We Made You A Mixtape

Song: You and Me as One
Artist / Band: Jack Savoretti

Dedicated to: Lesley Patience
From: Suzanne Bilbrough

Dedication: Our gig to see Jack was cancelled but we will have many more to come! Thanks for being the best friend anyone could ever wish for!
We are all blessed to have you in our lives.

Track #12

Song: Motorcycle Emptiness
Artist / Band: Manic Street Preachers

Dedicated to: To Rashers!
From: Stebla

Dedication: Looking forward to gigging and moshing amongst the welsh gods together soon 🙂 All my love xx
It’s a banger!

Track #13

Song: The Taste of Ink
Artist / Band: The Used

Dedicated to: Jessica
From: Dan

Dedication: For missing this year’s festival season. We should have been rocking out in a field to it.
Reminds me of being a little 16 year old Emo back in the day.

Track #14

Song: Let’s Go Crazy
Artist / Band: Prince

Dedicated to: My soul sister Laura Haswell
From: Frankie Wilkinson

Dedication: Laura goes crazy every time she hears this song, it is her absolute favourite Prince track. She knows I am completely obsessed with him so bought us both tickets to see tribute band Endorphinmachine back in February. We managed to get to the front, right by the stage when the frontman, dressed exactly like Prince, asked who wanted a selfie. Laura grabbed me and made a run towards the frontman as he climbed down the stage, and basically rammed us into a line of gushing fans, managing to get us into a couple of selfies before the house lights went back out. Best moment ever, and I quite forgot that he wasn’t really Prince at all!
Laura is always there for me, she is the most fun, thoughtful and warm person, and I’m so glad to have her in my life. This track is special for both of us, as we both love Prince and this song (one of our first hang outs as friends was her coming round to see the movie Purple Rain). I wanted to dedicate this track to show her how important she is to me!

Track #15

Song: Polaroid Picture
Artist / Band: Frank Turner

Dedicated to: Zoe Alexander and our Paris Family
From: Tony + Justine

Dedication: We’ve been missing going to gigs during the lockdown and it’s likely to be some time before we can go back to enjoy live music in the way that we used to. The last gig we saw before lockdown was Frank Turner. We’d like to dedicate Frank’s song “Polaroid Picture” to our friend Zoe Alexander, her family and the memory of her brother Nick who, along with many others, lost his life during the terrorist attack on the Bataclan theatre, Paris on the 13th November 2015. Zoe and her family set up the Nick Alexander Memorial Trust in his name and have shown amazing resilience, love, grace and dignity. This is also for our amazing Paris family and everyone still struggling with that night. Peace, love and rock ’n’ roll. Tony+Justine x

Track #16

Song: King Of Rock N Roll
Artist / Band: Prefab Sprout

Dedicated to: This is for my sister Becky, because we are rubbish at phoning each other, because we both have kids and it’s never a good time, but we love each other, and I cant wait to get pissed and dance like a total fool to this with her.
From: Laura

Dedication: It reminds me of when we lived together (even though mainly we hated living together), and we’d go to Cool for Cats above Pure in Sunderland and dance and drink, and I was broken-hearted and you were sad and had a terrible boyfriend, but we had fun anyway. And we always ate crumpets when we got in and the bath took ages to fill up.

Track #17

Song: The Sound of the Suburbs
Artist / Band: The Members

Dedicated to: I’m dedicating this song to Summer Streets Festival because back in 2014, when we started planning the first event I always kept coming back to this song as the perfect anthem for what we were hoping to achieve. The song is about normality and everyday life, but as we all know, underneath the surface there’s often treasure lurking. I’d like to think that’s what you can find at the end of your road with Summer Streets.
From: Ross

Dedication: Well, it’s a little interruption into normal life, isn’t it? The noise of up and coming rock bands, kids running around the festival field, people from round the doors getting involved and having a go, brass bands playing at the gates, toddlers dancing to improvised jazz – all within spitting distance of local housing, schools, roads, shops. It’s a snotty song, but it’s got a proud defiance that fits with our spirit.

“Johnnys upstairs in his bedroom sitting in the dark
Annoying the neighbours with his punk rock electric guitar
This is the sound of the suburbs”
I love that.

It’s about getting involved. Dreaming a little bit. Doing it. Escaping normality for a while and not being held back.

Track #18

Song: No One Else
Artist / Band: Weezer

Dedicated to: Andy Phipps
From: Mike Livesley

Dedication: I miss playing guitar with other people badly and I remember the first time we hung out with guitars we ended up figuring this one out between ourselves and playing it in my grim university shared house in Southampton.

