Blondie Announces Six Track EP ‘Blondie: Vivir En La Habana’

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Legendary New York rock band Blondie have announced a new six-track EP ‘Blondie: Vivir En La Habana’, the official soundtrack to a new short film capturing the band’s 2019 live debut performance in Havana, Cuba. The film is set for its UK premiere at the Sheffield Doc/Fest and North American premiere at the Tribeca Festival, both in June.

The iconic band were invited to perform as part of a cultural exchange through the Cuban Ministry of Culture. The 4-day event dubbed ‘Blondie in Havana’ was a one-of-a-kind experience that included two career-spanning sets and brought the band’s prolific catalogue to Cuba for the very first time. These shows were performed live with special guests including Carlos Alfonso, Ele Valdés and María del Carmen Ávila of Cuban group, Síntesis. This seminal experience and career highlight was documented in the new short film, ‘Blondie: Vivir En La Habana’, created by artist and director Rob Roth.

The new six-track soundtrack – of the same title – is set to be released on July 16th via BMG, and will be available on a limited edition blue vinyl, and will feature some of Blondie’s most iconic hits performed live, including ‘The Tide is High’ and ‘Wipe Off My Sweat’ (both of which are available digitally now).

“We had wonderful Cuban musicians join us for the performances – vocalists, percussionists, horn players – they added a terrific level of excitement to our songs.” Debbie Harry notes. “On ‘The Tide Is High’, Síntesis vocalists Ele Valdés and Maria del Carmen Avila sang with me and did the original harmonies that John Holt had put on the song, it was incredibly beautiful. Latin music has always been part of the feel of New York, so it was amazing to finally be able to put a very personal touch on the heartbeat of Cuba. VIVA!”

Clem Burke added “This was a great opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Cuba. It is such a beautiful and friendly country. There is so much appreciation for art, music and nature. The Cuban people have a joy for life, and it was amazing to experience that first hand”

‘Blondie: Vivir En La Habana’ touches on subjects ranging from the influence of Cuban artists, the crossover from Havana to New York City, politics and the last-minute surprise and disappointment that Chris Stein unexpectedly wasn’t able to attend. Under Roth’s direction, the film, which features narration from Debbie, Chris, and Clem, presents a meditation on this formative trip, showcasing highlights from the two-night live musical performances, as well as unique, intimate behind-the-scenes moments captured throughout their time in Cuba.

“When this opportunity came up I could not imagine not documenting it. I knew it was going to be special somehow,” Director Rob Roth explains. “We were there for a short period of time but we managed to pack in some really beautiful moments, and authentic interactions with people think that is what the title of the film is all about: being ALIVE in Havana, not just living there. So for me the music, the live performances, watching all the Cuban people enjoy life, and the expressions on their faces… that is being ALIVE.”

Tracklist:
1. The Tide Is High
2. Long Time
3. Wipe Off My Sweat
4. Heart of Glass
5. Rapture
6. Dreaming

‘Blondie: Vivir En La Habana’ is available to pre-order/pre-save/pre-add now here.

As well as the soundtrack release, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein’s In Conversation book tour, which was due to take place this Autumn, has now been rescheduled to February 2022.