SMOKE RAINBOWS (MUSIC MINDS MATTER) 27 Apr 2019
Various Artists in aid of Help Musicians UK’s’ Music Minds Matter mental health support service
Released on 17th May during Mental Health Awareness Week 2019
Vinyl, CD and 24-bit Hi-Res Release with Heat Reactive Thermochromic artwork
Album available from: bit.ly/2YX8KKY
“I’m such a big fan of Help Musicians UK because they get it, and they’re there for musicians when they really need it. They’ve got my back and that means everything. I hope this record will help others to appreciate the work they do for musicians, and support them.” – Magic Lantern
With a release scheduled for 17 May 2019 during Mental Health Awareness Week, Smoke Rainbows has been created to raise funds for Music Minds Matter, the around the clock listening ear support service from independent music charity Help Musicians UK.
Smoke Rainbows is a unique, collectible compilation album, that brings together a rare mix of incredible musical talent, who have lovingly produced knockout ‘one-take-no-edits-no-overdubs’ performances at Abbey Road Studio 2. These include The Magic Numbers, Magic Lantern, Ren Harvieu, Penny Police, Matt Deighton, Pat Dam Smyth, Charlie Wood, The Leisure Society, and The Blow Monkeys.
The album is the brainchild of CIC and publisher Karousel Music and York St John University, who teamed up with Help Musicians UK, together with Monks Road, to invite 12 artists to record across four days as part of York St John’s annual music production project. The product is Smoke Rainbows, an eclectic concept record that, for all the ground covered by musicians spanning genres from pop to jazz, indie and folk, is an ode to personal story-telling and the spirit of community that connects music with listeners, all lovingly created in support of Help Musicians UK’s Music Minds Matter.
This sense of connectedness is carried through the stunning thermochromic artwork by Steph and Scott Jones (Arctic Monkeys, Zutons, The Coral). Each musician appearing on the album was asked to draw a line that represents their relationship with music. These individual lines were then combined to create the beautifully chaotic ‘smoke rainbow’ on the cover sleeve. The simple warmth of human touch is enough to turn the abstract black artwork into an image bursting with colour, a creative and profound Easter egg that is a nod to just how important that little bit of connection can be to those that might be struggling.
The album features Mercury Music Prize nominees The Magic Numbers, 80s legends The Blow Monkeys, a 10 year anniversary performance of The Leisure Society’s Ivor Novello nominated Last of the Melting Snow. There’s a rip-roaring version of Grand Piano from a man with the freedom of the city of Memphis for his service to Jazz and Blues, Charlie Wood. There’s also the simply stunning track Overshadowed from former Mother Earth, Oasis and Paul Weller band enigma Matt Deighton. They were joined by recent 6Music track of the week artist The Magic Lantern, Salford’s finest Ren Harvieu, Tyni a pop gem from Sheffield, a spine-tingling solo track from BMG published Scottish artist Rory Butler; an electronic sparkler from Brighton’s Bloom and Abbey Road engineers’ favourite Danish artist Penny Police. And to round it off, Northern Ireland’s Pat Dam Smyth’s stunningly beautiful, sad, yet optimistic Where The Light Goes.
Here’s what Smoke Rainbows artists had to say about what being part of the album meant to them:
Matt Deighton said “I've always liked the parquet flooring at Abbey Road, along with the room sounds you can get. Overshadowed had an extra dimension in there. Thanks to Help Musicians UK, who over the past have indeed helped this musician in a time when the chords were of a minor persuasion. So I would like to dedicate this live version to all at Help Musicians UK, and to my friend Chris Sheehan who lit the spark for the record to be possible.”
The Magic Lantern added “I know I’m lucky to be a musician, it’s what I love to do. But it’s not always easy to put yourself out there. So much of what I’m trying to do with my music is to try and express both the complexities and the beauties of life. I’m such a big fan of Help Musicians UK because they get it, and they’re there for musicians when they really need it. They’ve got my back and that means everything. I hope this record will help others to appreciate the work they do for musicians, and support them.”
Ren Harvieu said “I’m supporting Help Musicians UK as I believe it to be such an important and crucial cause. In an industry that demands so much from musicians it is alarming how little support is given back to them when they need it. Whether it be help financially, mental health support, or even just someone to talk to, knowing there is a charity like Help Musicians UK out there could make the world of difference to so many lives. I want to raise awareness of this wonderful charity in the hope that more musicians come forward and get the love and support they deserve. It’s a gorgeous record I’m glad to be a part of.”
