Calgary's funk band Souls in Rhythm has released its first full-length album in 18 years, titled Stranger in My Heart. The album marks a significant milestone for the group, which has been releasing singles in recent years but waited to compile a collection of new songs.
A Busy Musician's Balancing Act
Vocalist and keyboardist Scott Henderson, a key member of the band, has long balanced multiple careers. In the early 1990s, he studied Canadian history at the University of Calgary while hustling gigs for his R&B outfit, the EarthTONES, which later earned two Juno nominations. He left university after three years when the band began touring internationally.
After the EarthTONES disbanded, Henderson formed Souls in Rhythm and took on day jobs to support the group. Today, he splits his time evenly between music and roles in music education and directing. He has worked with over 5,000 singers, appeared as an on-camera coach on Canada Sings, provided backup vocals for Michael Bublé, and served as music director for the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show for over a decade.
Album Release Strategy
Despite the long wait, the band opted for a low-key release. “We decided not to do a big rollout,” Henderson said. “I think people are hip to a long pre-launch on social media. I just didn’t feel like saying for a month: ‘the album’s coming out, the album’s coming out.’ So we just put it out.”
The album was quickly picked up by CKUA, which played the opening track Don’t Make Everything About You within a day of receiving it. Henderson, along with bassist Caleb Roddick and guitarist Vincent Bundick, didn’t plan the 18-year gap but were pulled in different directions by various projects.
Souls in Rhythm fans can now enjoy the new album, which showcases the band's signature funk-soul sound after nearly two decades.
