When The Shapeshifters and Glitterbox get together, you know you're in for something special. "Everything's Changing" is the latest from Simon Marlin's long-running house project, a soulful, disco-infused dancefloor cut featuring the powerhouse vocals of Sharlene Hector, with the Harlem Gospel Choir on backing vocals.
A New Era for The Shapeshifters
The Shapeshifters have helped define the house and disco scene for more than two decades. It all started with "Lola's Theme", which came out in 2004 and went all the way to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Since then the project has never stood still, with highlights like "Finally Ready" featuring Billy Porter in 2020, "You Ain't Love" with Teni Tinks in 2021 and the album Let Loose in 2022.
Originally a duo with Swedish producer Max Reich, The Shapeshifters has been led by UK DJ and producer Simon Marlin alone since 2017. In the studio, though, it's still a team effort. Simon starts the creative process with his right-hand man Colin Smith before topline co-writers come on board, and he directs a collective of musicians who create a symphonic backing for handpicked vocalists.
Since opening his state-of-the-art Earthworks Studio, Simon's work has entered a decisive new phase. "Everything's Changing" is the second release from this creative period, following "On The Way Up" with NYC band 79.5, a track championed by Mousse T., Melvo Baptiste and Saison. Defected calls it the next release from his forthcoming album project.
Sharlene Hector Takes the Lead
Sharlene Hector is a celebrated UK soul, R&B and dance vocalist, best known for her longstanding work with Basement Jaxx as their lead vocalist. She has shared the stage with Alicia Keys, Emeli Sandé and Gregory Porter, sung backing vocals for artists like Mary J. Blige and Boy George, and built a career in musical theatre too, from Hairspray in the West End to the Dreamgirls UK tour and Disney's Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
This is her Glitterbox debut, and she's clearly thrilled about it: "So honored to be asked to vocal this awesome track and to be working with the iconic Shapeshifters camp! I hope 'Everything's Changing' serves as a backdrop to some incredible memories and moments for all who hear it."
Live Strings, No Shortcuts
The Shapeshifters' sound is all about lush, big disco and house, built on live strings, funky basslines and pristine brass. On "Everything's Changing" those trademark strings take a leading role, crisp yet delicate, giving Sharlene's vocals the perfect bedrock.
What makes this new music stand out is how it was made. It was recorded at Earthworks and at the legendary Renaissance studio in Manhattan's Film Center Building, and the process shuns AI and samples. Instead, it leans into live instrumentation, with musicians and collaborators working together in the room. In a time when so much music is built from loops and presets, that's refreshing to hear.
The release also comes with an extended mix for DJs, running at 126 BPM, which has already made it into the Beatport Nu Disco/Disco chart.
Glitterbox Keeps the Disco Flame Burning
Glitterbox was conceptualised in 2014 by Simon Dunmore, the founder of Defected Records, and The Shapeshifters have been part of the family since 2017. "Everything's Changing" is out now on Glitterbox Recordings, and it's a perfect fit for the label's celebration of disco and soulful house.
A Tip for Independent Artists
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What Do You Think?
Do you prefer your disco with live strings and a gospel choir? What's your favourite Shapeshifters track so far? Let me know in the comments!
