CYMANDE RELEASE NEW SINGLE “ONLY ONE WAY” FEATURING CELESTE

November 21st, 2024 – Today, legendary British band Cymande release their stunning new track ‘Only One Way’ featuring highly acclaimed British singer/songwriter Celeste – listen HERE. This is the second offering from the band’s eagerly anticipated studio album, ‘Renascence’, set for release January 31st 2025 via BMG. Pre-order HERE

‘Only One Way’, out today, is an uplifting and beautiful song laced with a delicate piano melody and a lush string arrangement which gorgeously showcases Celeste’s unique and soulful voice.

One of Cymande’s founding members, Patrick Patterson commented on the collaboration: “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.”

Speaking on the process of making the track, Celeste says:

“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. It all felt 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.”

Earlier this week Cymande announced their homecoming London show which will take place at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton, on 17th October 2025. Tickets are available via the pre-sale now HERE with general tickets on sale tomorrow at 10AM, HERE. A competition is also live today, giving entrants the chance to win two tickets to the Brixton show as well as a meet and greet with the band and access to the soundcheck. Enter the competition via the band’s official store here.

Tonight, 21st November 2024, Cymande will also be honoured with the ‘Originator Award’ at the Artist & Manager Awards. The prestigious ceremony celebrates exceptional individuals who pioneer and forge new pathways in the music industry. 2024 continues to mark a monumental year for Cymande, with the earlier release of their incredible documentary Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande (directed by award winning director Tim Mackenzie-Smith). The band also recently made their UK TV debut on Later… With Jools Holland, performing their new single ‘Chasing An Empty Dream’ and their classic song ‘Bra’. Catch up on BBC Two’s Later…With Jools Holland HERE. Cymande will also embark on a U.S. headline tour, hitting major markets like New York and Los Angeles in February 2025 – full dates and info below. Tickets available here.  

Cymande’s new album ‘Renascence’, set for release 31st January 2025, is a true return to form and jewel in the crown of their iconic discography. Renascence picks 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 will be available to stream, download, on CD and on black vinyl at all major retailers.  A limited edition transparent coral vinyl edition will be made available on the band’s official online store and at select indie retail accounts.