We’re changing the meaning of the word ‘choir’.

Why did you choose to join Love Soul Choir?

Growing up, I had always wanted to sing, but had been exposed to the sadly typical culture of singing not really being for men. I took the plunge and started singing as part of a workplace choir I was involved with, and then saw Love Soul Choir at an event my workplace choir were singing at. I was immediately captivated by Love Soul Choir’s energy and charisma. It was so different to other choirs, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The choir were singing modern music that all of the audience knew and were excited to see performed. There was no conductor or leader at the front, the choir just knew what they were doing, and it really showed. I applied for an audition, and that was that!

What’s your favourite moment been, so far?

One of the best things about being part of Love Soul Choir are the opportunities. You get to perform at the most amazing places. I have been able to perform at some the most prolific theatres across the South Coast and recently we even had the opportunity to perform at the Tower of London! Standing with my choir family amongst some of the most famous landmarks in London, singing and performing for visitors to the Tower was such a brilliant opportunity. It really struck me that Love Soul Choir stood out amongst the other choirs involved for those same reasons that blew me away when I first saw the choir. The difference in the music choices and the slickness of the performance.

What’s the best part of Love Soul, for you?

For me, and I think for a lot of members, the music is only part of the story. The culture and the feeling of family is the best part. There are really not many places where you could walk into a room with 100 other people and be happy to chat to or go for a drink with every single person in the room, and yet, with Love Soul, that is what you get. Relentless support and positivity. If I am having a bad day or even a bad week, going to choir on a Monday night never fails to lift me up. The people really are fantastic. When we go to performances, I look forward to spending time back-stage chatting to and singing with other choir members as much as I do performing on stage.

Tell us about the songs & arrangements…

The songs are really varied, and this is one of the things I love. We cover a huge range of music in the choir. We have learned music from Shakira, Phil Collins and Delta Goodrem to Madonna, Kirk Franklin and The Backstreet Boys. Our leader, Dan, creates all of the arrangements exclusively for Love Soul Choir. We then learn them in our weekly sessions. You don’t have to be able to read music. We learn through call and response. Dan teaches us parts of the song and we repeat them back to him. You then have access to a member’s area on the website where you can access the music, lyrics and more in your own time. Dan also teaches us the movement for our songs in sessions, and we have access to videos showing us what the movement should look like. All of this makes it really easy to get up to speed and maintain the professional standard that we are known for. Being in the choir has really helped to open my eyes to new music, and I think the variety is one of the best things about it. Even if I think I don’t like a song when I see the name of it, once I hear the arrangement, and once we start learning, I soon love it.

What would you say to somebody who might be scared of auditioning?

I know it’s scary. I was terrified of doing the audition. I had never done anything like it before. What I would say though, is that Dan really helps to put you at ease. The best advice I can give to someone is to pick a song that you are really comfortable with. Don’t overthink it, just pick a song you love. You don’t need to be the best singer in the world, you just need to choose a song that you know really well, and then sing it. Try and pick one you know the words to, as it is way better to sing it without holding lyrics in-front of you. Be brave – it may feel scared, but the feeling of being part of Love Soul Choir will be totally worth it. It is definitely a case of feel the fear, and do it anyway!

Give us a summary of your ‘life’ at Love Soul Choir…

Life at Love Soul Choir has given me a new-found confidence, amazing opportunities, and new friends, many of whom I know will be lifelong friends. My week just would not feel right without Love Soul Choir!

Why did you choose to join Love Soul Choir?

I just got a good feeling when watching videos and reading testimonials from choir members. Not only did they look and sound epic, I wanted to be a part of this big, joyful family!

What’s your favourite moment been, so far?

I loved performing at Dogstival as it combined my two favourite things – singing and dogs. Plus, my dog could come and see me perform. She’s my biggest fan.

What’s the best part of Love Soul, for you?

Just being around such lovely (and very talented) people who are there for the same reasons as you – to sing their hearts out. I also love the performances, it’s an opportunity to really bond with everyone and to make some amazing memories.

