Music

Frank Turner joins Years & Years, The Vaccines and more for Torch Songs

Frank Turner is one of four artists to launch Torch Songs, a music campaign in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

Turner is joined by Years & Years, The Vaccines and Blaenavon, all offering a cover of songs that have helped them through particularly difficult times in their lives.

“Music is a constant, a saviour in the world which is unique to everyone,” says BBC Radio 1 and CALM champion Huw Stephens. “We all know how much music means to us, and can help us sometimes.

“The artists involved, sharing their unique cover versions of their personal Torch Songs, are magnificent. The songs strike the right note; give you hope; remind you of the possibilities; remind you you’re not alone. We launch Torch Songs with some spectacular talents sharing their intimate Torch Songs with us – it’s a great way to get people talking about talking.”

Turner, who is currently on the road across the UK with his Sleeping Souls, has taken on This Year by The Mountain Goats.

The first batch of songs also sees The Vaccines cover Hope by Descendents, Years & Years offer their take on Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now and Bleanavon reimagine Everything Reminds Me of Her by Elliott Smith.

To be made available on YouTube, iTunes and Spotify, this week will also see new covers by Twin Atlantic, Lower Than Atlantis and Francis Lung.

“It’s normal for all of us to encounter tough times,” CALM’s chair and creator of Torch Songs, James Scroggs, adds. “We also know music is a universally powerful tool to lift the spirits. So we hope Torch Songs provides the inspiration men need to find a way through.”

Check out the first four songs below:


Frank Turner

FRANK TURNER covers 'This Year' by The Mountain Goats

Years & Years

YEARS & YEARS cover 'Both Sides Now' by Joni Mitchell

The Vaccines

THE VACCINES cover 'Hope' by The Descendents

Bleanavon

Blaenavon, Elliott Smith - Everything Reminds Me Of Her (Elliott Smith Cover)

Frank Turner is on the road across the UK now, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Photo by Andy Earl