(June 12, 2026) For soul music fans, Expansion Records has long been one of the most trusted names in the game, championing both classic grooves and new voices with a deep respect for the music’s roots. Now the venerable UK independent label is opening a fresh chapter with the launch of Expansion Select, a new imprint designed for projects that share the label’s soul foundation while stretching into related sounds, stories, and stage-driven worlds.
The first release from the imprint is “Break The Rules,” a vibrant new single from West End standout Rochelle Sherona, known for her work in The Lion King. The song also offers the first taste of Soul Mates, an original British musical written and composed by David Kent. The single will be released on July 1.
With Expansion Select, the label is making room for music that may not sit squarely inside its traditional lane, but still carries the passion, musicianship, and emotional pull that soul audiences expect. It is a smart move for a label whose listeners have always appreciated both authenticity and discovery.
“There is so much incredible music that shares our passion for soul but sits just outside the core Expansion sound,” says Ralph Tee of Expansion. “Expansion Select gives these projects the spotlight they deserve. ‘Break The Rules’ is the perfect maiden release. It’s bold, it’s authentic, and it absolutely demands to be heard.”
Soul Mates follows three aspiring performers from Essex as they chase ambition, friendship, and identity against the backdrop of Britain’s 1980s soul movement. Blending nostalgia with contemporary stagecraft, the musical looks to shine a light on a scene that remains beloved by many, but is still underrepresented in popular storytelling.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source soultracks.com ’
