Having released nine albums over the course of twenty years, Afro-dub specialists
Soothsayers are something of a South London musical institution. Their most recent
opus, entitled We Are Many, was released in late 2020 and was recorded in both
London and Sao Paulo. The result was a fascinating blend of the band’s trademark
dub and Afrobeat flavours mixed with some distinctly Brazilian inflections. Not only
that, it represented a positive and uplifting statement in challenging times – the
overriding power of the music leading the band to continue forward, ever pushing
their musical boundaries and concepts. The album received much support from a
host of DJs on BBC 6Music, as well as reggae legend David Rodigan, Jazz FM and
Worldwide FM.
“It’s complex, also fun, tickling your ears in all the right spots… Let Soothsayers
soundtrack your journey across the winter and bring melodic colour to steely days
ahead.” Backseat Mafia
“An album that only feels like it could arrive in 2020. It is of the times and for the
times.” Louder Than War
As we set forth in 2022, and with clubs reopening and dance floors refilling across the
globe, we thought it was time to revisit the album and let a selection of our favourite
producers interpret it in their own way. We’ve also taken the opportunity to unleash a
number of previously unreleased dubs from the LP. The remixes and dubs will come
together in the form of We Are Many Versions, and here’s the first offering from that
album – a sublime re-working of Light The Way courtesy of Irish producer and
erstwhile Soothsayers band member, Patrick Hatchett AKA k3:lu (pronounced
Curlew).
Light The Way features amazing Senegalese singer Modou Toure who performs the
song in the Wolof language. Modou’s lead vocals combined with Soothsayers
harmonies, layered trumpets and a flute improvisation create a rich and evocative
tapestry of sound. It’s a lament on the suffering in the world, and a call for love and
light to show us the way out of the darkness.
K3:lu’s remix manages to subtly and respectfully take the original to the dance floor.
A process best explained by Hatchett himself:
“Light The Way gave me the opportunity to reunite with my oldest musical family,
Soothsayers. In fact, at the time (Soothsayers band leader) Idris was involved in my
recent K3:lu album so he gave me an early listen to We Are Many and this track stood
out for me, with the incredible vocals of Modou Toure and those beautifully expansive
Soothsayer horns. So, whilst in the depths of a strict and isolating West Cork
lockdown, I escaped my 2km restrictions, crossed borders, met with old friends and
transported myself to a place of positive, connected and uplifting vibes, adding my
own little nod to disco, 70’s Afro-funk, free parties of the 90s and dancing at dawn in
this remix.” Patrick Hatchett
An established guitarist, remixer and producer, Patrick Hatchett divides his time
between composing for screen, producing, and live performance. As a musician he
has performed extensively around Europe and the UK including London Jazz Festival,
Bestival, Alexandra Palace, O2 Arena, Sunsplash, Womad, Ronnie Scotts, main stages
at Glastonbury Festival, Latitude and many more.
Reactions to previous k3:lu productions:
“Simply joyous..” Steve Lamacq, BBC 6Music
“Such a talent..” Record of the Week- Dan Hegarty, 2FM
We Are Many Versions will be released on April 1st featuring remixes and dubs from
General Roots, Prince Fatty, Dutchie, Samuel Sharp, Lawn, Wu-Lu, Victor Rice, Jamtone
and many more.
Reactions / Radio Play
Radio play from Huey Morgan (BBC 6Music), Andrew Jervis (Bandcamp Weekly), DJ Ritu (Resonance FM), Worldwide FM, Soho Radio, DJ Aja (Ketch A Vibe, UK), DJ Junior (Eavesdrop Radio, USA)
“This is lovely – will get it on Balearic Breakfast!” Colleen “Cosmo” Murphy (Worldwide FM)
“Amazing” Andrew Jervis (Bandcamp Weekly)
“Vibes! For miles…” Rob Da Bank (BBC Radio 1 / Worldwide FM)
“Fab!” DJ Ritu (Resonance FM)
“Cool!” Ahu (Istanbul)
“Like that!” Kev Beadle (Totally Wired Radio)
“Loving this!! Will be supporting.” Village Cuts (Soho Radio)
“Nice remix” Anders Sicre (Worldwide FM)
“Loving this!” Junior (Reacord Breakin’, USA)
“Great remix!” Renegades Of Jazz (Germany)
“Perfect music for the upcoming warm weather! Love the vibe! Will definitely get some airplay!” Jason Palma (Footprints, Toronto)
“Soothsayers always come up special – this is fabulous – airplay in a heartbeat. Love the layers and the references. Wonderful. I am going to play them all over again when I have listened!” Debbie G (Resonance FM / Threads Radio)
“Nice abstract Afrobeat, will play it asap” Stéphane Galland (Worldwide FM)
“Whoa! Really feeling this – thank you for sending it over. Will definitely play it on the next show and at this Friday’s gig here in Bucha.” Delia T (Soho Radio / Bucharest)
“Happy to hear Soothsayers back in the game!” Olivier Cavallier (De La Bonne Musique, France)
“I really like the We Are Many album and think this is a killer remix, definatley one for the dancefloor, sublime and infectious absolutely love it!” Tim Stirrup (Tropical Pressure festival, UK)
“Lovely sunshine vibes !! Will be playing on this weeks show.” Michael Shea (Kane FM)
“Incredible tune, lovely remix. I love this!! Thanks for this inspired cut; I look forward to playing this on my KEXP radio shows and in the clubs.” Kid Hops (KEXP, Seattle, USA)
“Love the pace of this.. proper cross over stuff.” Steve KIW (1BTN, Brighton)
Reviews
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