House Gospel Choir - Why Choir is Important in Electronic Music
Digest
This episode features an interview with Natalie Maddox, the founder of House Gospel Choir. Natalie shares the story of how the choir began in 2014, inspired by her love of singing and raving. She describes the choir's debut at Glastonbury Festival and the importance of community in their work. The conversation delves into the evolution of music genres, particularly the transition from garage to grime, and the influence of gospel music on house music. Natalie emphasizes the significance of community, both in music and in life, and how it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The episode concludes with a discussion about the choir's upcoming album and their plans for future performances.
Outlines
Introduction and House Gospel Choir
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its guest, Natalie Maddox, the founder of House Gospel Choir. The host and Natalie discuss the choir's origins, their debut at Glastonbury Festival, and the importance of community in their work.
The Origins of House Gospel Choir
This Chapter delves into the origins of House Gospel Choir, with Natalie explaining her inspiration for starting the choir, which stemmed from her love of singing and raving. She shares her experience of performing in South Africa and how it sparked the idea for the choir.
Community and Religion in Music
This Chapter explores the connection between community, religion, and music. Natalie discusses her own religious background and how it influenced her musical journey. The conversation touches on the importance of community in music, particularly in dance music, and how it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
The Importance of Community
This Chapter delves deeper into the importance of community, with Natalie and the host discussing the role of community in music and life. They explore the concept of tribalism and how it relates to the formation of communities. Natalie emphasizes the need for shared goals and common interests within a community to ensure its success.
House Gospel Choir's Practices and Performances
This Chapter focuses on the practical aspects of House Gospel Choir, with Natalie explaining their rehearsal schedule and the different types of performances they undertake. She highlights the importance of training and the open sessions they host, which allow anyone to participate.
Writing and Recording an Album
This Chapter explores the process of writing and recording an album for House Gospel Choir. Natalie discusses the challenges of group writing sessions and how she ultimately collaborated with Lizzie to create the album. She also shares insights into the recording process and the importance of having a diverse team.
Collaborations and Influences
This Chapter focuses on Natalie's collaborations with other artists, particularly her experience working with Naya. She discusses the importance of working with quality artists and how House Gospel Choir's unique approach to music has attracted attention from other musicians.
The Spiritual Element of Music
This Chapter delves into the spiritual element of music, with Natalie and the host discussing the connection between music, religion, and spirituality. They explore the idea that music can evoke a sense of spirituality without necessarily being religious. Natalie shares her perspective on the spiritual nature of her music and how it resonates with listeners.
The Song 'We Can Love'
This Chapter focuses on the song 'We Can Love', a collaboration between Natalie and House Gospel Choir. Natalie shares the story behind the song's creation, the recording process, and the importance of working with the choir on the track. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented musicians.
Keywords
House Gospel Choir
House Gospel Choir is a community-based choir project in house music, founded by Natalie Maddox in 2014. The choir is known for its unique blend of gospel vocals and house music, creating a powerful and uplifting sound. They have performed at major festivals, including Glastonbury, and have released original music and covers of classic house tracks.
Natalie Maddox
Natalie Maddox is the founder and creative director of House Gospel Choir. She is a singer, songwriter, and producer with a passion for house music and gospel music. Natalie is known for her infectious energy and her commitment to creating a sense of community through music.
Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival is a five-day music festival held annually in Pilton, Somerset, England. It is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world, featuring a diverse range of musical acts, including rock, pop, electronic, and folk music. House Gospel Choir made their debut at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
Garage Music
Garage music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, heavy basslines, and often features vocals. Garage music was a popular genre in the UK, but it declined in popularity in the early 2000s due to a crackdown on raves and nightclubs.
Grime Music
Grime music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, heavy basslines, and often features rapping. Grime music is a popular genre in the UK and has gained international recognition in recent years.
Gospel Music
Gospel music is a genre of Christian music that originated in the African American community in the United States in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its strong vocals, emotional intensity, and often features call-and-response patterns. Gospel music has had a significant influence on other genres of music, including soul, R&B, and rock and roll.
Community
Community refers to a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It can also refer to a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of shared interests, goals, or experiences. The importance of community is a recurring theme in the episode, with Natalie emphasizing the role of community in music and life.
Spiritual Life
Spiritual life refers to a person's inner journey of seeking meaning and purpose in life. It can involve a connection to a higher power, a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself, or a commitment to living a life of values and principles. The episode explores the spiritual element of music and how it can connect people to a deeper sense of meaning.
Music Production
Music production is the process of creating and recording music. It involves a range of skills and techniques, including songwriting, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering. The episode discusses the music production process for House Gospel Choir's album and the importance of collaboration and creativity.
Q&A
How did House Gospel Choir get its start?
Natalie Maddox, the founder, was inspired by her love of singing and raving. After a powerful performance in South Africa, she realized she wanted to create a choir that combined gospel vocals with house music.
