‘OCEAN FLOOR’, is the new album release from British singer, songwriter, pianist and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.

The 12-track live album explores stories relating to Witter-Johnson’s ancestral heritage, culture and identity, draws on the symbolism of the ocean through storytelling.

The first single ‘Pioneers’ is out today and is the second movement from the album’s powerful three-part ‘Ocean Floor’ suite which pays homage to two moments of personal significance to Witter-Johnson – a major historical event that affected her ancestors in the 18th century in which a British slave ship The Zong was responsible for the loss of 130 enslaved people who were purposely thrown overboard, and a tragic event witnessed by Witter-Johnson in Jamaica in which a young man lost his life to the ocean.

‘Ocean Floor’ is Witter-Johnson’s first new album release since 2019’s Road Runner and signals the latest in a long line of collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Shortly after graduating with a first-class degree from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Witter-Johnson participated in the LSO’s Panufnik and Soundhub Composers Schemes, and has since gone on to forge a close relationship with the organisation.

Her work with the LSO has involved numerous performances with members of the orchestra, a commission from the brass ensemble and has spanned across the orchestra’s community and outreach programmes through commissions and collaborations.

“I’m excited to finally announce Ocean Floor with the LSO Percussion Ensemble and our first single ‘Ocean Floor Suite Pt.2: Pioneers’,” Witter-Johnson enthused.

“This special project was born out of a beautiful friendship with Principal LSO Percussionist Neil Percy. His enthusiasm for my music was the catalyst for our first collaboration and subsequent commission ‘Forever’. Our aim was to create a full concert programme, which led to two further commissions, ‘Ocean Floor Suite’ and ‘Tidal Warning’.

“With the addition of a selection of arrangements and Gwilym’s ‘All Roads’, composed in response to my song ‘Chariot’, we have produced Ocean Floor as a fully realised collaboration.

“I treasure this project because I have felt continual support to express myself fully through the exploration of themes around my ancestry, family history and the ocean.”

Neil Percy, LSO Percussion Ensemble: “I first had the opportunity of working with Ayanna back in 2011 as part of the LSO’s ‘Soundhub’ scheme, which gives talented young composers an opportunity to work with, and have their music played by musicians from the LSO in a live concert.

“Ayanna’s piece featured her incredible talents not only as a composer, but her beautiful voice and amazing cello skills. I was completely blown away by her distinctive, individualistic talents, and made a point of saying to Ayanna there and then, ‘I’m sure we will collaborate together again in the future’.

“Incredibly, that dream has come true with Ayanna writing pieces specifically commissioned for the LSO Percussion Ensemble that not only showcase the talents of the group and the amazing Gwilym Simcock, but give us the opportunity to perform with Ayanna again.

“This is always such a joy; making music with such a dear friend, and bringing this music to life as a collective.”

Having collaborated with a prestigious rollcall of artists, including the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney and Akala, and having spent much of 2023 touring as part of Peter Gabriel’s band, Witter-Johnson is a restless, adventurous artist lauded for her innovative and experimental approach.

‘Ocean Floor’ once again finds the London-based multi-instrumentalist in constant motion, pushing the parameters of the cello and embracing an array of genres and styles.

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