The British singer-song-writer who, in 2011, wanted us all to ‘congregate’ to his electro-pop beats, returns to the online music community this year with a new album. After the up-beat party album that was 2011’s ‘Congregation’, Rooke is prepping his most ambitious project to date, and this time he’s serious. ‘Galaxies & Starlight’ (due for general release in May), offers a much more diverse perspective than its predecessor, but still retains ‘Congregations’ winning DNA. Rooke’s approach of layering melodic, thumping electronica and sample-laden rhythms is still at play here, but in addition, Rooke throws in the occasional wailing guitar and regular orchestration, along with ambient overtones. The overall effect is a ‘spacy’ and cinematic affair, which invokes many of the classic concept albums of yester-year. This is lucky, as ‘Galaxies & Starlight’ is a concept album and aims to encourage the listener to follow the record from the opening to the closing seconds, experiencing the album in the traditional sense of an ‘LP’, rather than a collection of MP3 tracks. So what is the concept? Well… The album has an under-pinning narrative that takes place at the end of this Century. A period in which we have thoroughly trashed the earth, settled the Moon and Mars and now have our eyes on a ‘New Earth’ we can call home. Set against this backdrop, the story tells of a chance meeting between two souls, from different backgrounds and with different futures as they struggle to start and continue a relationship amidst chaotic events. For those of you not too keen on an album with such lofty ambitions, do not despair. All the songs tackle universal themes and stand-alone without being part of an overall narrative. In fact, when listening to some tracks as stand-alone pieces; it’s clear there are other meanings beneath the surface, such as political and person commentaries. Musically, Rooke ventures into prog-rock, electronica, dance music, ambient and folk, making ‘Galaxies…’ as varied as 2009’s ‘Americana’ album, albeit more slickly executed. Poignant moments are also explored, in such tracks as ‘Gone Away’ (an ambient, electro, orchestral track about loss) and the slightly ‘twin-peaks-esque’ ‘A Life Long Gone’, which talks about life’s missed opportunities. Overall, this album feels much more grown-up than its predecessor, while still kicking off its shoes with the dance anthem ‘Supernova’ and the vaguely ‘dead or alive’ flavored title track. The 1st single from ‘Galaxies…’ is the electro-funk-rock peculiarity of ‘New Frontier Man’, which will be available to stream via Soundcloud and Soundclick in from the 18th March, before its purchase-release date of the 1st April.

I've released the second and final part of my 'Congregation' series right here on Soundclick. EP 1 is availble on Itunes etc. I'll be putting out a full length, fully sequenced album in September via the major online distributors. The 'Congregation' project was about reflecting on my younger years in the clubs and bringing that sense of energy, positivity and adventure to my music. While many will call this a 'dance' album, its still all about big hooks and lyrics - basically a dance album with Pop sensibilities. The full length tracks are mixed in a 'club' style and a promo sampler will be sent to the clubs in the coming months before the full 'Congregation' album hits. Later this year and in to next, I'll also be planning some live dates ---- the first in a very long time.... I'll keep you posted on how that develops :)

In the late 80's and into the early 90's, a new musical up-swelling started to break into the public consciousness. This period could be argued as being the last true youth culture movement. A period that defined dance music and also spawned the brit-art-rock genre that dominated UK charts in the mid 90's. 'Music' was what this new form of clubbing was about - not necessarily hen parties, drinking competitions and 'pulling'. I started venturing into the nightclubs of my home city from '94 onwards, a time when dance music had taken hold in the nightclubs and a time where people still occasionally danced around in fields and warehouses (erm... illegally). In my home city of Leeds, a number of now legendary clubs and club nights saw clubbers arrive in the city from all over Europe by the bus load. Clubs such as 'Back to Basics', 'Hard Times at the Music Factory' and Warehouse saw some of the worlds biggest DJ's regularly spin a set. This club scene proved to be a key influence on me as a musician and the Congregation EP's are a tribute to those times. A mixture of classic dance and modern day electro-house. Congregation Part 1, is a collection of varied dance-pop tracks ranging for the stomping electro-house of 'Stand Up!' to the break-beat rhythms of 'Non-Stop'. 'Part 1' includes the singles 'Stand Up', 'Beating Heart(s)' and 'Congregation'. Part 1 will hit the download stores in June. I'll keep you posted Cheers Rooke

My new single "Stand Up' is a feel good tune about overcoming obstacles in life - whether material obstacles or people. It goes out to all the people who want change in Northern Africa and the Middle East and to anyone else who wants things to get better! Stand up and join the congregation...

The new album is coming along nicely. The album will be called 'Congregation' and should be ready for the Summer. The first new track 'Stand Up' will hit Facebook on Sunday 6th March, and will hit Soundclick thereafter. 'Congregation' is essentially going to be a dance album, inspired by my formative years in the Clubs and by still occasional visits :) I hope you're all gonna like it! And to get your dancing shoes warmed up... you can download the 'Take to the Floor' remix ep from the Soundclick store today!! Join the congregation!! x x