ChimpanA: ‘M.I.A. Vol. 1’ Released Today: “Music Is Art”

by Glenn Sargeant | Aug 29, 2025

ChimpanA, the Electronica-inspired Prog duo comprising singer Steve Balsamo (Jon Lord/Eric Woolfson/Jesus Christ Superstar) and Robert Reed (Magenta/Cyan/Sanctuary), release their 3rd album ‘M.I.A. Vol. 1’ on 29 August 2025 through Tigermoth Records, on CD, LP and Digital.

‘M.I.A. Vol. 1’ honours the vinyl album tradition, with clearly defined sides A and B; the first has shorter, more commercial tracks, with Side B made up of longer pieces. In advance of the album, the band are releasing four old school singles, one a month, available as a physical CD and digital download. Each has an original track alongside a cover – they take on a plethora of [in their words] “probably untouchable” sacred cows, delivering incredible versions of massive songs from Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Webb, The Hollies, Carole King, even Hot Chocolate. Anyone for making life easy for themselves?

And as for the “why?” to all this (which both Balsamo and Reed would accept is a fair question) it comes back to that mantra, “Music Is Art”. Increasingly experiencing music as a throwaway commodity, many have forgotten the impact of simply engaging with, and truly listening to, an album. Still believe music has value? Step right up! There’s pride, even an anger at work here. Drawing influences from the rhythms of Peter Gabriel, the commercial songs of Tears For Fears and the raw emotional impact of Blue Nile, the duo approached this album with the only rule being that there were no rules. The songs were built up out of sketches, jam sessions, stream of consciousness lyrics, and then revisited and rebuilt until truly special. There are songs about home, loss, family, addiction, a pair written for Richard Mylan’s play ‘Sorter’, and one sampling the Swansea composer Karl Jenkins [he loves it]. ChimpanA then came up with a wish list of players to join them, and secured some of the best in the world.

Steve Balsamo says, “The project has always been a joy. I love the collaboration and bringing together amazing musicians and crashing them into each other to see what happens. Rob is such a fabulous producer, really understanding sound and he is really able to get the most emotional impact out of the songs and what the musicians bring to The Chimp’s table. It always comes down to songs, so songwriting is the backbone of the project, but what we’ve tried to do is deconstruct and mess with the process. It was all a kind of chance, or synchronicity”.

Robert Reed adds, “Musically it shouldn’t work, but it is just so exciting hearing sudden changes of style. Going from Euro dance, and suddenly having a burst of jazz, or folk. As long as it works emotionally, nothing was off the table. The Chimp is our music safe space. In this environment I think it just leads to the best work, as you’re 100% into and it’s totally honest and not contrived”.

There’s an integrity and a purity at the heart of ChimpanA, and ‘M.I.A. Vol.1’ itself; proudly flying the flag for what has value, heart and heft. The duo embrace modernity and innovation, but cherish what has come before. This album demands attention, and will hold it. Balsamo and Reed have Pop backgrounds, but there’s serious range and ambition at play here with Classical singers, gospel and soul vocals, rock and folk music, jazz overtones and spoken word – sometimes all in one song!

Perhaps the last word should go to Steve Balsamo, “We were only interested in the music if it moved us”. Prepare to be moved, and repeat after me: “Music Is Art”.

The Players:

Rob Reed (Magenta, Cyan, Sanctuary) – songwriting, keyboards, guitars, programming
Steve Balsamo (The Storys, Jon Lord band, Jesus Christ Superstar) – songwriting, vocals

Kirstie Roberts (Brian May band, Elio Pace band /Terry Wogan Radio 2, Shakin Stevens) – songwriting, vocals;
Christina Booth – (Magenta, Trippa) songwriting, vocals;
Nigel Hopkins – (Bonnie Tyler Band, Jon Lord Band) – songwriting, keyboards, orchestral arrangements;
Ged Lynch (Peter Gabriel, Black Grape) drums, percussion;
Guy Pratt (David Gilmour, Madonna, Michael Jackson) Bass;
Neil Fairclough (Queen) bass;
Neil Taylor (Tears For Fears, Robbie Williams) guitar;
Francis Dunnery (It Bites) guitar