Track #19

Song: To Noise Making (Sing)
Artist / Band: Hozier

Dedicated to: To all North East artists and venues
From: John Dawson

Dedication:

“Remember when you’d sing Just for the f*ck of it and any enjoy what it would bring”

This song is a dedication to everyone! To artists, freelancers, audience members and after show bar proppers. To those who have been effected emotionally or mentally by essential arts being put indefinitely into stasis during this time.

It is a reminder that even in the most hopeless of circumstances, when all seems taken from us, that we still have our voices, the ability to make noise and to reflect the world, ourselves and our feelings that sculpt them for us.

Whatever your platform, whoever your audience, whether on a stage or in the shower, you can still create and it will always have effect, and will always make a difference.

“You don’t have to sing it right,
But who can call you wrong?
You put your emptiness to melody,
Your awful heart to song.
You don’t have to sing it nice,
But honey sing it strong
At best you’ll find a little remedy,
At worst the world will sing along
So honey, sing”

I miss theatre, art, music, all the people that come with it and the magic of experiencing it all with them. I miss the hum of the audience and the tension of crowd anticipation as we wait. I miss collective laughing. I miss collective crying. I miss the tuts, the sneezes, the coughs and sweet wrappers. The numb bum cheeks and bladder tensing. I miss the overheard snippets of strangers conversations in the toilet queue and the subsequent bladder relief.

I miss connecting with the random person I’ve never met when they react to something the same as me and the comfort of self affirmation that brings. I miss the person who disagrees with my take and makes me question myself. I miss the familiar faces of friends in the bar afterwards and sharing too many drinks over too many hours. I miss it all and everyone that contributes to it.

This song reminds me it’s not completely gone, I just maybe needed to look in a different place for now. It’s not full the fix for the yearning, but it reminds me it’s still all there, ready to return when the time comes, which helps me miss it all a little less. I hope this song helps anyone else who feels the same.

Track #20

Song: Blackbird
Artist / Band: The Beatles

Dedication: I’ve been constantly waking up with this song in my head for all of lockdown and it’s such a calming thing in the middle of a lot of chaos. So for a couple of minutes in the morning I have just such a nice thing in my head and thoughts and everything doesn’t seem so bad.

Track #21

Song: Moonlight
Artist / Band: Kawala

Dedicated to: A good friend who was once more than that, and hopefully will be again
From: Rebecca

Dedication:
The first time I took the long train journey to meet the person dedicated, who told me about this band, this song came on and my anxious jittery nerves washed away into calm, happy anticipation. Every time I’ve heard it since I can see the fields passing by the train window again and feel that happy calm drift in.

A good song makes you feel something regardless of what your mood is at the time. If I’m in a good mood it makes me more productive, if I’m anxious it calms me, if I’m upset it reminds me of a place where I was the exact opposite, if I’m numb it snaps me out of it to feel something. It just feels optimistic and hopeful- two of my favourite things.

Track #22

Song: Father & Daughter
Artist / Band: Paul Simon

Dedicated to: I dedicate this to my Dad
From: Rebecca Johnston

Dedication: I haven’t seen my parents in person since February and it’s been really tough on my dad in particular. He has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and has been wanting his family close by but the lockdown meant I couldn’t see him, other than over a video call. This is one of his favourite songs and it’s one of mine too, makes us both tearful, it’s a sweet tune that reminds me of him and how much love we share.

I miss my mum and dad a lot, they have always supported me and are always there when I need them. I am happy to share this lovely song for any other daughters of great parents out there missing home.

Track #23

Song: LOVE
Artist / Band: Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari

Dedicated to: I’m dedicating this song to the moments during lockdown where we lost ourselves. Either in some weird euphoria or some moment of blank sadness, when event overtook the natural balance. I also dedicate this to my best friend, Helen.
From: Mr Drayton

Dedication: I play a lot of music, especially when there’s time to just sit and look out of the window. I’ve had this album for a while and I’ve finally cracked its code. If you have time let Kendrick’s Love wrap you in it’s arms.

Track #24

Song: Sexy and I Know It
Artist / Band: LMFAO

Dedicated to: To my hen night besties – Caroline, Jo, Ashleigh and Tamsin

Dedication: Our trip to Prague was amazing and this song followed us everywhere! We’ve talked about girls’ weekends ever since, and once all of this is over we need to make it happen. I miss all your faces!
This is probably very unfashionable and out of date by now. It was 8 years ago, but it was one of the best trips I’ve taken with some of my very best friends. Every now and again, late at night, it gets booted up on Spotify, because there are so many good memories attached to this song.

Track #25

Song: Euphoria
Artist / Band: Loreen

Dedicated to: The Eurovision Song Contest
From: Sam

Dedication:
I’m dedicating my track (an absolute Eurovision banger) to the Eurovision Song Contest because, like many musical events, it couldn’t take place in its usual form this year. It’s the highlight of my calendar and we always have a party to mark the occasion. We have score cards (categories include hotness, sing-along-ability, costume flamboyance etc), bingo, drinking games, the works!