Pat Dam Smyth said “the inner workings of musicians in a world of do-it-yourself are maniacal even in the best circumstances. Sometimes it’s too much to bear and the situations are so specifically unique to musicians that there are few places of refuge to go to or understand. Help Musicians is one of these places. It offers a profound and unique help to our soldiers of sound. I’ve seen too much tragedy in music in the past and to have a charity solely dedicated to the musicians plight is a light that we can walk to in a world where an artist is expected to take on ever mounting responsibilities. The chance to support the charity in the most famous studio in the world by being part of this album was perfect.”
Charlie Wood said “Even at the best of times, it’s hard to keep body, mind & soul intact. And these, gentle reader, are not the best of times. That’s why Nic, Dudley, Chris and I are proud to be supporting Help Musicians UK, the charity that supports musicians in crisis. When we music makers find ourselves in some trouble we can’t find our way out of, Help Musicians UK are the big-hearted, top-notch, bad-ass problem solvers who swoop in and save the day. They honestly do give a damn and they’re ready, willing & able to help, as long as they keep getting the vital financial support they need - like from nice folks like you buying this groovy record. Thank you very kindly. Happy listening.”
Rory Butler who was supported through Help Musicians UK’s Emerging Artists Fund in 2017 said “It's a sad thought that there are so many great songs out there unheard purely because of money. HMUK are out there bringing music to life, helping those musicians who struggle to fund what can be an expensive industry. I have them to thank for my first album and will always remember it! The work they do for musicians health and mental health though is incredible.”
Karousel Music CEO Chris Sheehan said, “Musicians are the first people to stand up and raise money for charity, even when they’re struggling to make ends meet themselves. But who raises for them? We felt it was about time we did something for those musicians who need the help that this remarkable charity gives – some are retired and have given their lives to music, some are mid-career and facing a health or financial crisis; and some are just starting out. We passionately believe in the work Help Musicians UK does for our musical family, and we hope people out there will join us in raising money for the charity’s vital service Music Minds Matter, which has become part of the album’s title.”
Help Musicians UK CEO James Ainscough added, “This is an album of truly beautiful songs, where the passion and artistry of those involved in creating it shines through. An album of this nature dedicated to the charity is a first for Help Musicians and a huge honour. I would like to thank Chris, Karousel, York St John University, Monk’s Road, Abbey Road and all the incredible artists involved for their precious time and support. At Help Musicians, we want a world where musicians thrive. Supporting the mental health of musicians via the Music Minds Matter listening ear service is an important part of our work. The proceeds from this album will help us continue to reach more musicians in the years ahead – offering a lifetime of support, when it is needed most.”
Tracklisting:
- The Leisure Society ‘Last of the melting snow’
- The Magic Numbers ‘Wayward’
- Penny Police ‘Take on a little love’
- The Magic Lantern ‘Different paths’
- Matt Deighton ‘Overshadowed’
- Rory Butler ‘Mind your business’
- Bloom ‘People like you’
- Charlie Wood ‘Grand piano’
- Ren Harvieu ‘Little raven’
- The Blow Monkeys ‘Fortune’s wheel’
- Pat Dam Smyth ‘Where the light goes’
- Tyni ‘Fighter’
SMOKE RAINBOWS
17th May 2019
(£20 for VINYL and £15 for CD – plus whatever you can afford to donate.)
Available direct from Music Glue
Pre order your copy now: bit.ly/2YX8KKY
Digital version to be released by Karousel Music.
NEWS & PRESS
Fallow Festival Fund launched at Festival Congress
AIF and Citizen Ticket partner to support struggling festivals. Call issued for financial or service donations to help events return. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) and Citizen Ticket have partnered to create the Fallow Festival Fund, a new package to support...more
AIF calls for CMS Select Committee inquiry into UK festivals
Rallying cry issued to festivals promoters, freelancers and suppliers at 2025 Festival Congress. Campaign for inquiry backed by NOQ Group. 78 UK festivals fell in 2024, with 5 having already cancelled this year. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for the...more
Bucks signs CLAVIS 7EVEN to worldwide deal
Bucks Music Group has signed rapper, singer/songwriter, instrumentalist and producer CLAVIS 7EVEN to an exclusive worldwide music publishing deal. Born in Congo and raised in Wolverhampton, CLAVIS 7EVEN has been dubbed one of the most compelling voices in the new wave...more
Audiomovers launches 'Unsung' podcast series celebrating the hidden heroes of music creation
THE PODCAST’S FIRST EPISODE FEATURING UK PRODUCER AND CENTRAL CEE COLLABORATOR EIGHT8 IS OUT NOW -LISTEN HERE Audiomovers, innovators in pro audio collaboration tools, proudly announce the launch of their new podcast series, Unsung. This compelling series explores the untold stories...more
