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The Blackheart Orchestra—multi-award-winning British duo Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington—are recent winners of the UK Rising Stars of Prog Award and were chosen by Mike Batt as his “favourite new album” on Times Radio’s Old and New show. They perform as a “two-person orchestra,” playing up to 13 instruments in their uniquely immersive live show. From their onstage “musical space station,” they create emotionally charged contemporary rock using a vast palette of sounds—from acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and bowed guitar to piano, organ, vintage synthesisers, omnichord, melodica, glockenspiel, and electric percussion.
With influences ranging from Pink Floyd and Kate Bush to modern composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass, they blend folk and rock roots with electronica and classical. Genesis founder Steve Hackett describes their music as “powerful and inspiring.”
Their recent single Bloodlines reached #19 in the UK, with BBC Radio 6 Music calling it “intensely beautiful.” Their last two albums achieved UK Top 20 positions, with Hotel Utopia charting at #13 and winning Best British Album, Best Song, and Best Female Vocalist at the USA Progressive Rock Awards. They currently appear on six UK “Best Albums of the Year” lists.
“Epic” — Uncut
“Ethereal” — Daily Express
“Intensely beautiful” — Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music
“Simply one of the most beautiful and powerful artists I have ever seen live” — Lee Graham, The Rock Show
“An amazing noise” — Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 6 Music
“A life-enhancing listening experience” — Louder Than War
“Reaches areas of your head and heart you never knew existed” — Metal Planet
“Ethereal art rock laden with pop hooks, poetry, raw emotion and philosophy” — Music Republic