Led by Manchester natives and childhood friends Kemani Anderson and Callum Connell, Secret Night Gang spread their uplifting, transcendent, and genre blending street soul sound through, dynamic melodies, striking brass accents and jazz inflected soul prowess, renewing the musical frontiers of the genre. Handpicked in 2021 by legendary broadcaster, DJ, producer and label head, Gilles Peterson from Manchester’s vibrant live music scene, the band have been championed by a wide range of tastemakers from Deb Grant (Jazz FM) to Craig Charles, Crack Magazine and Vinyl Factory.
Selling out shows at the Jazz Café London and appearing at festivals such as North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz, and Primavera Sound they have built a reputation as a must see live act with memorable performances alongside a collection of today’s leading Jazz musicians. In addition to supporting Khruangbin’s on their UK/EU Tour in 2022, which included a date at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Drawing from influences such as Terrace Martin and Bilal, “Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings” is a funk laden infectious track. Kemani Anderson’s soulful vocals glide alongside fellow composer Callum Connell’s tightly arranged orchestrations, with lyrics discussing the importance of kindness in the uncertainty of our existence.
“Whilst we’re on planet earth, it is important to be thoughtful and to be kind to one another, and to not take the days we have with each other for granted - because they could be halted at any moment.” says Kemani, who started singing as a child. This powerful and positive message is one that is carried throughout Secret Night Gang’s upcoming album ‘Belongs on a Place Called Earth’.
Indeed, the album is chiefly inspired by the relatable, hard-hitting realities of life in 2023. By thinking of short phrases, talking to loved ones, and asking themselves questions about the world, Anderson and Connell found ways to process the rollercoaster of emotions they felt - jotting down their thoughts in the form of poetry, journalism, and note-taking. “Each name, in a way wrote itself” says Kemani – and the album, whilst addressing pressing themes such as equality, love, and heartbreak, is also a sonic beacon of light that spreads a powerful and uplifting message.