At last year’s party it turned out that I was pretty much the only person who dressed up that year. I was dressed as Pavarotti to represent Italy. I am a small, blonde woman. It was quite the transformation! I was slightly mortified to be sitting in a massively padded suit, wearing a beard made of mascara and holding a Cornetto. Not my finest hour!

Track #26

Song: Since I Left This Town
Artist / Band: Tide Lines

Dedicated to: I dedicate this song to the family I am apart from, to the beautiful place I cannot visit, and the part of my heart that is somewhere far away despite loving the home I have here.
From: Zoe

Dedication:
I remember listening to this song as I drove up the narrow, windy roads to see my family for the first time in months and listening to the lyrics properly for the first time ever. You know those times when a song speaks perfectly to your feelings in a particular moment? This was one of those times.

The North East of England can always use a little more Scotland in it. Honestly I think we should just move the border South a bit, you’ve all got much more in common with us Scots than those Southerners! No? Well it’s just a thought…

I love how this song and all of Tide Lines music combines traditional Scottish music and instruments with modern and pop. I think it’s important to remember our heritage, whoever we are, but that doesn’t have to mean old, boring or stuffy! On that note, if you’ve never checked out the Red Hot Chilli Piper’s you definitely should – they’re version of Thunderstruck is a particular favourite of mine.

Track #27

Song: Roll Alabama
Artist / Band: Bellowheads

Dedicated to: Alison Rhodes
From: Emma Barton

Dedication: Alison is like my second mum, she is incredible. As of 30minutes ago, we have been told she has 2 months to live. She is in hospital and we haven’t seen her for 7 weeks. It is heartbreaking.
she loves indie rock and roll, good old fashioned rock and folk. She is hilarious and showed me what successful married life looks like, she made two incredible humans, one of which is my best friend and partner. She is kind, witty, huge hearted, likes ice hockey, hates football, loves music and is immensely proud of her family. She truly is a wonder of a woman.

Track #28

Song: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Artist / Band: Whitney Houston

Dedicated to: My friends!

Dedication: It’s our go to karaoke song at every house party or event, every time I listen to it I’m reminded of them and all the fun we have!!

I think a lot of people when they hear this song will be reminded of nights out with friends and parties they’ve been to- it’s a song I don’t think anyone can just sit through you have to sing along or dance to it

Track #29

Song: Spice Up Your Life
Artist / Band: Spice Girls

Dedicated to: Dedicated to Kirstie and my friends & colleagues at the People’s Theatre
From: Alison Carr

Dedication: This song will forever have a special place in my heart as I danced on stage to it with Kirstie during one of the happiest six weeks I’ve ever had.
Theatre is about community and friendships and having fun and giving people a great night out. This song reminds me of that every time I hear it, and always will.

Track #30

Song: River Deep Mountain High
Artist / Band: Celine Dion

Dedicated to: The House of Love
From: Cameron Sharp

Dedication: We can’t perform together right now but al the loves and can’t wait till we can put on our sequins and have a dance together! 5,6,7, and from the top!!!!
Controversial opinion but this Celine Dion version is so much better than the Tina Turner original! Sorry!

Song: Love Money Party
Artist / Band: Miley Cyrus feat. Big Sean

Dedicated to: My best friend Bitsu
From: MXYM

Dedication: The biggest bop from the Bangerz album, the soundtrack to our college years of drinking too much in your mums house, I’m sure Wendy won’t mind us popping back when we can all party together again.

Song: Nutbush City Limits
Artist / Band: Ike & Tina Turner

Dedicated to: My Mum and Dad
From: Ruth

Dedication: This was the song my Mum and Dad first danced to and apparently Dad pulled out his best pogoing moves.

Song: Photograph
Artist / Band: Ed Sheeran

Dedicated to: My girlfriend Zoe
From: Scott Wilson

Dedication: I want to dedicate this song to my beautiful girlfriend Zoe. During lockdown she has continued to blow me away with her work in her primary school and her determination to still do the very best she can in her work in the hardest of circumstances. I’ve only been able to see her a couple of times in person during lockdown which has been very tough at times but she has been by my side the whole time, listening to my panicking outbursts and I cannot wait to see her properly again soon!
I love you so much Zoe, thank you for being my rock!! I am so proud of you!!
This song quickly became “our song” during my time away in Birmingham studying my degree. It helped reassure both of us that distance wouldn’t stop us being there for each and we will always continue to be there for each other. That couldn’t be more true right now!! I’ve got our photo by my bed and it’s kept me going knowing I’ll see her again soon!!

