Band’s new single supports homeless charities - with video

Cornerstone, which is headed up by musicians Dave Lawrence and Jamie Davey, are hoping that proceeds from their debut single Taxi Rankwill help bolster funds for good causes including St George’s HUB in their home town of Wolverhampton.

Over the last few months Cornerstone has been working with respected producer Gavin Monaghan, recording new material and some older ones too in the Magic Garden Studios in Wolverhampton.

The band draws upon classic, folk, country, traditional rock and Americana influences but the song’s inspiration came from a night out in Wolverhampton a quarter of a century ago when Dave was waiting for a taxi.

“At the time this homeless guy wandered up and down the line chatting to people, but nobody really wanted to know him. I wrote the song at home soon afterwards and although it’s only just been recorded, it’s still as relevant today as it was back then,” he explained.

Earlier in their career Dave and Jamie generated interest from some demo recordings sent to EMI Records, but due to a change in the band’s circumstances a decision was taken to put their musical aspirations on the back burner.

Over the period Dave and Jamie have continued writing songs, performing solo and as a duo. Raymond Froggatt and legendary songwriter Clifford T Ward are just two of the performers they have worked with.

Taxi Rank is released on April 20 and is now available to pre-order through a number of channels including iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play and Amazon.

The duo has already received an 'enthusiastic response' to their song through social media while BBC Radio Shropshire made it 'record of the week'.

“Through a private posting just a month ago we’ve now had nearly 10,000 views of two of our songs along with numerous requests from people asking how they can get them. The feedback and warmth shown for the songs really has taken us by surprise.

“We are currently working with a new group of musicians, recording our EP which will be followed by an album and some live gigs at venues throughout the Midlands including the Jam House in Birmingham on May 1," said Jamie.

Kevin Staunton, volunteer co-ordinator at St George’s House, said: “We were delighted when Cornerstone contacted us about donating funds from their new release. Taxi Rank is a poignant song which in many ways highlights the plight of the homeless so it’s great that any sales of the track will help support the vital work we do in the Wolverhampton area.”

Cornerstone can be sampled at www.cornerstone-band.com or by visiting the band’s Facebook page facebook.com/cornerstone201