NTIA Electronic Music Report Highlights £2.4 Billion Contribution to UK Economy and Calls for Government Recognition
NTIA Calls for the Department for Culture to Recognise the Value of Electronic Music, As 2025 Electronic Music Report Highlights £2.4 Billion Contribution to UK Economy The third annual UK Electronic Music Industry Report details the genre's vast value, potential, and...more
Warner Chappell Music Signs Global Administration Deal with Luke Steele
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with singer/songwriter Luke Steele from the multi-platinum Australian electronic group Empire of the Sun. The duo has earned a number of accolades, including eight ARIA Awards, two APRA Awards, and...more
BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music delight listeners whilst new streams, music mixes and US election drive record plays on BBC Sounds in Q4 2024
New figures across BBC Radio and BBC Sounds show how listeners consumed the BBC’s audio content in the final quarter of 2024, both live and on demand. During a quarter of significant change in the audio industry, BBC Radio 2 and...more
UK's award-winning Future Art and Culture team up with Ristband for groundbreaking live music and mixed reality showcase at South by Southwest
Other Future Art and Culture world premieres include major collaborations focused on the cosmos and national identity Panel events explore the use of tech, VR, XR and AI to benefit disabled people and to improve mental health and wellbeing Award-winning individuals and...more
TuneCore Accelerator Report 3.0 Showcases Breakthrough Artist Success
TuneCore, the leading independent development partner for self-releasing artists—owned by Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies—has released the third edition of the TuneCore Accelerator Report, highlighting increased utilization of the TuneCore Accelerator platform and the substantial streaming...more
Live Music: new survey to investigate racial bias in licensing of music events in London
"This survey is a crucial step in driving real change in live music licensing. Through Project REMEL, we are uncovering the systemic barriers in licensing that Black and Asian artists, promoters, and venue owners have faced for too long. Barriers...more
Ace Records celebrates 50th anniversary and appoints Liz Buckley as Head of A&R
Ace Records − the longest running independent record label in the UK − will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Building further on five decades of a deep passion for and devotion to catalogue exploration and crate-digging culture, Ace Records'...more
AI Rights Management Platform Musical AI Raises $2.1 Million CAD Investment
Musical AI, the rights management platform for generative AI, has raised initial investment to support music's first attribution model. The $2.1 mil Canadian investment is led by Build Ventures, one of Canada's largest VC firms investing in startups. Select angel...more
The Marley family, UMe, and Island Records announce yearlong 80th birthday commemorative plans for Bob Marley
MARLEY 80 KICKS OFF FEBRUARY 6 WITH AN ‘UPRISING’ TRIBUTE CONCERT LIVESTREAM FROM THE TUFF GONG STUDIOS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA, HONORING THE GONG’S LEGACY – WATCH HERE PLUS, THE PREMIERE OF A NEW “BOB MARLEY AND I” SHORTS SERIES – TUNE IN TO THE FIRST...more
Disney Music Publishing signs RABO
Norwegian artist and songwriter Live Rabo Lund-Roland has made history as the first songwriter based outside North America to sign with Disney Music Publishing. This partnership underscores Disney’s strategic commitment to discovering and elevating international talent. As Disney Music Publishing has expanded their reach...more
All the World's a Karaoke Room: How Singa Expands Karaoke to Every Screen, with the Planet's Biggest Song Selection
Karaoke will never be the same. The social entertainment option loved by so many around the world is getting a serious upgrade, thanks to Singa (singa.com). The app is taking the singalong format beyond its soundalike past into a better sounding,...more
Warner Music Group and Spotify Announce New Multi-Year Agreement to Fuel Growth and Innovation
Spotify and Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) today announced a new, multi-year agreement, which covers both Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Through the deal, the two companies strengthen their joint commitment to artists, songwriters, and fans, as well as the...more
Ezra Collective, Mogwai and Kae Tempest to headline the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival 2025
Today on BBC Radio 6 Music, the UK’s biggest digital-only radio station with 2.7 million listeners (Rajar Q3, 2024), Nemone (sitting in for Lauren Laverne) announced the line-up and venues for the 6 Music Festival 2025. The event is the station’s flagship annual...more
NMPA announces extensive podcast takedown action against Spotify
Notices contain over 2,500 detections of infringement on behalf of 19 NMPA publisher members The National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) today announced the launch of an ongoing takedown initiative against Spotify for the unlicensed use of music in podcasts on its...more
Music fans invited to shape the future of live music in the UK
The first-ever Music Fans' Voice survey is now live, giving gig-goers a direct say in shaping the future of live music in the UK. Music is nothing without the fans and this survey will give audiences a chance to have their...more
