Fire Tones Record Charity Christmas Single at BIMM
After months of organisation, BIMM Birmingham recently played host to more than 30 firefighters from across the UK as they recorded a charity single which is now a bookmaker favourite for Christmas number 1, 2018.
The Fire Tones, as they are collectively known, were the very first act to record in BIMM Birmingham’s brand new recording studio facility within a few days of its official completion, opting to record a cover version of Band Aid’s classic Christmas hit, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’.
BIMM Tutor and legendary Producer Steve Osborne (U2, Placebo) was on the mixing desk for the session, recording and producing the track for free alongside fellow faculty member Lou Warren (Beverly Knight, Ringo Starr) who offered up her skills as vocal coach. The session even presented a fantastic work experience opportunity for 2nd year Music Production student Jack Trubshaw, who assisted on the day of recording.
“To be involved in a project of this size was amazing, as not every recording session is this involved” said Jack. “It’s good that it’s for such a great cause too. I’m looking forward to hearing the finished track, and I think The Fire Tones should be really proud with what they’ve accomplished.”
After just one day in the studio, The Fire Tones new single is now one of the bookies’ favourites for the sought-after UK Christmas number one chart position, having already received support from the likes of This Morning, Loose Women, The One Show, Loraine Kelly, Midlands Today, BBC Shropshire, Michael Bublé, Susan Boyle and national papers.
Proceeds from the single will be donated to the Firefighters Charity and the Band Aid Charity Trust. But, what was the inspiration behind the move for charity involvement?
The idea began over a pub chat in Welshpool, where firefighter and organiser Chris Birdsell-Jones first pondered the notion of a charity single: “I was listening to everyone singing along to the music in the bar and it got me wondering if we could do something for charity,” he stated. “I said the idea out loud, and everyone thought I was dreaming. But, I heard the song again a few days later and took it as a sign, so I got to work.”
After acquiring approval from Bob Geldof and The Band Aid Foundation, Chris began assembling his choir, recruiting members from all fire brigades across the UK. Before long, the choir has transformed from a small team of pub-goers into a national group of singers, some of whom already had experience in the limelight through personal appearances on ITV’s X Factor and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on the BBC.
“We’re really pleased to be able to help with such an exciting project for very worthy causes” said BIMM Birmingham Principal, Antony Greaves. “We had only just completed the development of our recording studio, and what better way to put it through its paces than recording 30 firefighters!”
‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by The Fire Tones is due for release via iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music on November 30th, with proceeds being split evenly between the two charities. You can follow the charity single’s chart progress via The Fire Tones Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds.
We wish them the very best of luck!
