Syleena Johnson, Shy Cookie and The House & Garage Orchestra release 'Take Care'

September 4th 2026 – After a decade of reinventing UK Garage live, The House & Garage Orchestra today launch their original recording era with the release of their first studio single ‘Take Care’, featuring vocals from Syleena Johnson and produced by Shy Cookie. Listen here.

The Grammy-nominated Syleena Johnson brings her unmistakable soul, warmth and emotional depth to ‘Take Care’, creating a powerful transatlantic collaboration which unites the rich traditions of American soul with the unmistakable sound of UK Garage.

Blending the emotional depth of classic soul with the rich musicality of The House & Garage Orchestra’s signature live sound, ‘Take Care’ delivers an uplifting anthem centred around resilience, compassion and human connection.

Regarding the single Syleena Johnson says, “Working with The House & Garage Orchestra was such a natural collaboration. There’s so much heart in what they create and ‘Take Care’ is one of those songs that reminds you why music connects people across cultures and generations.”
‘Take Care’ has been written by Urban Music Award winner and MOBO nominee Gemma Fox. With a career spanning more than two decades she has established herself as one of the defining voices across R&B, UKG, Bassline and Grime. ‘Take Care’ marks the first release in her role as the official songwriter for The House & Garage Orchestra, signalling the beginning of an exciting new era of original music for the collective.

Produced by The House & Garage Orchestra founder and one of the pioneering architects of UK Garage, Shy Cookie, ‘Take Care’ continues the work of an artist whose influence has helped shape the genre for more than 25 years. Best known as the producer behind many of DJ Luck & MC Neat’s biggest records, Shy Cookie played a pivotal role in evolving the duo’s sound from sample-based productions to original compositions and live instrumentation.

His production work contributed to some of UKG’s defining releases including the likes of hit singles ‘Irie’, while his own productions included underground favourites such as ‘Poison’, ‘Burning’ and ‘Troublesome’ which solidified his standing in the underground while also feeding the mainstream success of UK Garage.

Continuing about ‘Take Care’, Shy Cookie says, “‘Take Care’ is a love letter to the House and Garage music I grew up with. More than anything, it marks a return to the original vision for The House & Garage Orchestra: combining live musicians with my own studio production to create original music that captures the uplifting spirit, soul and energy of the genre.

I've always believed the best records stand the test of time because they're built on great songs, real musicianship, irresistible groove, genuine soul and heartfelt emotion. That's the foundation of ‘Take Care’. It honours the roots of UK Garage while pushing the music forward, blending the warmth of live performance with contemporary production to create something timeless – music that respects its heritage while looking confidently to the future.”

‘Take Care’ is the opening chapter of a long-term recording project that will see The House & Garage Orchestra release a series of original records over the coming months, expanding their catalogue while continuing to celebrate the sound, culture and community which inspired the orchestra from the very beginning.

The release also marks the beginning of celebrations leading towards The House & Garage Orchestra’s 10th Anniversary UK Tour in 2027. Taking to the road in February, the eight-date tour marks ten years of one of Britain’s most celebrated live dance music productions. Audiences can expect an entirely new show featuring breathtaking orchestral arrangements, powerhouse vocalists, iconic House & Garage anthems, special guest DJs and MCs, spectacular production and a host of further surprises.

THE HOUSE & GARAGE ORCHESTRA 2027 HEADLINE TOUR DATES

• February 20th – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
• February 27th – Birmingham, O2 Institute
• April 10th – Nottingham, Rock City *
• April 17th – Bournemouth, O2 Academy
• May 1st – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
• May 8th – Bristol, O2 Academy
• May 22nd – Leeds, O2 Academy
• May 30th – Brighton, Chalk *

*new date added
Tickets are on sale now via https://thgo.co.uk/tour