Simon Lewicki, known to many as Groove Terminator, is back with a new and invigorating project that fuses the electrifying beats of house music with the soulful harmonies of the Soweto Gospel Choir.
This September, Lewicki and the choir will perform a 21-show season at Sydney Fringe to promote their joint album, 'History Of House', which is a stunning celebration of dance music's rich and diverse history. Lewicki's journey from commanding dance floors of the '90s and '00s to this ambitious project has been anything but conventional.Reflecting on his career, he shares: "I moved to America in the mid-2000s after a whirlwind of non-stop work, needing a break. I spent about ten years in Los Angeles, doing everything from songwriting to music for television, and just living life.
"Eventually, I returned to Australia with my wife to start a family and found myself back in the music industry, this time on the creative side with TMRW Music, formerly Ministry of Sound."
Despite his success behind the scenes, Lewicki felt the itch to perform again. This led to the creation of the MOS Classical show in 2018, which reimagined dance anthems with a classical twist.
Encouraged by a friend who ran a major fringe hub in Adelaide, Lewicki ventured into live performance again, collaborating with a local choir. This experience laid the groundwork for what would become the 'History Of House' project with the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The inception of this collaboration came from an audacious idea – to merge the best of dance music with the powerful voices of a world-renowned choir. "I pitched this crazy idea of doing all the best of dance music, tracing its roots from disco to underground queer clubs in America, and showing how it spoke to people globally, including someone like me, as far removed from inner city Chicago you could possibly get," Lewicki explains.
The Soweto Gospel Choir, fresh from a performance at the Sydney Opera House, was intrigued by the concept and agreed to collaborate. The thematic resonance between house music and the choir's spiritual and civil rights-focused performances became apparent quickly.
"I found my people on the dance floor; they were my tribe, my chosen family," Lewicki notes. "This shared sense of community and equality on the dance floor is mirrored in the choir's message of civil rights and unity."
The creative process was intense and deeply collaborative. Simon describes how songs were chosen and adapted to suit the choir's strengths, emphasising that the songs' impact was not lost, even when sung in different languages.
"We reworked some classics and presented them in a contemporary style, bringing out the African roots of dance music," he says. The result was a unique blend that felt both fresh and timeless.
Recording the album during the pandemic posed challenges, but it also offered opportunities. Lewicki and the choir recorded vocals in Adelaide, capturing the spontaneous chemistry and camaraderie that make their live shows so special. "We tried to capture the spirit of the choir, the banter, and the moments that make their performances so powerful," he says.
The live performances, which are already making waves, promise to be unforgettable. The Sydney Fringe run will feature 21 shows, and Lewicki is preparing intensely. "I'm doing a lot of yoga," he laughs. "We're really excited. The choir starts rehearsing soon, and we'll also be recording for the next album and rehearsing new songs."
The 'History Of House' project is not just a tribute to dance music; it's a testament to the unifying power of music. Simon's passion is palpable as he talks about the project's impact. "When the choir sings at full capacity, it's like nothing else. It's uplifting and energising, a natural high better than any drug," he says.
The project aims to remind audiences that music can bring people together, transcending barriers and creating shared experiences of joy and unity. For Lewicki, this project is a dream come true, blending his love for house music with the choir's profound vocal power and sharing it with new audiences.
As he prepares for the Sydney Fringe, he remains focused on creating an unforgettable experience. "I love what I do, and I love working with this incredible choir," he says. "This project is about making great music that lives with people forever, connecting with them on a deep level."
History Of House will play a 21-show season at Sydney Fringe's Spiegeltent 30 August to 29 September (Thursdays to Sundays).
