‘Sleep For England’ is the third release from the critically admired, ‘International Blue’ album. A re-work by Julian Lennon of Stephen Emmer and Neil Crossley’s original recording, which featured on the digital release of the album earlier this year. Produced by Tony Visconti, the single has been given all the Xmas trimmings, sleigh bells and a boys-choir against an atmospheric background with a rich, definitive vocal from Julian.

Electric Fairytale Recordings

Release Date: 15th December 2014

Sleep for England

 

Fitting the British pop music tradition of Xmas songs with a social commentary, ‘Sleep For England’ presents a narrative that transcends age, race and class, inspired by the classic alternative Xmas songs such as; Jona Lewie’s ’Stop The Cavalry’, ‘2000 Miles’ by the Pretenders, ‘Father Christmas’ by the Kinks and ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon, to name but a few.

All proceeds from the single go to Julian’s charity ‘The White Feather Foundation’, which tackles environmental and humanitarian issues. In conjunction with global partners it helps to raise funds for the betterment of all life and honor those who really have made a difference. 1.2 billion people are without clean water, something we take for granted in the Western World. Therefore all single proceeds will be going towards the production of more clean water, where every penny can help save thousands of lives.

Julian chose the name ‘The White Feather Foundation’ as it has a very special meaning close to his heart: “Dad** once said to me, that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok the message would come to me in the form of a White Feather”. Some years later Julian was presented with a white feather by an Aboriginal tribal elder, which lead to the creation of foundation for the purpose of giving a voice to those who cannot be heard.

 

Sleep for England

 

‘International Blue’ is the brainchild of Dutch composer Stephen Emmer, former member of The Associates and The Mini Pops. Stephen is an avant-garde composer, who likes to play with traditional musical perceptions and create with them unique works of art. Last year Stephen embarked on a journey to re-create the lost art of true pop crooning in the style of Scott Walker. This resulted in ‘International Blue’, mixed at Abbey Road Studios. Midge Ure (Ultravox), Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17), Liam McKahey (Cousteau) and Neil Crossley (Furlined), each with powerful baritone voices, added their lyrics to Emmer’s lush arrangements right before the legendary Tony Visconti stepped in for the final production.

The intimate first album playback and album launch at Abbey Road Studios resulted in great media support from the likes of: The Times, Q, Mojo, Classic Pop, Record Collector, Radio Times, The Telegraph, Radio 2, 6 Music, Esquire, Observer Magazine, The Express & The Mail to name only a few. ‘Sleep for England’ will be added to an extended version of the ‘International Blue’ album, which will be released on CD on December 14th 2015.