THE LOTTERY Winners have released the new single and video for their collaboration with pop icon Boy George taken from their upcoming album.
Supporting new album 'Anxiety Replacement Therapy', the 'Let Me Down' single features a virtuoso performance from George and recalls moments from his solo and Culture Club career, with a summery tone and emotional intensity.
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Featuring George and The Lottery Winners, the video brings the song’s bright elements to life with a neon-draped performance, and also stars Leigh-based actor Will Travis who runs the acting school 'A Will and a Way' from Leigh Spinners Mill.
The video is a homage to the legacy of Boy George’s career through equality and paving the way for a younger generation of artists.
On the video, The Lottery Winners’ frontman Thom Rylance says: “Filming the video felt like a beautiful fever dream. I was in this strange neon world laughing and singing with Boy George.
"He’s probably the nicest and most interesting person I’ve ever met.”
The track ‘Let Me Down’ itself came about through a mixture of inspiration in its conception, and perspiration in badgering Boy George to appear on it.
“I was researching what it is that makes a song a classic", Thom added.
"I’m intrigued by pop icons and the idea of classic songs, so I was listening to a lot of Boy George.
"I wrote ‘Let Me Down’ for George without knowing it. The song has a light and sunny ‘80s feel, with a lot of the same colours as other Boy George songs.
"When the penny dropped that George should sing it, I couldn’t rest until he agreed. Which I’m sure wasn’t very fun for him.”
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After a chorus of tweets sent to the Culture Club singer, Boy George signed onto the track once he finally gave it a listen.
He added: “It's an earworm! It's the catchiest song I've ever heard… after Karma Chameleon!”
Released on April 28, ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’ also features collaborations with Frank Turner and Shaun Ryder.
The Leigh-based band has also announced a recent tour, as well as festival dates throughout the summer including Neighborhood Weekender in Manchester in May. They will also play at Leigh Sports Village before the Leopards' game against Wigan Warriors on Thursday, March 30.
Full dates and tickets can be found here. The Let Me Down video can be found here.
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