China Soul | |
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![]() Soul performing live in 2009 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | China Alexandra Soul |
Born | Tampa, Florida, U.S. | 5 May 1988
Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Genres | Pop, rock, folk |
Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 2002–2011, 2014 |
China Alexandra Soul (born 5 May 1988) is an American-British [1] former 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]
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]
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.
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]
Year | Title |
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2010 | Secrets & Words |
Year | Title | Album |
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2010 | "Cold" | Secrets & Words |
2011 | "Breathe" | Secrets & Words |