IT’S been a tough gig for musicians over the past year.
Lockdowns along with the tightening and easing of restrictions amid the pandemic have created a sense of uncertainty for performers – and denied them the stages where they love to perform.
Jack Bennett, the ex-frontman of St Helens indie band Stillia, is among those to have endured those frustrations.
But with lockdown again loosening – and venues set to reopen for outdoor service from April 12 – things are looking up.
And the talented singer songwriter hopes he has come up with a track that will deliver the feel-good factor for the people of St Helens and further afield.
Along with brother Matty, who has launched his own production label Ex Terra Lucem Recordings, Jack has re-worked the 2007 Ultrabeat dance track ‘Feelin’ Fine’.
The up-tempo vibe of the song, enriched by Jack’s edgy indie vocals, is already proving a hit with social media followers.
The 25-year-old is hopeful it can be a fitting soundtrack for friends and families as they are reunited at venues during spring and summer.
Jack told the Star: “Feelin’ Fine was a dance hit when I was growing up in Sutton and it makes me feel quite nostalgic thinking about it.
“This [recording] came about because someone was playing it in a car when we were stopped at traffic lights. I went home and got on to Matty, who is now a producer, and I said let’s get hold of the track and put my take on it. We brought in Ian Lawton on the piano, Matty produced and did the drums and my old karate teacher, Ian Roberts, who I’ve known since I was a kid, played the saxophone.
“We’ve had a massive response and I’m pretty proud of it. The big thing is getting to play it live. I just can’t wait.”
Matty Bennett, Jack's brother, has launched Ex Terra Lucem Recordings - named after the town's motto
Ian Roberts on saxophone
Jack, a professional musician, who lives in Haresfinch, hopes to return to performing outside as the roadmap out of lockdown continues.
He has tour dates scheduled for Greece and Turkey over the summer and has ambitions to create his first solo album.
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