Andy Butler is the founder of Hercules and Love Affair, but now he's going by his own name for a new 12-inch. The two-song single will be out in the coming weeks through own own mr.intl records label.
The short-form release will contain the songs "You Can Shine" and "Personality Track." It will first arrive on vinyl on February 23, followed by a digital release on Beatport on March 16, and finally iTunes and other digital providers on March 30.
In a statement, Butler suggested that this isn't too radical of a departure from his work with Hercules and Love Affair. He said:
Whilst Hercules has a collaborative, collective approach, "Shine" goes for a more direct approach, a stomping, uplifting club 12-inch but it's me so it will still have something of Hercules about it. I wanted to tap into the gospel tradition, for there to be a testifying quality to the record. [Vocalist] Richard [Kennedy] and I talk in the lyrics about putting ego aside and allowing people around you to shine. You shine when you acknowledge other people's shine, even, if you will, the creator's shine. I hope we've created something new. House is often soulful but you very rarely hear a big gospel-inflected voice paired with booming, doomy techno.
Below, hear A-side "You Can Shine" [via Pitchfork]. With its mix of electronic dance rhythms and dramatic vocals courtesy of Richard Kennedy, it evokes Hercules and Love Affair's signature work.
The short-form release will contain the songs "You Can Shine" and "Personality Track." It will first arrive on vinyl on February 23, followed by a digital release on Beatport on March 16, and finally iTunes and other digital providers on March 30.
In a statement, Butler suggested that this isn't too radical of a departure from his work with Hercules and Love Affair. He said:
Whilst Hercules has a collaborative, collective approach, "Shine" goes for a more direct approach, a stomping, uplifting club 12-inch but it's me so it will still have something of Hercules about it. I wanted to tap into the gospel tradition, for there to be a testifying quality to the record. [Vocalist] Richard [Kennedy] and I talk in the lyrics about putting ego aside and allowing people around you to shine. You shine when you acknowledge other people's shine, even, if you will, the creator's shine. I hope we've created something new. House is often soulful but you very rarely hear a big gospel-inflected voice paired with booming, doomy techno.
Below, hear A-side "You Can Shine" [via Pitchfork]. With its mix of electronic dance rhythms and dramatic vocals courtesy of Richard Kennedy, it evokes Hercules and Love Affair's signature work.
