Description
Katell Keineg – Hestia / O Seasons – 7 Inch Vinyl Record
Katell Keineg’s Hestia is her debut single, released in 1993 on the independent SOL label. This release marked the beginning of her career in folk and alternative music, setting the tone for her emotionally resonant style, which blends her Breton and Welsh heritage with contemporary themes. “Hestia” features Keineg’s powerful vocal performance, capturing listeners with its introspective lyrics and acoustic-driven sound. The single was released as a 7-inch vinyl and later as a CD single through Elektra Records after Keineg secured a contract with the label.
The single also includes a live recording of “O Seasons,” performed on The Dave Fanning Show in Dublin. The song is inspired by Arthur Rimbaud’s poetry and displays Keineg’s talent for weaving literary influences into her music, blending evocative storytelling with her unique vocal style. This track, along with others from her early period, would later be featured on her 1994 debut album Ô Seasons Ô Castles, showcasing her range from haunting ballads to more expansive folk-rock arrangements.
“Hestia” and “O Seasons” capture a blend of Celtic folk influences and poetic lyricism that reflect Keineg’s cultural background and early life experiences. Born in Brittany and raised in Wales, Keineg was heavily influenced by both the Celtic folk traditions and the social movements that shaped her surroundings. The themes in Hestia connect with the ancient Greek goddess of the hearth—symbolizing home and community—while maintaining a contemporary, personal narrative that resonates with a sense of longing and belonging.
The live recordings on the single, including “Destiny’s Darling” and “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” demonstrate Keineg’s ability to bring raw, unfiltered emotion to her performances. These tracks, recorded in Dublin, capture the intimate atmosphere of her early live shows, where her voice and storytelling quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike. Her collaboration with Elektra soon after the single’s release allowed her to expand her reach, performing internationally and working with artists such as Natalie Merchant and Iggy Pop.
Keinig’s unique blend of folk, rock, and literary influences found in Hestia laid the foundation for a career that would span decades, characterized by an ongoing exploration of themes related to identity, migration, and cultural heritage. Her approach combines traditional music forms with a modern sensibility, making her work resonate across genres and cultures.
Singles Only Label Records
Picture Sleeve
Track Listing
Hestia
O Seasons
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