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Alexis Ffrench releases: 'Soar' celebrating people coming together / TOTALNTERTAINMENT

TOTALNTERTAINMENT's JO FORREST writes….Chart-topping pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench releases brand-new uplifting single Soar. With 206 countries and over 10,000 athletes taking part in the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris later today, Alexis’ hopeful new track is penned as the Song of the Summer celebrating people coming together.

Soar declares that good things happen when voices unite, featuring Congolese singer-songwriter Fally Ipupa, Pentaonix’ cellist and beatboxer Kevin Olusola and the Dreamland Gospel Choir, making Soar a multi-cultural anthem with global contributions.

Intertwining English, French and Lingala vocals from Fally Ipupa describe themes of belonging, performed alongside Alexis’ hopeful melodies that act as the constant throughout the track. As Soar comes to a crescendo, an ensemble of instruments and voices declare that ‘Together we soar the skies around us / You are the one / You are the one to be the change you see / Sing loud / Now we soar.”

“The Olympics are such a beautiful moment because at a time when people, communities and countries are divided, it’s a reminder that good things can happen when we come together.” Alexis Ffrench says. “Much in the same way my formative years were informed by a borderless musical universe, I wanted to echo a sense of freedom in this track as an expression of unity, healing and renewal through music. With the help of Fally Ipupa, Kevin Olusola and the Dreamland Gospel Choir, this track sings with infinite joy and I’m so proud to work with them to bring this festival of affirmation to you.”

Taken from Alexis’ upcoming album ‘Classical Soul Volume One’, set for release this Autumn via Sony, Alexis’ latest single continues to find inspiration from his dad’s record collection and the beauty of nostalgia. Speakin on the album, Alexis explains that: “The album draws inspiration from my dad’s vast record collection. Growing up, our home was filled with a rich soundtrack of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack – some of whom I consider to be my earliest teachers. These artists, and the power of their collective voices, connected with me deep within and opened a gateway to a world of Classical Soul, and for that I am truly grateful.”

A pioneering superstar of Classical Soul, Alexis’s sound refuses to be limited by genre, time period, or by expectations of the kind of musician he should be. Rather than leaning into the narrow, traditional understandings of ‘classical’, Alexis instead leans outward, expansive in his perspective, drawing on a mosaic of influences that takes the listener by the hand and leads them on a journey through a world of possibility.

Alexis brings piano to the mainstream. Whether it’s performing at the King’s Coronation Concert in 2023 to an audience of over 18 million viewers, hosting his Apple Music show after Elton John’s Rocket Hour, performing at major music festivals & sold out venues worldwide, hosting nationwide music education masterclasses, or posting covers of today’s hits by Central Cee, Billie Eilish and more to an enthusiastic social media audience, Alexis is passionate about music being accessible to all.


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