Margate’s Social Singing Choir is on a mission to convince band HAIM to let members open for them when they kick off their global tour at Dreamland next month.
The community choir, founded and run by Emmy-nominated vocal coach and musical director Hughie Gavin, has been singing HAIM songs and posting videos to the LA-based sister-trio on social media in a bid to pique their interest.
And it might be working, says Hughie.
He said: “It all started by accident really. HAIM are coming to Dreamland and we just happened to be singing HAIM songs. We’d just finished learning some songs for a VE Day celebration and one of our members, Jake, said ‘how amazing would it be if we got to perform this with them.’
“He said we should sing a HAIM song every day until they let us do it!
“We are now on about day 18. Every rehearsal we have been learning a few more bits, recording them and then putting it online. We’ve done it in lots of different places, like the Shakespeare pub and Margate station, all as a bit of fun and trying to see what will happen.
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“They are definitely aware it is happening and we have been contacted by their management. It’s not a done deal but it could come off!
“Even if it doesn’t happen, they’ve got a great back catalogue and we’re having a lot of fun working through it!”
HAIM play a one-off show at Dreamland on June 27 as part as their new ‘I quit’ tour. The Dreamland website also promises ‘special guests.’
The trio’s songs include The Steps, The Wire and Summer Girl.
Hughie says the choir consists of some HAIM superfans who are determined to get on the stage with the group! If they succeed there is capacity for around 80 members to take part.
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The Social Singing Choir rehearses every Tuesday at Union Church and Hughie says the focus is ‘fun’ and ‘the simple joy of singing with others’
Closely linked to Institute Studios, the choir benefits from opportunities to take part in professional recording sessions, performances, and collaborations – blending grassroots music-making with wider creative projects.
The choir’s work has reached national and international platforms. This year, members featured on two Swedish Grammy-nominated tracks with artist Joshua Idehen.
Previous projects include an EP released via Moshi Moshi Records, a BBC Radio 1 Hottest Record feature with Swim Deep and contributions to soundtracks including Catherine Tate’s Netflix series.
The group also took part in the award-winning Up In Smoke campaign for WWF in 2023 and has performed on bills with SELF ESTEEM and Mitski and as part of campaigns for brands like Very.com and events such as the Turner Prize.
The choir partners with local charities to support community causes, using their voices to raise awareness and funds.
Find Social Singing Choir on Facebook here or Instagram socialsingingchoir
Tickets for HAIM cost from £66.60, including booking fee. The gig is 14+ and under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
To book tickets go to: https://www.dreamland.co.uk/event/haim/
