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Our story · Since February 2023
It started with a queue
out of the door.
One idea. Nearly 80 people. An atmosphere we knew was special from the very first night.
02 · 2023
A simple idea.
A big response.
SLYMI began with a simple idea: to create a local community choir where adults could sing great music, meet new people and feel part of something.
There would be no auditions, no intimidation and no need for previous choir experience. Just a welcoming room, brilliant songs and the chance to sing together.
We knew there was an appetite for something different—but we weren't expecting nearly 80 people to arrive for our first rehearsal.
There was a queue out of the door.From that first night, the atmosphere felt special: fast-paced, uplifting and full of energy. People sang, laughed and connected—and SLYMI began to feel like a community immediately.
Photo: Aspicio ImageryThe SLYMI sound
Music you wouldn't expect a choir to sing.
Every song is given its own bespoke arrangement, created especially for the choir by musical director Andy Gilbert.
Rather than relying on standard choir repertoire, SLYMI explores everything from unexpected contemporary tracks to pop, soul, indie, disco and modern classics.
Everything is taught by ear, so members don't need to read music. The aim is to keep the repertoire fresh, exciting and sometimes surprising—while creating a distinctive sound that belongs to SLYMI.
Professional standards.
Supportive atmosphere.
Through his work as a musician, producer, arranger and musical director, Andy brings experience from the professional music world into SLYMI.
That influences everything from the bespoke arrangements and rehearsal sound to the recording sessions, releases and live performances.
But professional doesn't have to mean intimidating.
Andy makes ambitious musical experiences feel comfortable, enjoyable and accessible. Members are supported through each step—whether they're learning their first harmony, singing into a studio microphone or preparing for a headline performance.
The professional expertise is there to help members sound their best, not to judge them.
No pressure. No intimidation. Just great music.
Rehearsals are only the beginning
From Wednesdays
to London studios.
At least once a year, the choir records in leading London studios—including our recent session at the legendary RAK Studios—giving members the chance to experience what it feels like to make a professional record together.
Finished tracks are released across major music platforms and supported by promotional videos, taking SLYMI far beyond the rehearsal room.
For many members, recording in a professional studio, appearing in a music video or performing at a headline gig is something they never imagined when they first walked through the door.
Three years.
One growing
community.
- 01Nearly 80 people at our first rehearsal
- 02Sold-out headline gigs
- 03Professional London recording sessions
- 04Music releases and promotional videos
- 05Charity recording projects
- 06A thriving community built around music
The performances and recordings are memorable, but the choir members themselves remain SLYMI's greatest achievement.
Watch the story
Hold Back
the River.
A SLYMI charity recording made together in a professional London studio.
Where we're going
Still growing.
Still singing.
The ambition is to keep the community thriving, create opportunities for even bigger performances and pursue increasingly high-profile recording projects.
As SLYMI grows into new locations, the principle will remain the same:
Great music. Great sound. No pressure.Book your free taster