Billy Porter makes debut under joint partnership between Island UK and Republic Records

15 October 2021 - Press release

GRAMMY®, EMMY®, and Tony® Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, playwright, and author Billy Porter unveils a brand new single entitled “Children” today. The single marks Billy’s debut under his newly minted joint partnership with Island UK and Republic Records. 

Listen to “Children” HERE. 

“Children” is a high-energy dancefloor anthem co-written with GRAMMY® Award-nominated songwriter MNEK [H.E.R., Dua Lipa] and Little Mix’s Jade Thirwell. Speaking about the inspiration behind the track Billy says, “It’s a song that is inspired by my life and everything I’ve gone through to get here.”

The song begins wistfully, with Porter empathizing:

See I know times are hard, Yeah I mean it from the heart

You’re not losing the fight, love will make it alright

Cos i’ve been there, done that, worn that dress, so you know mama knows it best

A beat drop follows, kicking into a propulsive disco groove as Porter triumphantly promises: a change starts today, better wipe those tears away.

“Music is my first love,” says Porter. “I grew up singing in the church. When I first put out commercial music in 1997, the industry was not ready for all this Black Boy Joy! But luckily the world has caught up. I could not be more thrilled to entrust this next chapter of my music career to the Island/Republic team. Make way children! Daddy’s back.”

Porter delivers the song’s show-stopping hook, “Gotta let these children know what time it is,” punctuated by his jaw-dropping range.

“For the first time, my music is what I want it to be, what I want it to say, which is hope, love,” said Porter. “We have to choose it every day so we can fight the evil that is so pervasive. We can only fight it with love and I am so excited for my music for that.”