Due to the global pandemic, the entire country of Spain was put under mandatory quarantine for over three months. 99% of Tori’s 2020 tour dates in support of her 7th album Wait No More were cancelled, including concerts in Spain, Germany, Morocco, and the United States. In spite of or maybe because of this bad news, Tori and the band decided to make productive use of their time stuck at home. 

They recorded their own particular cover of one of their favorite songs, which they’d first been invited to play at a benefit concert in memory of one of their all-time favorite artists: David Bowie. Ever since, the band has received countless emails and messages asking if and when they would ever release their rock-and-flamenco version of “The Man Who Sold the World.” 

Tori Sparks’ “The Man Who Sold the World” was recorded in quarantine at five separate apartments scattered throughout the city of Barcelona, each musician rigging up a temporary home studio the best that he or she could in the midst of families and careers thrown into a tailspin due to the shutdown. Tori recorded the vocal track at 2 o’clock in the morning in slippers and pajamas, much to the amusement of her neighbors.   

“Music is more necessary than ever these days, ” Tori says. “The lyrics also feel particularly appropriate at this moment in time. ‘Who knows, not me. I never lost control. You’re face to face with the man who sold the world.’That could come straight from the mouth of any one of several world leaders right now — the American and Spanish Presidents in particular — who seem to be much more concerned about retaining political control than about lives of their citizens.”

Coming August 7th. Stay tuned.

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