What is the significance of community in House Gospel Choir's work?
Community is central to their mission. Natalie believes that music brings people together and creates a sense of belonging. The choir's open sessions and performances foster a sense of shared purpose and joy.
How does House Gospel Choir approach writing and recording an album?
Natalie initially tried group writing sessions but found it challenging. She ultimately collaborated with Lizzie, a singer-songwriter and vocal arranger, to create the album. The recording process involves a diverse team of musicians and vocalists, ensuring a unique and dynamic sound.
What is the spiritual element of House Gospel Choir's music?
Natalie believes that her music evokes a sense of spirituality, even without being explicitly religious. She sees a connection between the emotional intensity of gospel music and the uplifting energy of house music, creating a powerful and moving experience for listeners.
What is the significance of the song 'We Can Love'?
It's a collaboration between Natalie and House Gospel Choir, featuring a gospel-inspired sound with a house music twist. The song captures the feeling of a weekend love and the fleeting nature of romance. Natalie is particularly proud of the choir's contribution to the track.
What are House Gospel Choir's plans for the future?
They are releasing a new album this summer and are planning to perform at various festivals and events. They are also open to collaborating with other artists and expanding their reach.
What is the importance of community in life?
Natalie believes that community is essential for human well-being. She argues that we are not meant to be isolated individuals but rather part of a larger network of relationships. Community provides support, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
How does House Gospel Choir's music connect to the concept of spirituality?
The choir's music evokes a sense of spiritual connection through its emotional intensity, uplifting energy, and focus on community. It taps into a universal yearning for meaning and purpose, transcending religious boundaries.
What is the role of happy accidents in music production?
Natalie believes that happy accidents are essential for creating truly great music. She encourages a collaborative and open approach to recording, allowing for spontaneity and unexpected moments of inspiration.
What is the future of House Gospel Choir?
The choir is poised for continued success, with a new album, upcoming performances, and a growing community of singers and fans. They are committed to pushing the boundaries of house music and gospel music, creating a unique and powerful sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Show Notes
Podcast Overview: Will & Natalie discuss the journey & growth of House Gospel Choir, the impact of Garage & Grime music, the spiritual element of music & collaborating on the track 'Weekend Love'
Who are House Gospel Choir: Natalie Maddix, a luminary in the music industry, celebrates a decade of unparalleled success as the founder and creative director of the acclaimed House Gospel Choir. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this ground-breaking ensemble, a testament to Maddix's visionary leadership and herp rofound influence in the world of music. A talented vocalist,accomplished songwriter, and innovative producer, Maddix has not only pioneered a unique blend of gospel and house music but has also cultivated a diverse community of over 150 members, transforming the choir into a symbol of unity, peace, and resilience. Under her guidance, the House Gospel Choir has flourished, performing at prestigious venues and events such as Glastonbury and BBC Gospel Christmas, and collaborating with esteemed artists including Kylie Minogue, Paolo Nutini, Rudimental amongst many others. This journey from a modest group of 12 vocalists to an international sensation mirrors Maddix's dedication to harnessing the power of collective music-making as a force for change. Her mantra, “We can't all speak at the same time and have our voices heard, but we can sing together as one voice and be understood,” encapsulates her philosophy and the choir's ethos. HGC burst onto the scene with ‘Salvation’ in a debut single that was crowned BBC Radio 1 ‘Hottest Record’ by Annie Mac , peaking at #1 in the Music Week Cool Cuts Chart and #5 in the Billboard Dance Club Chart. Releasing their acclaimed 14-track LP in October 2020 via Island Records, RE//CHOIRED was born out of a love for sound system culture, the healing power of house music and the group seeking to channel the magic of people working together to raise the vibrations. Their latest releases include collaborations with an eclectic mix of talent including Ella Henderson, Rudimental, Duane Harden and Purple Disco Machine House Gospel Choir’s live sets create a fusion of the biggest house, gospel and garage tunes that make every performance an unforgettable experience. That is the beauty of HGC, taking us to new heights of euphoria, imploring us to feel empowered, connected and always looking for a chance to uplift our voices with theirs. They remind us of the altitude of our last euphoric club moment and with each note, we’re there again, watching the magic unfold in front of us, ready to receive. Alongside her achievements with the House Gospel Choir, Maddix is the founder of REP Agency, a bespoke service that represents exceptional vocal talent. REP Agency offers a comprehensive range of services, including providing outstanding vocalists and vocal arrangements to clients across the industry. This venture supports projects in both the recorded and live sectors, demonstrating Maddix's commitment to elevating the stature and recognition of vocalists and musicians in the music industry. Maddix's diverse musical background, drawing from her experiences in church choirs and her exploration of various genres, informs her unique and eclectic approach to music. Her passion for blending house, garage, and gospel music is evident in her work, and her respect for artists like Aretha Franklin and Kirk Franklin shines through in her productions.
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