Tell us about the songs & arrangements…

Every time Dan plays us a new song, I get goosebumps. The arrangements always blow my mind, they are so beautifully done! I love the variety of songs we do too – they are all so different, it’s great to cover lots of different genres.

What would you say to somebody who might be scared of auditioning?

Just to go for it! You will never meet a more supportive and accepting bunch of people.

Give us a summary of your ‘life’ at Love Soul Choir…

It’s been a dream! Love Soul is the ultimate escapism and it’s impossible not to come away buzzing!

Why did you choose to join Love Soul Choir?

After a very big change in my life (moving to a new country and starting a new job) I felt I needed to reconnect with music somehow. Music has always been so important to me, always making me feel good about myself, and being a great way to meet people. I come from a rock and roll background, being part of different bands, playing instruments and singing, but I wanted to try something new. I decided to join a choir because I love how individual voices come together to create something spectacular!

What’s your favourite moment been, so far?

It was incredible to perform at the Tower of London in 2022. It is such an iconic place, full of history, in such an important part of London, with my new friends from Love Soul who were such good company. And being there with other choirs made it even more special!

What’s the best part of Love Soul, for you? 

The fact that is transformed Mondays into the best day of the week for me! No matter how tired I am or how many other things I have to do, I always enjoy the sessions.

Tell us about the songs & arrangements…

There’s a range of songs from different genres, artists and decades. I like the fact that many of the songs are well known, but I also love learning songs I haven’t heard of before. They end up sounding great and now some of them have become my favourites!

What would you say to somebody who might be scared of auditioning?

Just go for it! We all might feel a little insecure, but it’s always better going for the challenge and feeling proud afterwards, than not trying! That’s what I tell my 2 daughters…

Give us a summary of your ‘life’ at Love Soul Choir… 

My time at Love Soul has been fantastic! I’ve met some incredible people, I have been part of performances that I am really proud of, I get out of my comfort zone every single week – for example – I had never danced while singing before. I am so happy I decided to audition, I just think I should have done it sooner!

Why did you choose to join Love Soul Choir?

I wanted to bring music back into my life and to challenge myself to sing in front of an audience. I heard about Love Soul Choir through a friend, and as soon as I started watching videos of their performances, I knew that it was something that I wanted to be a part of.

What’s your favourite moment been, so far?

It would have to be my first ever Winter Show. I absolutely loved it! The energy on stage was electric as we all stood together, ready to perform. It was an incredible experience to get to sing with such a talented group of people. Knowing that my 7 year-old daughter was in the audience watching made the whole occasion extra special.

What’s the best part of Love Soul, for you?

The camaraderie. It’s a place where you can feel safe to just be yourself and sing and dance your heart out.

Tell us about the songs & arrangements…

There is a great variety of songs that include something to appeal to everybody. Since joining the choir I’ve had a chance to sing everything from Motown and Soul to Pop and power ballads… even a little bit of rap. The harmonies are beautiful and intricate and there’s a chance for everybody to shine no matter what your vocal range.

For me, the thing that sets Love Soul apart as a choir is the choreography that compliments each arrangement. There’s something very special about a large group of people coming together and dancing in synchronicity, it adds energy and fun to every rehearsal and helps us to connect to each other and our audiences.

What would you say to somebody who might be scared of auditioning?

Just do it! Simply auditioning is a huge achievement and something to be proud of in itself. Dan, our choir leader, will immediately put you at ease, and it’s a chance to do something for you. Once you get in you will never look back. I promise, it will change your life!

Give us a summary of your ‘life’ at Love Soul Choir…

I joined Love Soul Choir in the summer of 2022 and I can remember getting goose bumps at my first trial session when the choir stood up and sang in front of me. They looked and sounded so amazing that I couldn’t quite believe I was going to be joining them but, I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel part of the family from day one. Six months on, my confidence had soared, and I have performed at venues such as MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton and The Regent in Christchurch. It’s a truly supportive and nurturing choir that has had such a positive impact on my life. I’ve made some wonderful new friends and every session is fun and uplifting. It’s the best way to start off the week.