Welcome to 1987: The Romford Roots and Synth-Soul Sound of "Soul Mates"

by writer and composer, David Kent

How it all began

Two years ago I had a vision of three young women starting a girl group in their bedroom, inspired by the soul music that they were passionate about. I remembered only too well what it was like to be on the verge of adulthood in the late 1908s, and I remembered how passionate I was about the UK soul scene. I devoured it all, from Whitney Houston to Millie Jackson, and from Luther Vandross to The Temptations.

It seemed only natural to place the story firmly in the heartland of the UK Soul Scene - in and around Romford and Ilford, an area of London I knew well, and inevitably mentioning such famous clubs as The Lacy Lady.

We bring the sound of the 80s back to 2026!

I had an idea, I had the beginnings of a story, but I needed a sound. Step forward Pete Ware, who has worked with some of the top stars from that era, including Divine, Hazel Dean, and Lamont Dozier. I will never forget the excitement in the room when I played him my first demos from "Soul Mates" - he instantly understood that what was needed was a 1980's vibe brought right up to date with 21st century clarity. The results are a funky, soulful, poppy mixture of recordings that perfectly capture the youthful energy and determination of the fictional band "Soul Mates". And yes, his trademark 4 on the floor and gated snare sounds are very much in evidence. He coined the term "Faux nostalgia" to describe what we were doing - creating songs that you can't help thinking must really be tracks from back in the day!

We decided to record a concept recording to introduce the show to the world. This really set the tone and gave me, the writer, an inspirational backdrop as I completed the script.

The process

To achieve the authentic sound, Pete dusted off some of his original equipment from back in the day, and although the majority of 80's synth sounds can be simulated using the latest computer software, there's nothing like plugging in an old Yamaha DX7 to see what sounds you can mine from original equipment.

To use AI or not to use AI?

And although as a team we are not afraid to use the latest tools at our disposal, I also love the unpredictability of collaborating with other human artists and performers. That was why we made the decision not to use AI in the production of any part of the recording. Instead we have some amazing real guitarists, horn players and string players contributing to the energy and emotion of each song. Each track vibrates with life!

The cast

We also decided early on in the project to cast three real people to perform both on the album and to workshop the script with me as it developed. Kate, Rochelle and Joanne are three amazing young actors who bring a real-life friendship to the piece. The energy that they brought to the rehearsal room has seeped into the recordings and gives the project an impossible-to-fake feeling of friendship and love. They bring a wealth of professional experience to the project, including performing in the West End and in theatres around the country.