Song: Hey Sister
Artist / Band: Luna

Dedicated to: To my eldest Sibling – Jacqui
From: Stevie T

Dedication: I miss her daft and nonchalant tomfoolery.

Song: The Living Years’
Artist / Band: Mike and the Mechanics

Dedicated to: To my dad
From: Viv Wiggins

Dedication: “Say it loud, say it clear…you can listen as well as you hear”. Communicate well with your loved ones…while you can.

Song: Music sounds better with you
Artist / Band: Stardust

Dedicated to: My PowerShare Gang, headed by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Abi Zakarian. They are the most wonderful group I’ve been a part of. Strong, passionate and brave. They make me as happy as this song does. To my 10 angels, the music always sounds better with you.
From: Sampira Willbourne

Dedication: All our talks about politics, about theatre, about where we are and where we’re going, make me as happy as this song does.
We always need a bit of dance music and it’s one of the best tracks ever made.

Song: Isolate, it’s great!
Artist / Band: Sam Bell and Kylie Ann Ford

Dedicated to: I want to dedicate this song to Kylie for being a top class lockdown partner and for all the memories.
From: Sam Bell

Dedication: We made this song in the first week of lockdown, thinking it was going to be a two week isolation period. Two weeks turned to 92 days and I am grateful to have spent those days drinking Prosecco, making back garden beaches, recording sketches and singing songs. Thanks hun.

Song: New York, New York
Artist / Band: Frank Sinatra

Dedicated to: Dedicated to my husband David.
From: Mhairi Ledgerwood

Dedication: David and I were lucky enough to get married in Central Park, and New York is our favourite city in the world.
Really missing the ability to travel right now. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re on an airplane again!

Song: There’s No Business Like Show Business
Artist / Band: Ethel Merman (Annie Get Your Gun)

Dedicated to: Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Dedication: I work there but with no opening in sight it would be a timely reminder that we’re on standby chomping at the bit to get back.
Save the arts. Keep theatre live.

Song: Home
Artist / Band: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes –

Dedicated to: My brother Michael and my sister Antonia.
From: Francesca Baker

Dedication: I love you loads x

Song: Club Tropicana
Artist / Band: Wham!

Dedicated to: Becky Lister
From: Hannah

Dedication: This song always reminds me of us! It makes me smile, remembering our daft dancing and terrible singing, and I wish we could’ve thrown some shapes on the dance floor after your wedding. So until we can do that next year, we’ll just have to dance in our bedrooms like we’re teenagers again!
This is an absolute banger and never fails to put a smile on my face!

Song: All My Friends
Artist / Band: LCD Soundsystem

Dedicated to: All of the performers and pals at CHUNKS, Glasgow’s Alternative Comedy Collective.
From: David Callaghan

Dedication: The hilarious Chris Thorburn producing a ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ parody entitled ‘Now Thats What I Call Songs Being Rewritten About Sucking Your Own Dick’. He had gone all in on the design work, recordings, and performed it onstage as if it was an advert for the CD. I had to lie on my side on the floor because I was laughing so much. Good god it was funny.

At 1am one evening last August we took over a comedy club at the Edinburgh fringe. For two and a half hours we performed a series of characters to an audience who were as enraptured as they were occasionally incredibly disgusted. You’ve not seen a crowd explode like they did whilst watching a sketch during which it transpired that unbeknownst to them, one of the performer’s mouthes had been full of baked beans for the entire thing. It was amazing. It felt like a unique and shared happening, never to be repeated, and full of creative idiots who were out on a limb. 50 audience members in stitches, 20 comedians at the back giggling like idiots whilst the beer was poured and shared. I live for evenings like this.

Song: Baby Cakes
Artist / Band: 3 Of A Kind

Dedicated to: KT
From: Rosa

Dedication: This reminds me of the fancy dress party we threw at that weird venue behind a tennis court. We were v. entrepreneurial at 14.

Song: Yoyo
Artist / Band: Plastic Mermaids

Dedicated to: Mark Studdart
From: Nick Dunk

Dedication:
A brilliant gig a Scala in Kings Cross. I miss going to gigs with my London gig buddies. We shall return to former glories, older and bolder.

Song: The Ocean
Artist / Band: Richard Hawley

Dedicated to: To my husband Dom
From: Emma

Dedication:
At our wedding he used the lines from this song in his speech….” you know you leave me tongue tied, this times for us…I love you just because ” I have very limited knowledge of music but Dom has introduced me to some amazing but also a lot of weird music too, but I love his passion. He has missed gigs a lot during Lockdown but one upside is using homeschooling to introduce our 4 and 9 year olds to music. It warms my heart when I hear my sons ask for Bill Evan’s, Buffalo Tom, Jack Lukeman or even some AC/DC!