Stream Will Downing’s New ‘Soul Rising’ EP + New Visual

Legendary Grammy-nominated singer Will Downing, renowned as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul, triumphs over personal tragedy with the release of his latest EP, “Soul Rising.

The lead single, “What Part of My Love,” quickly ascended to the top of the UK Soul Chart Top 30, highlighting his enduring influence in the world of soul music.

Will Downing continues to serve his fan base through his own Sophisticated Soul Record label. His resilience shines through as he delivers a masterclass in triumph over adversity, offering a seven-song collection that explores themes of love and healing.

The year 2023 brought unexpected and soul-crushing loss for Will Downing with the passing of his daughter, Aron Siobhan Downing, in January.

As a father, he faced devastation and heartbreak, channeling his pain into his art to find solace and comfort. Now, as the year concludes, Will is set to share his journey of overcoming grief through the power of music.

Celebrating an impressive 35 years in the industry and boasting 27 albums to his credit, Will Downing continues to showcase his international appeal.

“Soul Rising” is not merely a collection of songs but a cohesive statement of resilience and strength. Although not a “concept” album, the pieces of “Soul Rising” fit together seamlessly, inviting listeners to experience the full spectrum of Will‘s musical prowess.

True to his roots, Will Downing pays homage to classic hits with his signature “interpretations.” The EP features a soulful rendition of The Stylistics‘ “You’re As Right As Rain,” transporting listeners back to the soulful sounds of the early ’70s.

With the assistance of long-time collaborator Ronnie Foster and trumpeter Johnny Britt, Will Downing elevates the track to a new level of musical excellence. “Soul Rising” takes a poignant turn with “Till We Meet Again,” a heartfelt tribute to Will Downing‘s late daughter.

The track becomes a family affair, with daughter Aja and wife Audrey Wheeler Downing lending their voices to create a deeply moving and gut-wrenching tribute.

The EP concludes with a trilogy of love-themed tracks, starting with the infectious “Love You Right” and the soulful anthem “Love of A Lifetime.” Will Downing‘s intentional sequencing lifts and restores the spirit, bringing the EP full circle.

The album cover, featuring an original piece of artwork by Frank Morrison, further underscores the depth and authenticity of this release.

His distinctive baritone voice has resonated in the hearts of all people world-wide and carved a unique niche in the music marketplace.

Will Downing also hosts a popular weekly radio show, “The Wind Down” airing on over 20 stations around the world USA, UK, Japan, and Spain.

UB spoke to the legend in 2012, apart of our Black Music Month feature, we asked Will at the time what he enjoyed most about being an independent artist now?

“You know it’s interesting, what it does is put you back in contact with the public at large and for those who really make the industry work. As an artist when you’re signed to a big label, basically things just happen. You get phone calls that say appear here or you get calls and emails saying you sold this. But you never know where it went or who bought what, you don’t know anything. The great thing about being independent is the fact that you’re really hands on. There’s nothing wrong with knowing how things work from the inside/out. It’s a great feeling, you’re certainly more hands on and you’re building relationships for the future. It’s very exciting!”

Check Out The “What Part Of My Love” Visual!