The pioneering and internationally respected vocal ensemble House Gospel Choir will celebrate the release of their second album Love Is The Message in Brixton tomorrow (17 August).
Its uplifting and bass-laden focus track Glow, featuring Rudimental and Afronaut Zu, was released last week on House Gospel Choir (HGC) founder and creative director Natalie Maddix’s new label Swear Down Music.
“Being born and raised in Brixton to Jamaican parents informs every aspect of how I build community and create music. What a privilege to come home to celebrate a decade of House Gospel Choir, in the place where it literally all began,” she said.
House Gospel Choir made their debut at Glastonbury in 2014.
Ten years on, they say their new album is a testament to their enduring legacy and “unwavering commitment to spreading love, joy, and positivity through the power of music”.
The launch party is on Saturday 17 August at Ton Of Brix, on Coldharbour Lane, with HGC’s musical director Harrsn DJing, DJ Haze and a guest appearance from collaborators Kaleena Zanders and fromLondon.
Piers Aggett of Rudimental said: “We are so blessed to have worked with the choir and its talented members. The process was collaborative and exciting, and we think this is some of the best music we’ve made. From the message to the melodies, this one is for the soul.”
Natalie Maddix said: “Glow was written during our first studio session with Rudimental and inspired by a conversation about embracing our purpose, making the most of our talents, and avoiding comparisons with others.
“We recognised that each of us is a force of nature, so we set out to create a track that would encourage people to push through fear, insecurity, and self-doubt.
“Afronaut Zu was the perfect choice for the lead vocal, and the choir’s ad-libs throughout the track perfectly embody the strength of unity.
“How can we be afraid of the dark if we just let our light shine? Turn up and let them see you glow! I love this record so much and am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life. Love is the message.”
The Love Is The Message album has 11 tracks, including You, an uplifting soulful house tune, and a new expression of dance music classic Dreamer with original artist Janice Robinson of Livin’ Joy.
The album also includes covers of classics: The legendary 1987 track Promised Land, featuring the voice of its original creator Joe Smooth and the Sounds of Blackness; and 1991’s Optimistic with Beverley Knight.
The remainder of the album comprises original material including three more tracks produced by Rudimental.
HGC take it all the way to church to close with the rousing, anthemic title track A Vow (Love Is The Message) and a gospel ballad, Glory!
“In a world where chaos can reign supreme, there exists a force more powerful than any other – Love,” says Natalie Maddix.
“The new album is a testament to the enduring power of love and its transformative impact on lives, communities, and the world.
“It explores the profound need for connection and liberation found in the human voice, the unifying sound of dance music, and the universal language of love.”
House Gospel Choir was initially a 12-strong vocal group uniquely blending gospel with house music.
The collective of singers, ravers and friends came together to create something unique, “with the connection we feel when out raving, that divine, healing, unifying power, that euphoria of the dancefloor and higher vibration through song”.
HGC signed to Island Records in 2020 and released their critically acclaimed debut album Re//Choired and debut track Salvation, which was named Hottest Record by Radio 1’s Annie Mac and peaked at No.1 in the MusicWeek Cool Cuts chart. It also featured reimagined house classics.
Today, HGC can expand up to a 70-piece ensemble from a 150-strong diverse community.
It has featured on many hits with global stars such as Nile Rodgers (I Was Made For Loving You), Rudimental (FWD) and Ella Henderson (Risk It All).establishing itself as one of the most in-demand ensembles in music.
The choir has performed at Glastonbury, Ibiza and Pride and across the world with some of the biggest stars in music, incluing Kylie, Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi.
