THE ORCHESTRA BEHIND THE MUSIC
Worked With
String Sections and Session Orchestras
From a single player to a full symphony orchestra, USO brings together exceptional session musicians for recording projects of every scale.
Strings, brass, woodwind and percussion can be built around the music, the arrangement and the sound of the artist, from intimate string sections to large-scale orchestral sessions.
Our musicians are experienced recording players, selected for the project and brought together as an ensemble specifically for the session. Where the music needs more than players, USO can also arrange and orchestrate from the ground up, taking an idea, demo or existing track through to a complete orchestral score.
Recording, Live and Broadcast Credits
USO musicians can be heard on recordings and seen on stage alongside some of the most recognisable names in music, with credits spanning major-label releases, live performance and broadcast.
Recording work includes Annie Lennox (Nostalgia, Island Records), Liam Gallagher (AIR Studios / Warner Music UK) and Little Mix, with sessions taking place at many of London’s leading studios, including Abbey Road, AIR Studios, Metropolis, RAK, Angel, Premises, Miloco and SW19.
Beyond the recording studio, USO has provided musicians, string and orchestral sections, arrangements and orchestration for artist performances across The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show, Top of the Pops, BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, BBC Radio 2 and other major live and broadcast productions.
Session Orchestra and Recording
USO provides session orchestras and recording musicians for projects across classical, pop, film and screen, electronic, jazz, reggae and world music, bringing together exceptional players for recordings of every scale.
From intimate string sections and chamber ensembles to full orchestral recording sessions, each line-up is built around the music, its scale and the sound of the artist or production behind it.
Our musicians work across strings, brass, woodwind, percussion and rhythm sections, with ensembles assembled specifically for each recording. Sessions can work from an existing score or arrangement, or USO can provide arranging and orchestration as part of the project, taking the music from its first ideas through to the final recording.
Directed by Stephen Hussey
At the heart of USO is founder and Musical Director Stephen Hussey, whose work spans orchestration, arranging, recording and live performance.
Working directly with artists, producers, labels and music supervisors, Stephen can take a project from its earliest musical ideas through to the recording session or stage, shaping the arrangement, orchestrating for the ensemble and directing the musicians in performance.
Whether working from a finished score, a demo or an idea still taking shape, the orchestra is built around the music and the sound the project is looking to achieve. USO can oversee the complete process, from arranging and orchestration to musician booking, session direction and recording.
Working with USO was an amazing and enlightening experience. They helped transform our dance floor classic 'Blackwater' into an absolute brilliant work of art.
USO on Record
A selection of recordings featuring USO musicians, from string sections and orchestral sessions to full ensemble recordings for major artists. Hear the orchestra across pop, soul, electronic, classical and contemporary music, recorded at some of the UK’s leading studios.
Sessions & Recordings | FAQ
What Can Urban Soul Orchestra Provide for a Recording Session?
Any force the track requires — a string quartet, a full string section, brass, woodwind, a chamber orchestra or a full orchestra of up to forty-five players, and larger on request. The line-up is engaged to suit the arrangement and the studio, rather than fixed to a standard package.
Which Studios Does USO Record at?
USO's musicians have recorded at many of London's principal studios, among them Abbey Road, AIR, Metropolis, RAK, Angel, Premises, Miloco and SW19. Sessions can be arranged at the studio of your choice.
Who Directs the Session?
When musical direction is required, founder and Musical Director Stephen Hussey leads it — coordinating the players, the arrangement and the take to the standard the recording demands.
Does USO Write Arrangements as Well as Supply Players?
Yes. Alongside session players, USO composes, orchestrates and prepares scores — so a project can arrive with a finished arrangement or have one written from scratch.
What Genres Does USO Record Across?
Classical, pop, film and screen, electronic, jazz, reggae and world music. The orchestra reads and adapts to the idiom of the project rather than imposing a single house sound.
Who Can Make an Enquiry, and How Quickly Can You Turn a Session Around?
An enquiry can come from anyone involved in the project — the artist, the label, the producer or the music supervisor. Turnaround is fast and availability flexible; lead time depends on the forces and studio required, and is confirmed at the point of enquiry.
Speak to the Musical Director
Tell us about the project, the instrumentation you need and where you are planning to record. We can provide players at any scale, arrange or orchestrate where required, and coordinate the session from first conversation through to the final take.
For projects still at an early stage, speak to the Musical Director about the arrangement, line-up, studio requirements and budget.
