Cold Specks is the stage name of singer-songwriter Ladan Hussein, who was previously known as Al Spx. Her music has been described as doom-soul. The name Cold Specks is taken from a line in James Joyce's Ulysses ("Born all in the dark wormy earth, cold specks of fire, evil, lights shining in the darkness.").
She released her debut album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion, on May 21, 2012, on Mute Records and Arts & Crafts in Canada.
Her second album, Neuroplasticity, was released on August 26, 2014. It featured trumpet playing by Ambrose Akinmusire and backing vocals from Michael Gira of Swans.
Albums
- 2012: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion #86 CAN
- 2014: Neuroplasticity
Singles
- 2011: "Holland"
- 2012: "Winter Solstice"
- 2012: "Blank Maps"
- 2012 "Hector"
- 2014: "Absisto"
- 2015: "Bodies at Bay"
Awards and nominations
Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
---|
2012 | 2012 Polaris Music Prize | Polaris Music Prize | I Predict a Graceful Expulsion | Nominated |
2013 | SiriusXM Indies Awards | Artist of the Year | Cold Specks | Nominated |
Female Artist of the Year | Won |
Songwriter of the Year | Nominated |
Soul/R&B Artist or Group of the Year | Nominated |