Counting Stars with Max Sinàl and Sio
Counting Stars is the laidback, deeply emotional, and soothing deep house track that you always wanted, featuring Max Sinàl and Sio.
Following the success of Sio's acclaimed "Losing Sleep EP" on Soul Quest Records (SQR023), the South African poet, singer-songwriter and spoken word artist returns to the label to join forces with Soul Quest co-founder Max Sinàl on the deeply emotive new single, "Counting Stars."
Arriving as Soul Quest continues to establish itself as one of the UK's most exciting independent deep house imprints, "Counting Stars" captures everything the label has become known for: timeless grooves, soulful musicality and meaningful collaboration.
I've always loved stripped-back deep house where the groove and simplicity leave room for interesting chords and carefully chosen vocals. Sio was the obvious choice, and she nailed it.
Max Sinàl
Built around swinging house drums, warm Rhodes chords and an understated yet hypnotic bassline, the production embraces a beautifully stripped-back approach inspired by the deeper edges of house music. Rather than relying on excess, Max Sinàl lets space, groove, and subtle harmonic movement do the talking, creating the perfect backdrop for Sio's captivating spoken-word performance.
The collaboration came naturally. Having worked together across several projects in recent years, Max immediately knew Sio was the voice for the record.
It's a poem about delving into yourself honestly and confronting everything you uncover - especially the darker parts society teaches us to hide, your shadow self is needed to incubate and birth your light. It gives you depth, helps you expand and ultimately sets you free.
Sio
The result is a dreamlike meeting of soulful deep house and poetic introspection, showcasing another side of Sio's remarkable versatility while further cementing Max Sinàl's reputation as one of deep house's most prolific and exciting producers. With growing international acclaim, a distinctive London-rooted sound and a steady stream of standout releases, Max continues to push Soul Quest Records forward as a home for authentic, emotionally rich dance music.
Max Sinàl feat. Sio - Counting Stars
Release Date 14th August 2026
Label Soul Quest Records
Tracklist
1. Max Sinàl feat. Sio - Counting Stars (Radio Mix)
2. Max Sinàl feat. Sio - Counting Stars (Stripped Mix)
3. Max Sinàl feat. Sio - Counting Stars (Extended Mix)
4. Max Sinàl feat. Sio - Counting Stars (Instrumental)