Singers and musicians from across Kent and Sussex have teamed up to release a song that will raise funds for Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells (HRTW).
The charity broadcaster provides a bespoke service for patients in Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury and Tonbridge Cottage Hospital.
The group, known as HRTW Bonanza, have recorded a single called Rocket Science, which was written by Southborough singer-songwriter Ryan Weeks.
The song will be released as a download on i-tunes and Amazon for 99p on Tuesday, April 3. All proceeds from the sale go to HRTW.
To mark the launch, a special 10-hour gig of live acoustic music will be held at the Grub & Liquor restaurant in Tunbridge Wells tomorrow (March 31).
There will be performances by all the artists featured, including Chasing Shadows, Isabella Coulstock, A Man Called Dave and a Lady Called Sophie, Lizzie Arkell and Benjamin Lewes. The headline act will be the composer of Rocket Science, Ryan Weeks at 10pm.
Admission is free and a CD will be available to buy; a signed copy will be put up for auction.
The idea came from The Music Fix Vlog’s Chloe Sunnucks. ‘I’m so excited to be a part of the charity song for Hospital Radio,’ says Chloe.
‘The service they provide for the patients is incredible. Since I brought the idea to Hospital Radio, I’m so touched they’ve invested their time to make this idea a reality’.
Ryan added: ‘I’m super-excited to be releasing the charity song. It was a big honour being asked to write it and I’ve had such a great time writing and composing the song.
‘When I was asked to write it, I knew exactly the sentiment that I wanted to convey – love isn’t rocket science and it should be the same with supporting great causes such as Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells. They do so much for the community and it’s a great pleasure to give back’.
Hospital Radio volunteer and presenter Phil Mills had approached local musicians to help with the charity’s SOS fundraising campaign at the end of 2016.
He has continued featuring local music on his Sunday morning radio show and wanted to find a new way to continue raising funds for HRTW.
‘It’s great to have the involvement of so many talented singers and musicians from our local community in this fundraising project,’ said Phil.
‘I hope the money raised will go a long way to help Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells continue providing its bespoke service to patients in our local area long into the future’.
(Back row, l-r) HRTW Bonanza artists Al Drake Brockman of Doz Studios, Benjamin Lewes, Isabella Coulstock, Lizzie Arkell and Leo Snook from Chasing Shadows; (middle) Ryan Weeks, Sophie Thompson and Dave Rabbett from A Man Called Dave and a Lady Called Sophie; (front) Chloe Sunnucks of the Music Fix Vlog, presenter Phil Mills and Charlotte Tingley of Chasing Shadows
PHOTO: JR Lewis
