FROM THE SPECIALS - THE NEVILLE STAPLE BAND featuring the legendary Coventry toaster and his wife Sugary Staple, are unveiling a brand new video exclusively with Vive Le Rock!
Many artists have been forced to make videos under lockdown, but 'Lockdown' the song was actually specifically written about experience itself, concerning COVID 19 and isolation from one's friends and loved ones.
“Sugary came up with the idea to write a song about the lockdown, which, at first, was a very fast-stomping ska track," explains Neville. "We then realised that it was too fun and happy a tune for the theme. Most of us have been quite down about the whole virus thing, so we decided to take it on a more sweet but moody 2Tone reggae route, in a similar vein to 'Ghost Town', with some music we had worked on previously with Sledge (Steve Armstrong).”
The track was recorded by sharing files among the various band members in their own homes, while the video was shot under similar conditions.
"It wasn’t easy," says Sugary. "I had to collate a whole bunch of recorded snippets from the band, mostly done via phones and tablets. But as a part-time actress and filmmaker, I really do enjoy editing and producing videos and this one was great fun."
While the band have been forced off the road, the pair have been involved in more charity work than usual, recording DJ sets for those in hospital or self-isolation. In keeping with this, they've decided that the single will be used to highlight the work of Zoe’s Place, a charity run for terminally ill babies and toddlers.
"Charities like these really do suffer at a time like this, as the focus is on other things." says Sugary. "But the work they do at Zoe’s Place is like one of a kind and so very special. They step in when families really do need the support, providing 24-hour high quality, one-to-one palliative, respite and end-of-life care for children aged 0-5 years. A heart-breaking time for anyone involved. We must not lose a charity like this - it is too important and so we will be supporting this, along with other charities we are patrons or ambassadors to, with this single. We also dedicate this song to all those who have been affected by COVID 19.”
The 'Lockdown' track is available on 7" vinyl EP in a strictly limited edition of 250 as part of a special gift set with a CD of rare tracks, fridge-magnet, keyring and protective face-mask. It's available to order here.
The song is also available as a download from Apple, Amazon and the band's website.