Label: Soul Quest Records
Cat No: SQR024
Format: Digital & Streaming
Genre: Soulful House / Deep House
Release Date:
Traxsource & Streaming – 14th August
General – 28th Aug
Following the success of Sio’s acclaimed Losing Sleep EP on Soul Quest Records (SQR023), the South African poet, singer-songwriter and spoken word artist returns to the label to join forces with Soul Quest co-founder Max Sinàl on the deeply emotive new single, ‚Counting Stars‘.
Arriving as Soul Quest continues to establish itself as one of the UK’s most exciting independent deep house imprints, Counting Stars captures everything the label has become known for: timeless grooves, soulful musicality and meaningful collaboration.
Built around swinging house drums, warm Rhodes chords and an understated yet hypnotic bassline, the production embraces a beautifully stripped-back approach inspired by the deeper edges of house music. Rather than relying on excess, Max Sinàl lets space, groove and subtle harmonic movement do the talking, creating the perfect backdrop for Sio’s captivating spoken word performance.
The collaboration came naturally. Having worked together across several projects in recent years, Max immediately knew Sio was the voice for the record.
„I really wanted a spoken word piece,“ says Max. „I’ve always loved stripped-back deep house where the groove and simplicity leave room for interesting chords and carefully chosen vocals. Sio was the obvious choice, and she nailed it.“
For Sio, Counting Stars explores the transformative power of self-acceptance.
„It’s a poem about delving into yourself honestly and confronting everything you uncover — especially the darker parts society teaches us to hide,“ she explains. „Your shadow self is needed to incubate and birth your light. It gives you depth, helps you expand and ultimately sets you free.“
The result is a dreamlike meeting of soulful deep house and poetic introspection, showcasing another side of Sio’s remarkable versatility while further cementing Max Sinàl’s reputation as one of deep house’s most prolific and exciting producers. With growing international acclaim, a distinctive London-rooted sound and a steady stream of standout releases, Max continues to push Soul Quest Records forward as a home for authentic, emotionally rich dance music.
The release is accompanied by four carefully curated versions, including a beatless Stripped Mix featuring additional Rhodes improvisation, perfect as an opening DJ selection or an immersive listening experience.
Web / Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/max_sinal/
https://www.instagram.com/iam_sio
https://www.instagram.com/soulquestrecords/
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