A Ray Of Hope for Love Month 2023!
Friday 3rd of February, #IVW23
BandCampFriday single release:
‘Ray Of Hope’ (Ferret Forever) by Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs
Well this is a star shaped way to campaign!
“I can see it in your face,
We’ve got to save this space”
‘Ray of Hope (Ferret Forever)’ is hit-worthy rocking indiepop that gets straight to the point with the confidence of The Foo Fighters, the tight hooks of Supergrass and the magical charms of composer and musician/vocalist, Jean Genie.
The catchy melody sparkles with urgent heartfelt lyrics inspired by a situation now familiar to many around the country: the fight to save a beloved local venue.
The Ferret is a long established community in the heart of Preston and a music venue is more than just a building, it's the people. Our affordable, personable grassroots locations are a “stars of the future” circuit, also. A hooky song records folklore heritage we can sing along with.
“The Ferret needs to raise enough money to stop the building being sold to developers. With support from the Music Venue Trust, we're close to our goal, however this community still needs your help.”
The Ferret
All proceeds from the sale of ‘Ray of Hope (Ferret Forever)’ will go towards saving this venue that has hosted Buzzcocks, Idles, Calva Louise, Ed Sheeran, Bob Vylan and Badly Drawn Boy among many familiar names. The venue also hosts Glastonferret!
“The Original Indoor Turfed Festival” was fifteen in August 2022! Strange Bones, She Drew The Gun, Porij, Deja Vega, The Blinders and Heavy Salad among buzz names from nationwide, participating in the 4 day weekend. This is SUCH a bonus to local culture (and economy) 4REAL, in action. Developers destroy, often. Pah! So yeah, go Jean Genie!!!
Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs is a multi tasking music world mover shaking musician and a firm supporter of the grassroots Music Venue circuit from many angles from performer, promoter and DJ to radio presenter and event curator. Locally connected, personally, to Preston (North West England), this is from the heart.
Read on, there’s more!
Jean Genie’s Massive Hugs photographed by Robin Hill
You can score a banging tune AND support the cause on BandCampFriday (i.e. fees waived) 3rd of February (during the 10th anniversary Independent Venue Week, 30th January to 5th February) at jean-genies-massive-hugs.bandcamp.com (download link and song lyrics).
November 2022:
In depth article ‘Music MOVE meant’ where, Paragraph “(4) 2022+ Positivity” reports : “Our cast and crew cross breed on the GMV (Grassroot Music Venues) trail. Story development owes much to Music Venue Trust and the Independent Venue Community). A #musictourism focus on Preston Ferret, Sheffield Leadmill and Manchester Night and Day would be timely and underline the industrious community’s effectiveness.”
February 2023:
Love Month, onwards, has a Ray Of Hope… #TheZineUK is a documentary of alternative arts power. JG “The Bringer Of Sunshine” singing ‘Ray Of Hope’ follows on nicely It’s a year of coincidence and this is starting something insistent.
Watch out in the near future for a video, too - anything you can do to help #SaveTheFerret and or let people support the independent music venue trail, makes all the difference!