All this week, a rock supergroup whose members include Paul Weller, Supergrass, the Enemy and the Gossip's Beth Ditto, have been gathered in a London studio to record a special track for homeless charity Crisis. Pearl Lowe hears the masters at work.
Today was a special day for the Crisis Consequence initiative, and one which showed the true integrity of the overall campaign. Crisis is all about empowering homeless people to change their lives, which often involves building their self-confidence through music and the arts. And today, some of Crisis' members who have attended the music workshops (and have experienced homelessness first hand) took to Air studios to make their contribution to the track.
First up was Roberto, who lent his acoustic guitar to the track, followed by Paul (fuzz guitar) and then Stephane who, with three days to separate them, will effectively join Ed Harcourt in a piano duel. These people were selected for the track following a Crisis X Factor-style contest that I judged a few weeks back. Seeing the guys contributing some wonderful stuff under the guidance of such an established producer as Paul Epworth was truly heart-warming, and reminds me of what a brilliant organisation Crisis is; one I'm truly proud to represent.
In other news, Paul Weller has been adding his parts in his recording studio in Woking, which we're eagerly waiting to hear. Danny and Paul are having a think about the final element - lyrics - to really bring the track to life. And tomorrow is the final day in Air Studios, so who knows what changes and last-minute twists are round the corner...
