China Soul

Not to be confused with Cina Soul.

China Soul
Soul performing live in 2009
Soul performing live in 2009
Background information
Birth nameChina Alexandra Soul
Born (1988-05-05) 5 May 1988 (age 36)
Tampa, Florida, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresPop, rock, folk
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2002–2011, 2014

China Alexandra Soul (born 5 May 1988) is an American-British[1] singer-songwriter who resides in England. Her debut album, Secrets & Words, was released in the UK on 25 October 2010 through AS:Music.[2] She is the daughter of actor-singer David Soul and actress Julia Nickson.[3]

Career

Soul began playing music and writing songs at the early age of 14.[4] Songs such as debut single "Cold", title track "Secrets & Words", "Into the White" and "Long Way Back" all appear on Soul's debut album, Secrets & Words, and were written when she was just 16.[5]

In April 2014, Soul joined the cast of Chaplin's Circus, playing the part of Ruth Etting, an American singing star and actress of the 1920s and '30s.[6]

Debut album

In late 2008, Soul met Chaz Jankel of The Blockheads (formerly Ian Dury and the Blockheads) and Jankel began producing and co-writing[7] what was to become Soul's debut album Secrets & Words.[8] Soul's debut single "Cold" was released through AS:Music in the United Kingdom on 18 October 2010. The album was released one week later on 25 October 2010.[9] In November 2010, Soul was invited onto the Dermot O'Leary BBC Radio 2 show for a live session and interview where she played "Cold" and a cover of the Rod Stewart song "You're in My Heart".[10] On 1 May 2011, Soul appeared on the Aled Jones BBC Radio 2 show for a live interview and performance of her follow-up single "Breathe".[11] On 18 May 2011, she appeared on the Steve Wright in the Afternoon BBC Radio 2 show with her father.[12] She also received spot-plays on shows such as the Jools Holland BBC Radio 2 Show[13] and appeared on ITV's Lorraine Kelly show for an interview.[14]

"Cold" was also released as a limited edition 7" white vinyl through FooFar records[15] in January 2010. Its B-side was an a cappella cover of the Nina Simone song "Be My Husband". Soul's follow-up single "Breathe" was released 25 April 2011.

Personal life

Soul is the only daughter of actor/singer David Soul and actress Julia Nickson.[16] She has five half-brothers from her father's previous marriages. Born in Tampa, Florida, Soul grew up in Los Angeles, California.[17] She studied creative writing at Orange County High School of the Arts.[18] In June 2006, Soul relocated to London and attended Royal Holloway, University of London where she studied English Literature and Creative Writing.[19]

Discography

Albums

Year Title
2010 Secrets & Words

Singles

Year Title Album
2010 "Cold" Secrets & Words
2011 "Breathe" Secrets & Words

References

  1. ^ "Biography – The Official Web Site of David Soul". Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. ^ "As Music 17 March 2011". Asmusic.biz. Archived from the original on 4 September 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  3. ^ "Biography". China Soul: OFFICIAL WEBSITE. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  4. ^ Choice Magazine, "Heart and Soul" January 2011, pp. 106–7
  5. ^ Telegraph Magazine, "Flashback: China Soul recalls a summer in France with her father, David, in 1995", 20 November 2010, p. 114
  6. ^ "Times 21 May 2014". times-series.co.uk. 21 May 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  7. ^ "The Guardian 7 March 2010". Yourlocalguardian.co.uk. 7 March 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2011.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ "Chaz Jankel 20 March 2010". Chazjankel.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  9. ^ UK Music Review 25 October 2010 Archived 28 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Dermot O'Leary BBC Radio 2 Show 6 November 2010
  11. ^ "Aled Jones BBC Radio 2 Show 1 May 2011". BBC. 1 May 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
  12. ^ "Steve Wright BBC Radio 2 Show 18 May 2011". BBC. 18 May 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
  13. ^ "Jools Holland BBC Radio 2 Show 10 May 2010". BBC. 10 May 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  14. ^ "ITV 1 Lorraine 1 September 2011". NME. 1 September 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
  15. ^ "Foofar Records 2011". Foofar-records.co.uk. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  16. ^ "CHSSC 2006". Chssc.org. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Fame Magazine September 2010". Famemagazine.co.uk. 10 September 2010. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  18. ^ "OCHSA Alumni 2006". Classfinders.com. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  19. ^ "Wozzon September 2010". Wozzon.com. Retrieved 30 October 2011.