British artist, producer and DJ Sigala kicks off 2023 in style by teaming up with powerhouse MNEK on collaborative single ‘Radio’, released globally via Ministry of Sound.
After eight UK Top 10 singles, a BRIT Nomination for Best Single for Lullaby, seven global Platinum singles, nine global Gold singles, seven million UK sales, 22 million worldwide sales, 4 billion audio streams and over one billion video views, Sigala is readying for the release of his second full-length album, ‘Every Cloud’.
‘Radio’ serves as the latest taster of the record and was co-created and sung by, one of Sigala’s all-time heroes.
“MNEK, what a legend!” he beams. “I’ve followed his career since day one, when I was at uni. He’s somebody that I’ve always dreamed of working with.”
And in the writing, he didn’t disappoint, even for a man well-used to using the studio as a creative playground.
“I spent about two hours making a beat, getting some nice chords, whilst he was just chilling. And then he was like, ‘OK, just play it through.’ He’s on his phone, typing down lyrics, then he jumps on the microphone. And literally 20 minutes later, he had written pretty much the whole song – and the vocal is the one that he sang in two takes!” Sigala marvels. “Just incredible. I was honestly blown away. It was like being in the presence of true genius.”
There is, accordingly, a freshness to the French disco feel of the track. “That’s something that I really wanted to keep true to; not overproduce it. It’s such a simple production, but it’s unique as well, with that offbeat bass going all the way through. It throws back to early 2000s and late 90s stuff, and even disco.”
Culturally, MNEK is considered a musical icon amongst the LGBTQIA+ community and has previously performed at New York World Pride 2019, UK Black Pride and featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as both a coach and guest judge. After setting up a writing camp dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ singer/songwriters in 2019, MNEK has continued efforts to strive for more inclusivity within the industry as a contributor to the Guardian UK diversity panel and hosting his own YouTube panel ‘MNEKs Inter-Section’ in conversation with 5 Black Queer artists/content creators.
He has clocked up an astonishing thirteen years in the music business. With over 4 BILLION streams on MNEK written, featured and produced tracks, he has grown to become a true powerhouse within the British pop world. He has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, collaborating with the likes of Zara Larsson, Stormzy, Years & Years and Craig David. He’s written with international stars such as Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, BTS, Mabel, Madonna, Kelly Rowland and Selena Gomez. His back catalogue includes a number of worldwide hits including ‘Ready For Your Love’, ‘Never Forget You’, and ‘Blinded By Your Grace’. His hit with Joel Corry, ‘Head & Heart’, became a global success, topping the charts in several countries and taking the reign as the longest standing UK #1 single in 2020. 2022 saw his continued success both on and off stage with “Where Did You Go?”, his collaboration with Jax Jones, going platinum and spending an incredible 32 weeks on the charts, plus the launch of Island UK & Republic US’s hotly tipped female R&B trio FLO, and their debut EP “The Lead”, which he executively produced.
On ‘Radio’ MNEK adds “Bruce & I wrote this song a few years ago. It was such a fun and easy session and it’s really cool how he evolved the song into the record you’re hearing today!”
‘Every Cloud’ is the album Sigala has been working on from pretty much the minute he finished making his first, September 2018’s blockbuster ‘Brighter Days’. The impressive debut album featured a stellar line-up of collaborators that included Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, French Montana, Ella Eyre, Becky Hill + more!
Sigala has had another incredible year, playing to fans across the globe and consistently releasing smash singles from the forthcoming collection. ‘Every Cloud’ will also include ‘Lasting Lover’, with James Arthur, ‘Melody’, ‘Stay The Night’ ft. Talia Mar, ‘Rely On Me’ and the David Guetta and Sam Ryder collaboration ‘Living Without You’. Collectively these releases have amassed a staggering half a billion streams and counting.
Available on various formats that include, digital release, vinyl, CD and cassette, ‘Every Cloud’ is set to include another mammoth line-up of guest artists, which are soon to be revealed.
As well as new music. Sigala also announced a UK headline tour which kicks off in Dublin on March 5th. The announcement of the album and tour continues on from a busy 2022, which saw his triumphant return to the live scene and play to thousands of fans across his sold-out North American tour. This year is set to be another standout for Sigala, who is looking forward to reengaging with his fans and bringing the Sigala experience to more live electrifying shows.
Sigala UK Tour 2023
Sunday 5th March – 3Olympia, Dublin
Tuesday 7th March – NX, Newcastle
Wednesday 8th March – O2 Academy, Glasgow
Thursday 9th March – O2 Academy, Glasgow (*Extra Show Added)
Friday 10th March – The Engine Shed, Lincoln
Saturday 11th March – HMV Empire Coventry, Coventry
Wednesday 15th March – Albert Hall, Manchester
Friday 17th March, Electric Brixton, London
Saturday 18th March – Tramshed, Cardiff
