Mixing over 100 local music professionals with amateurs, from the Helensburgh area of West Scotland, a Charity has released a cover of the classic David Bowie song “Heroes” in an attempt to raise funds for a local arts and music centre.

In what is believed to be the first time a local community has banded together to record, produce and release a single, the charity is hoping that the record will not simply be perceived as a novelty gimmick, but rather that the song is judged upon its artistic merit.

The record has been described by Bowie’s record company as ‘unbelievably professional and full of passion’ and the overall project “as one of the most inspirational, ambitious, complex and inclusive community projects imaginable.”

The song which features 12 lead vocalists, 5 musicians and a choir of 60, collectively known as the Helensburgh Heroes Experience, was recorded in Glasgow’s Carlton Studios and on location in a local hall in Helensburgh. Helensburgh born Kenny Hyslop, a professional musician with Scots bands such as SLIK, Skids and Simple Minds, was the record’s producer.

The single can be heard at www.helensburghheroes.com and is now available to download from popular online music sites such as iTunes, Napster and Emusic.

The Charity is hoping that the single will not only attract commercial success, thus helping it to raise funds for much needed local arts and music facilities, but that it will also raise the profile of the past and present Helensburgh residents who have found global acclaim in the arts, sport, business and sciences, for example John Logie Baird and Deborah Kerr, and will inspire other communities to attempt similar projects.

Watch “Heroes” video by Helensburgh Heroes Experience:

About Helensburgh Heroes
Helensburgh Heroes is a Scottish charity aimed at promoting regeneration through the arts, culture and heritage. As the name suggests, it is a fresh and dynamic collection of local people based in the Clyde side town of Helensburgh, and holds its roots in celebrating past and present local residents who have found global acclaim in the arts, sport, business and sciences, for example John Logie Baird and Deborah Kerr. The charity prides itself on its ethos of involving the local community in any Helensburgh Heroes endeavours, and has the overall aim of establishing a much needed permanent arts and leisure facility in the area, to assist and inspire the local community (young people in particular) to reach their full creative potential.

To listen to the single and for more information, go to:

Helensburgh Heroes Official Website
Helensburgh Heroes on Twitter