The pioneering, internationally respected vocal ensemble House Gospel Choir celebrate a glorious decade with the release of the much anticipated 2nd album with its uplifting, soulful, beats and bass laden focus track ‘GLOW’ featuring Rudimental and Afronaut Zu, out now on House Gospel Choir founder and Creative Director Natalie Maddix’s new label Swear Down Music.
Following their debut at Glastonbury Festival in 2014, House Gospel Choir celebrates a decade of musical excellence with an album that stands as a testament to its enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to spreading love, joy, and positivity through the power of music. Studio album ‘LOVE IS THE MESSAGE’ is an incredible body of work, to be celebrated with an Album Launch Party on Saturday 17th August at Ton Of Brix, in Brixton, London, with HGC’s own musical director Harrsn DJing, DJHaze and a special guest appearance from collaborators Kaleena Zanders andfromLondon.
‘GLOW’ is a banger that’s impossible not to move to. House Gospel Choir’s collective vocal power, harmonies and rousing chorus stir your body and spirit with Rudimental serving up slick production, beats and bass alongside soulful vocals from Rudimental regular-collaborator Afronaut Zu. The track is an empowering anthem to raise vibration and bring light to the shadows of self-doubt with its infectious chorus.
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.”
‘LOVE IS THE MESSAGE’ is a stunning collection of 11 tracks, comprising first two singles ‘YOU’, the uplifting soulful house tune championed by Radio 2’s Spoony, 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah and Mi-Soul, and a new sonic expression of ‘94 dance music classic ‘Dreamer’ with original artist Janice Robinson of Livin’ Joy, championed by Radio 2’s Trevor Nelson.
The album also includes inspired covers of classics; ‘Promised Land’, arguably house music’s most legendary trackfeaturing the voice of its original creator Joe Smooth and the Sounds of Blackness 1991 essential ‘Optimistic’ withBeverley Knight lending her powerful, soulful vocals. The remainder of the album comprises original material of pure, soulful house bangers, including three more tracks produced by main collaborators Rudimental, who have created instant classic house anthems – ‘FIRE’, ‘Shall Not Be Moved’ and ‘No Better Friend’. HGC take it all the way to church to close with the rousing, anthemic title track ‘A Vow (Love Is The Message)’ and gospel ballad ‘Glory!’.
Natalie Maddix expands on the album “In a world where chaos can reign supreme, there exists a force more powerful than any other – Love. 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.”
Love Is The Message – Tracklisting
Promised Land (feat. Joe Smooth)
Shall Not Be Moved
You
Dreamer (feat. Janice Robinson)
No Better Friend
Glow (feat. Rudimental & Afronaut Zu)
Good God
Fire
Optimistic (feat. Beverly Knight)
A Vow (Love Is The Message)
Glory
‘Love Is The Message’ is out now on digital, CD and vinyl on Swear Down Music.
Album launch party at Ton Of Brix, Brixton on Saturday 17th August