The Climate Change Sound Project was set up by musician Gwyn Griffiths with the backing of Brentwood art dealer John Brandler.
Gwyn told us:
During December 2019, Banksy created this wonderful Mural in the industrial town of Port Talbot. It depicts a young boy with his arms wide open embracing what he thinks is snow, but it’s actually ash flakes coming from the local steel works.
As we can see, Banksy’s highlighting the dangerous levels of pollution that exist, not only in Port Talbot, but within cities and towns across the world, so it carries a very powerful ecological message.
When I first set eyes on the mural, I was so blown away, I decided to write a song about it and try to reflect it’s significance through the medium of song.
As part of my musical vision, I wanted to deliver a local perspective on the Art work, so I featured the spoken word of a local resident, Gary Owen.
His heartfelt contribution adds a sense of realism to the song which compliments the ethereal voice of Frankie Oldfield.
After the song was completed, I sent it to John Brandler (owner of the artwork) who fully embraced it and felt it reinforced what Banksy was trying to convey.
Finally, we both agreed it would be a wonderful opportunity to release the song with all proceeds going to the NHS, especially during this difficult time.
I also share John’s vision that when this crisis has finally passed, ‘Seasons Greetings’ will become the centrepiece of an international street art museum, drawing visitors from far and wide.
You can download the song, pledge a donation and find out more about The Climate Change Sound Project at www.theclimatechangesoundproject.co.uk.
