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’ . The track is taken from the highly 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, this project seamlessly combines music and storytelling into a unique creative vision born out of Rae’s restless artistry. An immersive experience, New Town Ghostsexplores 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 new creative peak with this project.
‘The Conker Boys’ beautifully showcases the elegant storytelling and rich creativity that define New Town Ghosts. 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 Rae’s innate ability to craft captivating, emotionally resonant music. The song reflects a deep sense of nostalgia, evoking the innocence and adventure of childhood while carrying an underlying sense of longing and mystery. The attention to detail in its composition creates a cinematic atmosphere, immersing listeners in the world of New Town Ghosts.
Mark Rae describes New Town Ghosts as an intimate and deeply 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, immersive soundscape. ‘The Conker Boys’ exemplifies the project’s ability to capture a moment in time, blending wistful recollections with layered instrumentation and an emotionally resonant performance from Rae.
With New Town Ghosts, Mark Rae continues to push creative boundaries, offering an innovative and deeply moving fusion of music and storytelling that leaves a lasting impact. ‘The Conker Boys’ stands as a testament to his ability to craft intricate, heartfelt compositions that linger in the mind long after the final note fades.
Listen below: