About Us
Our Journey
Duo Soul is the soul brother and sister of Simon Needham and Carren Richardson.
Simon and Carren are accomplished musicians with many years of experience behind them, ranging from solo performances through to various bands. They met when playing for a covers band and discovered a natural collaboration that became Duo Soul, resulting in original music and re-works of classic songs.
Carren Richardson
Carren’s love of jazz and soul shines through every note she sings. A late bloomer to the world of performing, she took up vocal and guitar lessons in recent years to bring more music into her life. Though new to the stage, these lessons built her confidence to perform and led her to Duo Soul, where she found her perfect groove alongside Simon.
Making music with Simon — writing, rehearsing, and performing — is both a joy and a personal achievement, fuelled by her passion for singing and sharing music that moves people.
Simon Needham
I first picked up a guitar at 16, but in college I was persuaded to switch to bass so I could join a three-piece punk band. That decision set the course for everything that followed. Over the years I’ve played in all kinds of covers bands — from two-piece duos to eight-piece lineups — across a wide range of genres. Sometimes I’ve stepped in on rhythm or lead guitar, but I’ve always come back to my first love: the bass. For me, bass is the heartbeat of a song. It’s what gets people swaying, tapping their feet, and feeling the groove.
Duo Soul has given me the chance to stretch out creatively — not just as a bassist, but also as a songwriter, vocalist, and music producer. Playing with Carren is a bass player’s dream: as a vocalist and guitarist she lets the music breathe, leaving me the space to craft warm, soulful bass lines that can really shine through.
Our offerings
Intimate live performance
Duo Soul’s Intimate Jazz Show blends timeless jazz standards with original music, delivered in a stripped-back style that lets the songs breathe. With no drums and a focus on voice, bass, and guitar, the result is a warm, late-night feel — soulful, relaxed, and perfect for creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and deeply personal.
Weddings and Events
For your special day, Duo Soul creates an atmosphere that’s both elegant and heartfelt. With smooth jazz, soulful classics, we provide the perfect soundtrack for everything from the ceremony to the celebration. We work with you to build out the playlist that brings your event to life and provide both live and recorded music to support the many moments of your occasion.
Atmosphere creation
From elegant, soulful grooves that set the perfect backdrop; upbeat, toe-tapping tunes that bring markets and afternoons to life, Duo Soul knows how to create just the right vibe. With a mix of jazz, soul, and originals, we shape the atmosphere to suit the moment — always warm, stylish, and memorable.
Charity and Social
We are happy to perform at no charge for charity functions and events, feel free to ask!