Cymande have teamed up with Celeste on their anthemic new track ‘Only One Way’ from the group’s upcoming album.
Serving as the second single to be released from the British funk group’s album ‘Renascence’ and opens with a delicate piano riff followed by swelling strings and Celeste’ powerful and soulful voice singing: “Here you are again / In my arms / There you go again reaching for someone.”
Speaking about the collaboration in a press release, Cymande’s Patrick Patterson shared: “We got together in New York some time ago. Celeste approached it melodically and lyrically from a perspective we thought was great, we came back to the UK and perfected it. Her performance is wonderful. It deserved an orchestral arrangement and we had an arranger, Chris Cameron, who could elevate it up to the firmament. He did a brilliant arrangement.”
Celeste added: “It was a blustery New York day, I had just performed at Carnegie Hall, and was asked if I’d like to meet Cymande at a studio close by to Broadway. I immediately put my hat and coat on and made my way to meet Patrick and Steve at the studio. We spoke for a little while about all being Caribbean and then Patrick began to play the guitar, the words and the melody came so naturally and we cut a vocal that day.
“We then met some months later to refine it all, in one of the first studios I’d been too many years before on Latimer Road, I think still partly owned by Damon Albarn, but now part of the Miloco studios. That’s when I met Adrian Reid, who made me feel so at ease and kindly offered me some piano lessons in the following months.
She continued: “It all felt like a healing and enlightening experience to be around the guys, to hear their stories, see their faces and understand who they were and who they are now. Cymande had remained this great mystery to me, as I am sure they did to many others for a long period of time – these legends of this mystical cross genre – and to hear their account of their journey in music first hand, was affirming and assuring.”
‘Only One Way’ follows the previously released ‘Chasing An Empty Dream’. Both songs will be featured on the group’s sixth album ‘Renascence’ which is set for release on January 31 2025 via BMG. You can pre-order it here.
The album marks their first LP since 2015’s ‘A Simple Act Of Faith’. According to a press release, ‘Renascence’ will pick up “where their 1974 album Promised Heights left off – a spiritual and sonic follow-up, bringing a fresh modern edge to their iconic sound, which remains foundational to early hip-hop and funk scenes in the United States and UK.
“‘Renascence’ tells the story of a band that never fully got its due back in the day, but are back to take the crown by remaining true to themselves – politically aware, and spiritually positive with infectious grooves.”
‘Renascence’ tracklist is:
1. ‘Chasing An Empty Dream’
2. ‘Road To Zion’
3. ‘Only One Way’ (Featuring Celeste)
4. ‘Coltrane’
5. ‘Sweeden’
6. ‘How We Roll Featuring’ (Jazzie B)
7. ‘Heart Of The Willing’
8. ‘I Wanna Know’
9. ‘Darkest Night’
10. ‘Carry the Word’
Cymande are also set to embark on a US and UK tour early next year. Check out a full list of tour dates below and visit here to purchase US tickets and here for UK tickets.
Cymande’s 2025 UK and US tour dates are:
FEBRUARY
13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
14 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
15 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre
18 – Chicago, IL – Metro
19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
21 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
26 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall*
28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
MAY
25 – London, UK – Cross The Tracks Festival
OCTOBER
17 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton