negin replied: "Very cool! I am honored!" While this was happening, the NME was featuring eight of Negin's music videos on their web site.
Negin and numerous global colleagues are creating additional videos for "Hungry Ghosts" songs as well as other compositions. In addition, Negin has completed a new album of ambient music entitled "Wu Wei" to be released in the summer of 2011, and in January he released of an EP containing his video soundtracks. The EP, entitled "Surfing the Microcosmic Orbit: Video Themes, Volume 1," is available on the artist's Bandcamp page.
Meanwhile, there have been two simultaneous radio premieres of "Hungry Ghosts," one on the USA-based Sheena Metal Experience (LATalkRadio-dot-com) and the other on Paul Readman's UK-based show (MusicWorldRadio-dot-com).
Lee Negin Online: www.leenegin.com, www.passingphasemusic.com (includes sound samples and reviews) www.youtube.com/user/passingphasemusic
