Salford students have released a cover of Brian and Michael’s Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs today to help tackle homelessness in Manchester.
The University’s brass band have collaborated with local music collective Beehive Sound System to produce the seminal 70s hit. This is part of a project for Mustard Tree, a charity which helps to combat poverty in the city.
The track pays homage to legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry, who was born on this day in 1887.
Mustard Tree CEO Jo Walby reflected: “Lowry is a shining example of how someone born with limited experiences can go on to leave a lasting legacy through discovering and following their passion.
“Mustard Tree exists so others across Manchester and Salford can come together and create opportunities of their own.”
The ambitious venture was led by Beehive Sound System producer Mark Denny, who used the traditional brass band sound to honour working-class life in the North of England. He wanted to “bring new emotions” to a piece of music “that is very much embedded in the bricks of Salford’s history”.
Animation students from the University devised a music video to accompany the composition. This reimagines Mancunian landmarks like Media City and the Central Library in Lowry’s celebrated style, and can be watched here.
Mustard Tree and Beehive Sound System are gearing up for a live fundraising event next year. This promises a special performance of Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Dogs and Cats among a set of other favourites. They plan to announce details of this shortly.
The song is available to stream on Spotify and other platforms now.
You can visit the artist’s webpage here, and the charity’s here.
