Music Industry

The Urban Soul Orchestra; Superb String Orchestra for Recordings, Arrangements, Live Stage and Promotional Campaigns

Whether you are looking for experienced string session musicians or a string orchestra for live stage performances, the Urban Soul Orchestra has been at the forefront of the UK session scene for over 20 years.

Urban Soul Orchestra is a contemporary and versatile string ensemble. Our unique vibe stems from a combination of excellent musicianship, unique string arrangements, and the feel that is born from years of experience working at the top of the UK music industry.

We can bring all that expertise, experience and excellence to the studio or the stage for your next project in London, Europe or worldwide.

Professional Strings for Studio Recording

Our session musicians don’t just play the notes; USO string players have worked together in the studio and on stage, so we work as a team first take, every take. Our experience lets us shape the sound to what you require, from soulful classical strings to high-energy dance music
• For more details on our session musician and session strings services, see our Recording Sessions page.
• Click on the little white speaker icon beside the images below to hear the USO strings on tracks by our clients Nitin Sawhney, Keane and The Script.

String Ensembles for Live Stage Shows and Tours

The Urban Soul Orchestra are not just a studio orchestra; we perform live on stage across the world as backing musicians for artists as diverse as Il Divo and Keane. We pride ourselves on looking as good as we sound, so we are booked regularly for special events such as international fashion shows, product launches and exclusive parties.
• For full details of our stage string orchestra and other stage musicians available for tours, concerts and one-off events, see our Live/Stage page.

Professional String Arrangements

Urban Soul Orchestra Musical Director Stephen Hussey is one of the most innovative, dynamic and experienced professional arrangers in the UK. Both Stephen and the USO offer professional, accurate score editing and music copying for both live performances and studio recordings. We can also compose music for films, TV or video games.
• For more details, see our String Arrangements page.

TV, Video and Film Shoots, Promotional Campaigns

Urban Soul Orchestra have featured in numerous pop promo videos, video shoots and promo campaigns. We provide experienced, photogenic performers that bring both superb musicianship and glamour to your photo shoot or event.
• For full details, see our TV/Video page, or take a look at the video of The Akvinta Vodka Party at Cannes 2009.

More Than Just Strings: USO Big Band and Little Big Band

The Urban Soul Orchestra Big Band adds a horn section, live band and vocalists (if required) to our superb string section, for a backing band with both punch and class.
• For full details, and our latest show reels, see our USO Big Band page.

Sample Review:

“The second set opened with a juicy rendition of Stir It Up. It was a showcase for the Urban Soul Orchestra. A spirited duel between violinists Stephen Hussey and Miles Brett ensued sparking waves of spontaneous applause. It was then left to the rest of the excellent string section to take us out on a long sensual pizzicato groove.”

Paul Brad review on Ancient to Future about the Bob Marley And The Wailers tribute gig in London to Catch A Fire, October 25, 2012

Music:

Listen to the MP3's below for examples of USO and Stephen Hussey performing on tracks with Nitin Sawhney, Keane and The Script. (The music player takes a few seconds to load. Please click on the white speaker button to turn the music on or off.)

Distant Dreams
Nitin Sawhney
Love Is The End
Keane
Talk You Down
The Script

"I give USO my very highest recommendation for their artistic excellence and professionalism as a partner organisation".
Ingrid Leary, Director, British Council New Zealand.

USO DJ Set Performing At The Range Rover Evoque Launch, London Boat Show 2011. Music: USO Original "Soul Of The World" Featuring Fola
Watch Video

Urban Soul Orchestra