A song partly created in Glusburn Institute turned into a fully recorded, professionally produced single raising money and awareness for the UK’s social care workforce.
Back in the summer of 2024, Sing Out! South Craven member Brian Johnson approached the choir’s Musical Director, Damian Oxborough, with an idea. Brian, who is Marketing Executive with Yorkshire care association The Independent Care Group, had co-written a song called ‘Who Cares?’ with Ivor Novello-nominated singer/songwriter Boo Hewerdine, and he wondered whether the choir might be willing to lend backing to the track. The song had a clear purpose: to shine a light on an industry that so often goes unrecognised and to hopefully raise money for the Care Workers’ Charity. For a community choir built on singing together for the joy of it, it was easy to say ‘yes’ to the request.
Rehearsal room becomes recording studio
Boo recorded his own vocals and backing track separately, then followed weeks of rehearsal, as choir members learned their parts, arranged by choir accompanist David Weale-Davey. When the choir was ready, the backing vocals were professionally recorded in the Institute main hall. The two recordings were then mixed to make the finished track.
The result is a single that carries the voices of local singers alongside professional song writing and production, all in support of a charity that helps the people who spend their working lives caring for others.
Listen and support the cause
The ‘Who Cares? project is a brilliant example of what community groups can achieve when they come together around a shared cause — and we’re proud that Sing Out! South Craven had a part to play in it. If you enjoy what you hear, please consider a donation to the Care Workers’ Charity, and share the track with anyone who might like to support the cause too.
‘Who Cares?’ is available to stream and download, with all proceeds going to The Care Workers’ Charity.
🎧 Listen to ‘Who Cares’ on 2Bandcamp
Watch a video of the recording day at Glusburn Institute here: https://youtu.be/elNM5nufL3M
Join the choir
Find out more about becoming a member of Sing Out! South Craven Community Choir
