aaamusic | On 21, Jun 2010

Rock Choir, the largest popular contemporary choir in the world with over 4,500, mainly female, current members, have shot straight to Number 1 on the Amazon Hot Future Releases chart, following the launch of their debut album ‘Volume 1’ which will be released on 5 July, through Universal’s Decca Records.

On Sunday 20 June, Rock Choir launched their debut album, entitled ‘Volume 1’ by gathering the majority of Rock Choir members together at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo to unite in song for the very first time. Rock Choir has over 150 choir groups nationwide numbering over 4,500 members so far. The album launch, which saw over 2,500 members fill every seat in the stalls and the stage of the HMV Hammersmith Apollo and announced the choir’s support of the charity Refuge, was featured on BBC Breakfast and ITV London Tonight and led to a massive pre-order of the album, garnering the choir the much coveted number one slot ahead of Kylie Minogue and the Scissor Sisters.

The choir was formed in 2005 by director Caroline Redman Lusher who wanted to develop her concept of introducing a glamorous and fun form of singing whilst caring for the emotional well being of the UK’s public, introducing a life affirming experience for them using well known pop songs. Bringing music and performance to communities across the country in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Rock Choir choirs require no audition or even the ability to read music. There are now over 150 choirs nationwide featuring members from all walks of life and varying degrees of experience.

‘Volume 1’, the first of a four album deal, is an album that reflects the power and spirit of Rock Choir, and features a myriad of famous pop tracks ranging from Motown favourites Can’t Hurry Love and Dancing In The Street to Amy Winehouse’s soulful hit Valerie.

Undoubtedly, one of the most defining qualities of Rock Choir is the sense of empowerment and belonging it brings its members. For many, the weekly rehearsals have become welcomed havens through which they can express themselves and escape their everyday life whilst enjoying an entertaining and exhilarating singing session.

Caroline Redman Lusher said: “I began Rock Choir with the help of my father and soon realised that not only did it use all the skills I have developed over the years, it made a lot of people very happy and even changed lives.  The power of singing and music is extraordinary and introducing contemporary songs and dance routines into a choir format takes us away from the more traditional impression people have of a standard choir. Rock Choir is exciting and the members are passionate about it. The album deal has allowed members to feel like rock stars; it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved. Rock Choir exists for people who want to have fun and enjoy time out of their busy lives to do something for themselves; to sing even if they have never sung before”

It is this liberating power of the choir that has led to ongoing relationship between Rock Choir and Refuge, a charity organisation which offers a range of services for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Rock Choir Ltd. is donating their royalties from the track Something Inside So Strong directly to Refuge, and the group will continue to use their music to highlight the incredible work performed by the organisation each and everyday.

To celebrate the release of their debut album, all 4,500 members of the choir will perform for the first time together on Sunday 20 June.  Their performance will be filmed to make the music video for their debut single ‘Can’t Hurry Love’, earning them the title of the biggest group ever to feature in a music video.

Full track listing follows:

Rock Choir Volume 1
1. You Can’t Hurry Love
2. Walking On Broken Glass
3. Something Inside So Strong
4. Dancing In The Street
5. Somebody To Love
6. Valerie
7. Rescue Me
8. Joyful Joyful
9. I Say A Little Prayer
10. No Tomorrow
11. Signed Sealed Delivered
12. Anytime You Need A Friend