What We Saw From The Cheap Seats was recorded over an eight week period this past summer in Los Angeles. Spektor wrote each of the 11 tracks on the album. She arrived at the session with a collection of new compositions, but others were pulled from earlier periods. She and Elizondo fleshed out instrumentation and sought to make each of the songs stand alone sonically. Most of the songs were recorded live with Spektor on piano and vocals, while additional instrumentation was added to these original takes. Of working with Spektor, Elizondo says Regina Spektor is that rare artist that continues to surprise. Just when you think you have her figured out, she knocks you out with something completely different. It s that spirit that drives this record. Each song takes you on a journey that only Regina is capable of providing. She has truly outdone herself. Spektor studied classical piano and garnered a loyal live following in New York before self- releasing two albums. Her breakthrough album Soviet Kitsch was released by Sire Records in 2004 followed by Begin to Hope in 2006. The album included worldwide fan favorites Fidelity, Samson, On The Radio and Better and is certified gold in the U.S. Spektor followed up with far (2009) and Live from London (2010), which was recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo Theater during the far tour.