The Quantic Soul Orchestra is a live funk project initiated by Will Holland… Read Full Bio ↴The Quantic Soul Orchestra is a live funk project initiated by Will Holland, aka Quantic, which eschews the use of samples in favour of a rawer '70s sound. Considered one of the main acts in the modern funk movement.

Releases
- Stampede (2003)
- Pushin' On (2005)
- I'm Thankful (2006)
- Tropidélico (2007)

"Putting something back" is how Will Holland described the reason for starting The Quantic Soul Orchestra. Having released two succesful albums on Tru Thoughts under his Quantic guise - The 5th Exotic and Apricot Morning (which fused jazzy and breakbeat sounds), he felt his next musical adventure would be to focus on the album Stampede. The Quantic Soul Orchestra is a live project, strictly no samples allowed. Influenced by Mr Holland's love of the dusty funk 45's, he wanted to record and produce an album with creative and like minded musicians.

With pop acts in the 2000s now using hip-hop beats (beats which are heavily influenced by funk records from the 70s) it was important for the QSO to make their sound rough, raw and real - it's definitely not Acid Jazz but has a deeper funk sound that shows that this music is well and truly alive in the new millennium. Their album Stampede was influenced by the many flamboyant (but often poor) musicians in the 70s who loved music for music's sake, who wanted to dance and make people dance.

They are not trying to be retro and trendy, hence the cover version of 4 Hero's future soul anthem from 2002 Hold It Down. Sung in one take as vocalist Alice Russell warmed up before a recording session, it was decided that the original Holland penned instrumental should be replaced with this version. Ms Russell also lends her soulful voice to two other tracks on Stampede Something That's Real and Take Your Time, Change Your Mind. The other sung track finds John Hughes adding vocals (as well as some guitar and flute) to the classic QSO 7" Super 8. The QSO also adds Afro Beat, Soul and Jazz influences to the Funk sound with musicians Dave Woodhouse (Clavinet, Rhodes and Trumpet), Damian Bell (Trombone), Antonia Pheulatos (String Arrangements and Violin), Lucy Holland (Saxophone), Richard Gibbs (Drums) and of course Will Holland himself (Guitars, Bass and Percussion) adding to the variety.

Pushin' On ft. Alice Russell
The Quantic Soul Orchestra Lyrics

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Till my stone cold grave I'll be Pushin on (she'll be pushing on)
Till my blood runs dry I'll be riding high (she'll be riding high)
When my soles wear through I won't be feeling blue, I'll be Pushin' on (pushin' on)
YEAH!

Till my soul fades by I've got to try try try (got to try try try)
Till my breath's all gone I'll be pushin' on so strong (oh so strong)
On Judgment day I won't fade away, I'll be Pushin' on (pushin on)

YEAH!

Till my dying day I won't give it all away I'll be pushin' on (pushin' on)
Till the rivers run dry I've got to try try try, I'll keep pushin' on (pushin' on)
When my soles wear through I won't be feeling blue, I'll keep pushin' on (pushin' on)
YEAH!

Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on
Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on
Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on
Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on
Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on
Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on

YEAH!

Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on

Push push pushin' on
She'll keep pushin' on

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Pushin' On" by The Quantic Soul Orchestra featuring Alice Russell describe the determination to keep going through life's challenges and obstacles. The repeated chorus of "Push push pushin' on, she'll keep pushin' on" emphasizes the tenacity and strength of the singer. The repeated phrases throughout the verses, such as "Till my blood runs dry," "Till my dying day," and "Till the rivers run dry," further illustrate the commitment to persevering through all circumstances. The lyrics suggest that even in the face of death and judgment, the singer will continue to push forward and not give up.

The use of "she" in the chorus also adds a sense of strength and empowerment, as if the singer is speaking not only for themselves but for all individuals who face adversity. The use of repetitive and forceful language in the lyrics, such as "I've got to try try try" and "I won't give it all away," contributes to the overall message of resilience and determination.

Overall, "Pushin' On" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to keep pushing forward and not give up in the face of struggles and challenges.

Line by Line Meaning

Till my stone cold grave I'll be Pushin on (she'll be pushing on)
I will persevere until my very last breath

Till my blood runs dry I'll be riding high (she'll be riding high)
I will remain strong and confident until the very end

When my soles wear through I won't be feeling blue, I'll be Pushin' on (pushin' on)
Even when things get tough, I will not give up or lose hope

Till my soul fades by I've got to try try try (got to try try try)
I will keep pushing and trying until my very essence fades away

Till my breath's all gone I'll be pushin' on so strong (oh so strong)
I will remain resolute and unyielding until the very end of my life

On Judgment day I won't fade away, I'll be Pushin' on (pushin on)
Even on the day of judgement, I will remain steadfast and true

Till my dying day I won't give it all away I'll be pushin' on (pushin' on)
I will preserve my energy and effort until the day I die

Till the rivers run dry I've got to try try try, I'll keep pushin' on (pushin' on)
I will not stop trying and persevering until everything around me comes to an end

When my soles wear through I won't be feeling blue, I'll keep pushin' on (pushin' on)
Even when I'm tired and beaten down, I will keep fighting and pushing

Push push pushin' on
I will continue pushing forward

She'll keep pushin' on
The singer will persevere and remain strong

YEAH!
An expression of enthusiasm and confidence

Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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