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Olly Alexander leads inclusive choir in new take on ‘Shine’

"I can’t wait to see what else is to come from these incredible people."

By Alastair James

Olly Alexander and the Absolut Choir
Olly Alexander and the Absolut Choir (Image: Provided)

The Years and Years singer, Olly Alexander, is leading a brand-new an inclusive choir in a unique arrangement of his song ‘Shine’.

Formed out of some of the UK’s leading changemakers the Absolut Choir is built up of people representing a range of causes including body positivity, disability awareness, and equal rights.

Trans rights advocate Kenny Ethan Jones, Trans Voices Choir directors Coda Nicolaeff, creatives from the Trans Creative Collective (TCC) are among those taking part. Joining them are the disability champion Sian Lord, body positivity advocate Nyome Nicholas-Williams, ILĀ Sebastian and their members.

Speaking of the Choir Olly explains he had the idea of re-recording his song ‘Shine’ and including groups like TCC and Trans Voices. “I’m so lucky to have a platform for my voice and I want to use it to put the spotlight on people and things that need to be heard. We are literally here to amplify people’s voices and I can’t wait to see what else is to come from these incredible people.”

Kenny Ethan-Jones, who made history as the first trans man to front a period campaign adds, “Making change for the better is about reducing suffering and enhancing joy. Everyone deserves to live in a world in which they are accepted and celebrated for who they are”.

The Choir is the latest in Absolut’s Born To Mix UK programme, which focuses on driving change and continuing conversations on cultural and social causes. The company are also supporting the people within the Choir and their causes. As part of the campaign, Olly has also redesigned a limited-edition Absolut bottle.