London-based pop singer Rhian! breathes new life into LGBTQ+ icon, Sylvester’s, track ‘I Need Somebody To Love Tonight’

London-based singer-songwriter Rhian! delves into the catalogue of LGBTQ+ icon Sylvester on the sexy dance track I Need Somebody To Love Tonight set to be released on January 31.

Rhian! is no stranger to a club banger, his summer single Vitamin D was a hit on the dance floors in London and made its way onto radio stations all over Europe.

When thinking about ‘Pride anthems,’ a few tracks immediately spring to mind — and among them is the timeless 1978 hit You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester which Rhian! includes in most of his live sets.

It is evident that Sylvester is a huge influence on Rhian!’s sound and style. By covering this track, he is paying homage to this influential figure who paved the way for LGBTQ+ music. Collaborating once again with friend and producer Massimo Bragheiri, they have infused the track with electronic and house production elements; seamlessly melding Rhian!’s falsetto stylings into the song’s fabric.

His vocal is quite restrained throughout the track, exuding vulnerability and a yearning to be loved. Celebrating Sylvester’s legacy through this heartfelt Rhian! cover, he has made this track his own with new adlibs and boasts a new background vocal arrangement.

‘He was so much more than just that track and I want to shine a light on his catalogue and bring his talent in front of ears that don’t know him beyond Mighty Real. He was way ahead of his time.’ Rhian!

Originally born in Trinidad, Rhian! started his journey singing in the church choir at the age of four and faced the challenges of concealing his sexuality in his early years. He won two silver medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts in California, performed 12 sold out shows at the Pearl Theatre in Shanghai, and released his debut single in 2022.

Since then he has racked up over 100,000 Spotify streams and has appeared in the top 10 on multiple iTunes charts around the world. His music has been featured on BBC Introducing, Pride Radio, Gaydio and many more. Last year Rhian! put out an impressive 11 releases, a combination of singles and remix EPs.

Rhian!’s sound and style carry themselves with a certain ineffable charm; playful, sultry while more than engaging enough to light up a dance floor. Follow Rhian! on his social media accounts to keep up with the latest releases.