Millions of people around the world watched the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
What was it like to actually attend? That is a question The Kingdom Choir can answer for you after making headlines for their spellbinding performance. This summer, they inked their first record deal and got to work on recording. Members of the choir spoke with Popdust about how they came to sing together, what they love about their performances, and what we might be able to expect from their new record in November.
How did all of you come to work together?
Many of the original members of the choir used to sing in our church's London wide choir. We got involved in a radio program that celebrated gospel music in black majority churches. The BBC heard our choir and we were invited to sing on television. That's when the choir became a proper entity.
Choral music is a genre most people only vaguely understand the mechanics of, so what do you think is one of the most difficult things about working together as a choir?
I think singing in the choir is one of the most positive things a person could do for themselves. However, choirs are made up of people, and wherever you have groups of people, there will always be challenges - whether you're talking about the workplace, a church, a family… Pretty much any organization. However, if there is a strong healthy connection and a loving, celebratory culture, then a choir is the best place to be!
What is the best thing about performing together?
We absolutely love singing together! There's always a lot of fun and laughter and banter…and LOADS of love. We're like a family! Then of course, there is the singing itself. There is something that is moving about singing gospel music – I think that it's because of the positive themes of love, joy, hope, redemption, victory in times of trial… Who doesn't want those? The singing, the sound, the words and the meaning really do get to you and leave you so uplifted!
You performed at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. How did this come to pass?
A young lady who used to sing in the choir is friends with one of Prince Charles' staff. Apparently, Prince Charles really likes gospel music, and so this member of his staff was tasked with finding a gospel choir to sing at the wedding. She, in turn approached her friend, who recommended the Kingdom Choir and myself.
Before the wedding, the biggest crowd you had ever performed in front of was about 200 people. What was this massive experience like?
We've actually sung to bigger crowds than that, but of late we have been very quiet. To be very honest, at the time of singing at the wedding, or even before, I didn't even consider exactly how many people would be tuning in. If you had asked me how many people might be watching, I might have said something like 10 million! Nearly 2 billion doesn't even compute to me! I'm glad I didn't think of it at the time – I might've been very nervous indeed!
Your rendition of "Stand By Me" at the wedding has been discussed by many as a major cultural moment to indicate a new chapter for the Royal family. What do you think about this?
I can't really talk about a new chapter for the Royal family, but I do feel that it was rather different to what might have been expected traditionally. Many have told me how inclusive they thought it was and how that personally made them feel. The responses have been so positive. There was something for everybody, and I think that did something for the country, and even for the world. I would like to think that.
You have recently announced you will be recording an album. How do you feel about this?
We are very excited to be recording an album, and are actually in the middle of it right now. We are loving the songs, the arrangements, and hope that everyone will love it as much as we do
Other than "Stand By Me," are there any other songs we can expect to hear on the record?
I can't tell you any other titles – you will have to wait until November 2nd for that – but you might hear some other well-known and loved songs with a bit of a twist to them…
Additionally you will be performing in London. What are you looking forward to about this experience?
I'm really looking forward to connecting with a live audience – being able to share the joy that is gospel music is such a special thing. People love the genre and I am always being told how people leave performances feeling inspired. It is such an honor to be able to do more of the same, but from a bigger platform.
Follow The Kingdom Choir on Facebook. Their debut album will be released via Sony Music on Friday, November 2, 2018.
Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a former radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. She is the creator of The Rational Creature and suggests you check it out. Also visit her website for more.
Have an artist we should profile? Send a pitch email to Rachel.
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