80s icon Deniece Pearson reveals another taste of her forthcoming new album ‘Free-Queen-See’ (out this summer) with her electrifying new single ‘Evolution X’ complete with remixes out now.
With nods to early 00s pop ‘Evolution X’ marks a change in direction from Deniece’s recent more reggae-flavoured releases. This time she’s returning to the pop genre that made her famous. Co-written with acclaimed American songwriter Holly Lamar who penned the hit ‘Breath’ by Faith Hill, and with production from Pert Makela, & RauliEskolin, ‘Evolution X’ is a big song! As the title suggests it reflects Deniece’s own real life evolution as she continues to evolve as a solo artist, forty years into her career. It’s a bold statement of intent, she’s back and she means business.
“My evolution is mine” says Deniece. “It’s up to us what we make of our lives, what we accept and allow each other to do to ourselves and our planet. It’s about mind over matter we get to choose our destiny. I can honestly say this is one of my favourite tracks I’ve ever recorded.”
2023 was somewhat of a reintroduction for Deniece as she celebrated 40 years in the industry releasing new music and performing two sold out shows at Pizza Express Live in London along with a string of other live performances up and down the country. The Brit Award winner, Grammy nominee, and lead singer of iconic pop group, FIVE STAR released two singles, ‘Forever Young’ – afeel good infused pop-bop which reached #12 in Music Week’s Pop Chart and went Top Ten in their Black Chartand her firsteverChristmas single, ‘Santa Claus is Coming’ which hit Number 1 in the Reggae chart. Both singles along with ‘Evolution X’ will all be included on her brand-new solo album ‘Free-Queen-See’ out this summer – her first new album in over a decade.
Testament to her enduring popularity Deniece has been welcomed back to the public eye with open arms, including high profile appearances Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, BBC Breakfast, ITV News and Sky News and interviews with the likes of The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Express, Record Collector, Big Issue, Heat Magazine, Retro Pop and more.
During her time with FIVE STAR, Deniece achieved unprecedented success with over 20 top thirty UK singles, including chart-toppers like ‘System Addict’, ‘The Slightest Touch’ and the anthem ‘Rain Or Shine’. The group holds the distinction of being the youngest British act to have a number one album, the first black group to win a BRIT (Best Group 1987) as well as the first group to achieve seven consecutive hit singles from a single album in the UK.
After taking a career break to raise her two children, Deniece made a triumphant return to the stage, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent. Her performances in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical ‘Thriller Live’ in 2009 garnered great reviews, as well as starring in ‘Respect La Diva’ where she wowed audiences with her sensational cover of Beyonce’s ‘Listen’ and a medley of Whitney Houston hits. Deniece’s star power extended to international stages, including a memorable performance at the Sydney Opera House in Australia as a lead singer in the show ‘Disco Divas’.
Deniece’s appearance on BBC1’s The Voice in 2012 opened new doors, including an incredible opportunity to support The Jacksons on their UK tour. In September 2013, she released ‘Rafiki Yangu’ (Swahili for ‘My Friend’), a heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela and Africa’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. The song, dedicated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, demonstrated Deniece’s commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact.
Following the success of her debut solo album, ‘Imprint’, released in the summer of 2014 and supported by a 16-date UK tour alongside Billy Ocean, Deniece continued to captivate audiences. Notably, she joined forces with DJ and producer Sigala to perform his chart-topping hit ‘Easy Love’ on the Top Of The Pops New Year’s Day BBC1 Special.
