Classical female guitarist Milena Cifali has signed with rising Independent label Hardursh Music (http://www.hardrushmusic.com). The deal involves the commercial release of her album "Continuum", publishing and assistance with touring in what is the first classical artist release for Hardrush.
Milena trained at the Canberra School of Music with Timothy Kain, Sadie Bishop and Carolyn Kidd. She has performed widely as a soloist and within a group environment since this time and recorded three albums for self-distribution. These high standard recordings comprise "Alegrias" guitar music from Spain, Italy and Latin America, "The Opening" composed by Milena, performed by Stringstorm (for ten guitars and percussion), and "Continuum", featuring guitar music from 1500 to the present, including renaissance, baroque, classical and modern repertoire as well as original works.
With a focus very much on classical repertoire, particularly Latin American and Spanish composers, Milena has more recently won acclaim with her performances, songwriting and innovative playing skills. It is the latter that brought her to Hardrush's attention after hearing Milena carry complex opera and symphony pieces to classical guitar and then finding much of the compositions were in fact original.
"We see so much potential with Milena," said Kelvin Fahey Hardrush CEO, "in that not only that she can reinterpret the masters like Bach, Mudarra, Barrios and Mozart, but her own compositions are enthralling and so provide fresh material for new generations to enjoy. What is more, she scores many of the compositions for timeless instruments such as the digeridoo. Within classical music circles, that is exciting."
Milena sees the arrangement as very positive. "I am very enthusiastic about sharing my music with world audiences. In particular, I am especially keen to see my works get out to students and professional players of classical guitar." Continuing on a positive note, Milena says of her influences and style "Take John Williams, add a dash of Michael Hedges, a pinch of Metallica and a good dollop of Milena Cifali originality."
Milena and Hardrush management have also held preliminary discussions regarding future recordings where she plans to reinterpret some of the great opera and baroque masters such as Verdi and Scarlatti amongst others. There are also plans for collaborative workshops in regional Australia incorporating other "traditional instruments" such the didgeridoo. In the interim Milena is busy with Australian east coast performances and teaching some 50 students.
Hardrush will release Continuum in January for world distribution. CD Release will be Cat No HRDM0090.
ABOUT HARDRUSH (http://www.hardrushmusic.com)
ARIA & CMAA member Hardrush Music is a medium scale Indie label with around 100 signed artists with some 3 million sales last year. We focus on Independent artists and are a member of the major regional industry associations with main strengths in Blues, Country, Folk, Gospel, Rock and Urban. One quarter of sales are international, and sold through music retailers, bookshops, service stations etc across the nation either direct or via distributors.