TC & The Groove Family - Stand Strong (Single)
10-piece UK afro-fusion outfit TC & The Groove Family announce their forthcoming ‘We Have Each Other’ EP with the lead single ‘Stand Strong’, releasing on Thursday 4th April via Bridge The Gap.
Led by drummer Tim Cook and spearheaded by Sheffield wordsmith Franz Von, the track is a love letter to afrobeat, creating a contemporary twist by integrating Khruangbinesque guitar lines, hip-hop flows and turntablism with infectious basslines and weaving horns. Introducing the theme of community empowerment that unifies the forthcoming EP, ‘Stand Strong’ highlights those throughout history who have created movements in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to stand strong with their communities in the present day.
Transmitting a poignant message of solidarity at a time of global turbulence, Franz Von channels the powerful ensemble arrangement into a mixture of freewheeling hip-hop flows and spoken word, building into an explosive baritone sax solo from saxophonist Hannah-Mae. On the track, Franz shares: “Stand Strong celebrates our ability to look within and around us to find courage. It highlights our perseverance, determination and strengths in facing adversity, encouraging everyone to recognise these strengths and use them to better themselves and the people around them.” The forthcoming ‘We Have Each Other’ EP sees the band refine the sound debuted on their 2022 album ‘First Home’. Returning to work once again with producer Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, ONIPA), the project explores a darker sonic palette, channeling a deep appreciation of UK bass and electronic music alongside afro-jazz sounds and hip-hop sensibilities. It documents a time of change within the group - a new lineup, plus members living in different cities and pursuing various paths - whilst also reflecting the turbulent socio-political climate, and the major shifts and changes on the horizon for humanity.
Building upon the core of the Groove Family, the project features contributions from Nubiyan Twist’s Aziza Jaye, and BBCR1Xtra-backed Birmingham MC SANITY. Despite the heavy subject material, the band strike an optimistic, uplifting tone, encouraging listeners to look around and embrace community, whatever that may look like. No one should be lonely when celebrating each other, and the band encourage an ethos that says ‘it’s good to be me, but it’s better to be us.’ Originally formed in Leeds, TC & The Groove Family’s sound reflects the diverse musical and cultural backgrounds at the core of the project, with songs exploring grooves and genres including afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime.
Their music has drawn widespread acclaim, supported by tastemakers including Jamz Supernova and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, Jazz FM, Rinse FM, Radio FIP and more. Known for their live performances, the group have performed at the likes of Glastonbury, We Out Here, Greenman and Boomtown, as well as selling out shows across the UK. They will embark on a UK tour across May & June in support of the release of ‘We Have Each Other’.