Following an in depth interview with Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6 Music and the track’s premiere on Radio X with John Kennedy, New Town Ghosts (the project of acclaimed producer, musician, songwriter, and author Mark Rae) shares the new single ‘The Conker Boys.’
Taken from the anticipated multimedia project, also entitled ‘New Town Ghosts’ (April 11th) and the upcoming album ‘New Town Ghosts – Songs From The Novel By Mark Rae’ (due for release April 11th).
An ambitious and captivating endeavor that combines music and storytelling into a unique creative vision born out of Mark’s restless creativity, New Town Ghosts is an immersive experience that captures the themes of childhood friendship, spirits in the natural world, and the mysteries of growing up. With a career spanning decades and marked by innovation, Rae has reached a creative high point with this project.
The new single, ‘The Conker Boys’, beautifully showcases the elegant storytelling and rich creativity that define this project. A shimmering soundscape of interwoven, jangling guitars, tight drums, and a grounding bass line lays the foundation for lush vocal harmonies, melancholic melodies, and evocative lyricism. Seamlessly bridging music and literature, the track brings the novel’s narratives to life, enhancing them with infectious melodies and Mark’s innate ability to craft captivating, emotionally resonant music.
The themes explored in New Town Ghosts align with Mark Rae’s commitment to raising awareness of critical social issues, including neurodiversity, childhood poverty, environmental changes, and the importance of childhood freedom. These messages resonate through both the novel and the accompanying music, offering a poignant exploration of universal experiences.
Mark Rae describes New Town Ghosts as an innate personal project that unites his skills as a storyteller and musician. “This project represents a high-water mark in my creative output. I wanted to explore themes of childhood friendship, our relationship with nature, and the spirit world,” he says. “Set during the summer of 1976 in a Northumbrian new town, the story reflects the innocence and wonder of growing up during a unique time in history, intertwined with the emotional resonance of the music.”
Recorded across London, Tunbridge Wells, Manchester, and Liverpool, the album features an array of over 40 world-class musicians. Mixed by Erik Miles (Kate Nash, Soft Play) at The Forum Tunbridge Wells, the songs incorporate strings, horns, male vocals from Steve Wood’s VoxPop choir, and live instrumentation, resulting in a rich, cinematic soundscape. Each song mirrors the emotional journey of the book, deepening its themes and bringing its characters to life.
About Mark Rae:
Mark Rae has had a hugely successful career in music and literature, producing and remixing for over 100 artists, including Dinah Washington, Jay-Z, Texas, The Jungle Brothers, The Pharcyde, and M People. As one half of Rae & Christian, he has released three acclaimed albums, including Northern Sulphuric Soul, collaborating with legends like Bobby Womack, Foster The People, and Jazzy Jeff. His work has been a cornerstone of the UK’s electronic, soul, and hip-hop scenes, earning over 50 million streams, multiple platinum records, and placements in Sex and the City and Six Feet Under.
Mark co-founded the iconic Fat City record shop and Grand Central Records, amassing 10 platinum, one gold, and one silver certification as a songwriter for Rae & Christian and Texas/Sharleen Spiteri. He has performed at major festivals like Glastonbury, Roskilde, and North Sea Jazz, and even shared the stage with Madonna at her legendary Brixton comeback concert. He has recorded at the famed D & D studio, received extensive BBC radio play, and given a live interview on Radio 6 with Chris Hawkins.
Beyond music, Mark has recorded songs with Robbie Williams, played football with members of the Sex Pistols, Superman, Rod Stewart, and Vinnie Jones, and even holds a Guinness World Record as a DJ. Mark has authored three books: an autobiography chronicling his journey in the music industry, the novel The Caterpillar Club, and the upcoming New Town Ghosts, all accompanied by soundtracks he wrote and performed, a pioneering approach that brings his characters and scenes to life through music.
Plans are underway for a theatrical live performance of the album in Spring 2025 in Tunbridge Wells, incorporating dramatic interludes that further bring the story to life. Potential venues include The Forum and The Trinity Theatre, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Mark Rae – The Conker Boys
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