The proggy space rock experiments of Bay Area band Hedersleben took shape in 2011 during a cosmic jam session -- in a small German village of the same name -- between U.K. Subs founding member Nicky Garratt and Embryo bassist Uve Müllrich. While Garratt was busy with various other projects, including work with Krautrock legends Brainticket and Hawkwind's Nik Turner, the inspiration from that jam stayed with him and he began putting together a rotating cast of players that would embody the prog-minded spectral sounds he'd begun exploring in the village of Hedersleben. Under Garratt’s vision, the collective released their debut album, Upgoer, in 2013, featuring former U.K. Subs drummer Jason Willer, bassist Bryce Shelton, vocalist/keyboardist Kephera Moon, and Garratt on guitar. They returned less than a year later with second album Die Neuen Welten, this time with Moon still on keys but with vocal duties handled by Kati Knox. Over the course of their various albums and tours, the membership of Hedersleben remained fluid, with different players moving in and out of their roles as necessary. 2015’s sci-fi-themed The Fall of Chronopolis featured a shuffled lineup including vocalist Ariana Jade, as did 2017’s Orbit, which featured lead vocals by Alicia Previn, daughter of classical conductor Andre Previn. Following the release of Orbit, the band scaled back to a quartet and began work on a fifth album. ~ Fred Thomas