Angry Mob Music Group Announces New 2025 Admin Deals
Signed Artists Include Aiko, Alto Moon, Jacob Sigman, MashBit, and Nicole Chambers Angry Mob Music Group, an independent music publisher boldly serving songwriters, composers, artists, and creatives, has announced the signing of multiple admin deals with artists Aiko, Alto Moon, Jacob Sigman,...more
Warner Music Group and Audiomack expand licensing deal, unlocking WMG catalog in more countries
Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG), the global music entertainment company, and Audiomack, the music streaming and discovery platform, today announced an expanded licensing agreement covering 47 new countries. The partnership, which began in 2019 and was Audiomack's first licensing deal with...more
The Rhythm Studio Foundation Secures Funding Support from The Ed Sheeran Foundation
Vital support for the Primary Schools Workshop Programme will help expand access to music education for 1,800 children in some of West London's most disadvantaged areas. The Rhythm Studio Foundation, a West London music charity committed to enriching young lives through...more
dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies announce 2025 'Industry Week' Programme at dBs Manchester Campus
Everything Everything, OneDa, Phoebe Green, Chris Hawkins & more to deliver talks, workshops and networking for Manchester's next generation of Sound, Music and Game talent Today, dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies has announced the programme for the 2025 edition...more
NTIA Looks Forward To Active Role In London’s Night Time Economy Taskforce
Says Michael Kill, CEO NTIA: "As CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, I am proud to be part of London’s Night Time Economy Taskforce. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as our nightlife sector faces ongoing challenges, from rising operational...more
The Great Escape announces new spotlight show for 2025
STRAP ORIGINALS PRESENTS PETER DOHERTY | WARMDUSCHER | TRAMPOLENE + MORE WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2025 AS TGE EXPANDS INTO WEDNESDAY WITH FOUR DAYS OF LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASES PLUS...120+ MORE ARTISTS ADDED TO 2025 LINE-UP INCLUDINGJORDAN ADETUNJI | LYNKS | THE K'S | MOIOMAN/WOMAN/CHAINSAW | THE PILL | SUNDAY (1994)MOONLANDINGZ...more
Max Richter: AI Copyright Hearing Statement
Today British composer, artist and activist Max Richter represented the arts industry by speaking at a UK evidence hearing on copyright law as it applies to the uses of copyrighted material with regards to Artificial Intelligence companies. The session was chaired...more
Dialled Industry announce free conference 22nd Feb, with NAINA (Apple Music), Anu (NTS), Pritt (BBC Radio), Anita Chibba (Diet Paratha) and more
DIALLED IN'S DIALLED INDUSTRY LAUNCHES CONFERENCE AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVES THE DIALLED INDUSTRY CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE ON 22 FEB 2025 AT BIG CREATIVE EDUCATION ACADEMY, WALTHAMSTOW FEATURING NAINA (APPLE MUSIC), ANU (NTS RADIO), PRITT (BBC RADIO),...more
FLG signs alternative rock duo Greywind
FLG, the newly launched imprint of Frontiers Label Group, is thrilled to announce the signing of Greywind, the dynamic brother-sister duo from Killarney, Ireland. Dedicated to championing innovative, guitar-driven music and pushing the boundaries of modern rock, FLG aims to foster...more
Tom Poole launches Day job, a plugging and management agency
Former Kartel Music Group Promotions Director, Tom Poole, has launched national radio plugging and artist management agency day job. Poole's career in radio plugging spans 13+ years, starting at Hesso Media working on national radio campaigns for the likes of Jack...more
Sam Fender announced as Ambassador of Record Store Day UK
"ME AND THE DOG" EP TO DROP EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECORD STORE DAY ON SATURDAY 12th APRIL, FEATURING 2 BRAND NEW TRACKS Record Store Day UK is proud to announce Sam Fender as this year's official ambassador. As part of the role, Sam is...more
THE HEADLINES
Are songs reaching one billion streams faster than ever? (see Analysis)
Spotify reports first annual profit, subscriber numbers surge (see Business)
Lucian Grainge: "Streaming 2.0 era has arrived" (see News)
How two strangers turned around Warner (see Features)
All the Grammy winners and news (see News)
The unflattening of music (see Comment)
Tributes to Marianne Faithfull, who died yesterday (see Features)
MLC Spotify lawsuit dismissed, bundled royalties unchanged (see News)
Featured Artists Coalition announces UK Artist Touring Fund (see News)
Universal’s acquisition of Downtown Music Group - further thoughts (see Comment)
Spotify paid out $10bn to the music industry in 2024 (see Reports)
Spotify’s music team reveals its Artists To Watch in 2025 (see Digital)
How Yungblud is building a $100m business (see Features)
Universal Music Group and Spotify strike new multi-year agreement (see News)
What's the strategy behind Universal's Downtown purchase, and why are some famous indie labels so opposed to it? (see Comment)
How random, really, is Spotify’s shuffle feature? (see Features)
BRIT Awards 2025 nominations revealed (see News)