Cold Specks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cold Specks
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Ladan Hussein |
| Also known as | Al Spx |
| Born | Toronto |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | artist |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Mute/EMI Records (world except Canada) Arts & Crafts/EMI Records (Canada) |
| Associated acts | PJ Harvey Massive Attack Moby Swans Ambrose Akinmusire |
Cold Specks is the stage name for a talented singer and songwriter named Ladan Hussein. She is a Somali Canadian artist who was also known as Al Spx. Her music has a unique sound, often called "doom-soul." This means it has deep, soulful melodies with a powerful, sometimes dark, feeling. The name Cold Specks comes from a line in a famous book called Ulysses by James Joyce. It talks about "cold specks of fire" shining in the darkness.
Her First Albums
Cold Specks released her first album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion, on May 21, 2012. It was released by Mute Records and Arts & Crafts in Canada. This album was so good that it was nominated for the 2012 Polaris Music Prize. This prize celebrates the best Canadian albums each year.
Her second album, Neuroplasticity, came out on August 26, 2014. This album featured some amazing guest musicians. Ambrose Akinmusire played the trumpet, and Michael Gira from the band Swans sang backing vocals. Cold Specks also opened for Sufjan Stevens on his tour, which helped more people discover her music. Neuroplasticity was also nominated for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize.
Her third album, Fool's Paradise, was released in 2017.
A New Chapter
After Fool's Paradise, Ladan Hussein took a break to focus on her health. She received support at a place in Toronto that helps people with their mental well-being. In 2025, she released her newest album, Light for the Midnight. This was her first full album since her break. It was also nominated for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize, showing her continued talent and strength.
Music Releases
Here are the albums and singles Cold Specks has released:
Albums
- 2012: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
- 2014: Neuroplasticity
- 2017: Fool's Paradise
- 2025: Light for the Midnight
Singles
- 2011: "Holland"
- 2012: "Winter Solstice"
- 2012: "Blank Maps"
- 2012: "Hector"
- 2014: "Absisto"
- 2015: "Bodies at Bay"
- 2017: "Fool's Paradise"
- 2024: "Wandering in the Wild"
Awards and Nominations
Cold Specks has been recognized for her music with several awards and nominations.
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2012 Polaris Music Prize | Polaris Music Prize | I Predict a Graceful Expulsion | Nominated |
| 2013 | SiriusXM Indies Awards | Artist of the Year | Cold Specks | Nominated |
| Female Artist of the Year | Won | |||
| Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Soul/R&B Artist or Group of the Year | Nominated |
