Artist Info: Cold Specks

Cold Specks is Somali-Canadian singer-songwriter Ladan Hussein, known previously as Al Spx, from Etobicoke, Canada, who now lives in London.

Cold Specks' music is steeped in the musical traditions of the Deep South. No wonder then that she cites the Lomax Field Recordings and James Carr as influences along with Bill Callahan and Tom Waits. With a voice that evokes the 'spirit feel' of Mahalia Jackson and the visceral tones of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Cold Specks uses sparse arrangements and chain-gang rhythms. [read more...]