Often difficult to categorize, Alu's sonic explorations and confessional lyrics - sometimes playful, often bizzare, and always captivating - take the listener on a strange and surreal journey to deepest realms of the body, mind and soul. Her highly cinematic music is a kaleidoscope of classical, jazz, electronic, pop, world, avant-garde, singer/songwriter, and goth. Though comparisons sojourn through the likes of Bjork, Portishead, Tori Amos and Massive Attack, these are not based on likeness of style, but on originality.



Lobotomy Sessions features 10 cinematic soundscapes comprised of Alu's brilliant lyrical observations on modern humanity along with her crystal clear, jazz-tinged vocals and whimsical Fellini-esque compositions. Tracks range from Alu's confident cabaret swagger on "Buzzin' In My Brain" and "The Metrosexuals," to the medieval carnival vibe of "Circus Cosmos" and the gothic rhythms of "Black Cloud" and "Aahhh." Make no mistake, though, because the most important instrument on the CD is Alu's voice and it sounds no better than on the emotional masterpiece "Amy." It's simply breathtaking music from beginning to end.

Lobotomy Sessions is the follow up to Alu's critically acclaimed debut album Infomercial Gasmask. Regarded by the press as a "dark shaded masterpiece," Infomercial Gasmask launched a strong international fan base and led to vast interest from music supervisors and filmmakers worldwide. Consequently, Alu has lent her highly visual music to the film world on many occasions. Her soothing song "Last Lullaby" features in the controversial action thriller "Juncture," and this summer, a haunting remix of Alu's brand new single "Recluse" is included on the soundtrack to Clive Barker's latest film "The Midnight Meat Train."

Glubdub:
How did you get involved in music an where did that lush and haunting sound you have come from? 

Alu:
Music has always been a big part of my life. I studied voice and piano as a child, and continued my studies in college, where I focused on composition, songrwriting and vocal performance. I can't quite say I know why my sound is what it is. It is simply what I hear in my head, and I do my best to bring these sounds to life. I guess you can say that I am drawn to the darker side of the spectrum, but I also love observing the absurdities of humanity and blending the lighter side of life with the darkness.

GD:
Where do your lyrical ideas come from?  You must have had an interesting childhood.

Alu:
My lyrics come from everywhere and are very healing to me. A lot of the songs are based on real life experiences. Some are observations on modern world. Others are many tales that have been woven together to make one new story. I love searching the dictionary for new words that I might want to use in a song! My childhood was fantastic! I grew up in a family of visual artists, animators and film makers, so the environment was very supportive. Plus I think my exposure to so much visual art as a child really shaped my music, and plays a huge part in why my sound is so cinematic...

Check out Alu's music on Glubdub Radio