The developers of a new app hope to inspire rail travellers to learn more about Britain’s music scene both past and present.
National Rail has teamed up with DJ and presenter Jo Whiley to bring about 30 city specific audio guides to teach rail travellers all about Britain’s musical history.
New research conducted by Mortar Research revealed that the country is at risk of losing its connection with its musical history. One in five participants didn’t know The Beatles are from Liverpool, 40% didn’t know about Oasis’ ties to Manchester, and 60% were unaware that Grime music originated in London.
The team behind the new Window Seater app hope to change that, by bringing the inside scoop behind all of our favourite bands and artists direct to our train seats.
These geo-targeted stories, narrated by Jo Whiley, will explore the origins of genres and the locations that helped shape some of Britain’s most popular artists and bands.
The guides reveal details about the Queen’s music video filmed on a Peterborough railway track, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger meeting on a train platform in Dartford, and the story of writing Simon and Garfunkels’ Homeward Bound in a railway station, to name a few.
Broadcaster Jo Whiley said: “I’m very passionate and proud of Britain’s musical heritage – and I’d hate for people to lose their connection to it. I believe that you can appreciate music on a whole new level when you get out there and experience the places that influenced it.
“Working with the rail industry, I’m hoping to inspire fans to take a trip, by train, and discover more about their favourite bands and genres of music. Enjoying a train journey whilst listening to one of the audio guides is the perfect way to connect with our musical history. Experience the hometowns that helped shape artists, walk the streets that are referenced in their songs and visit train stations that connected them in more ways than one.”
Jacqueline Starr, CEO at Rail Delivery Group, said: “Travelling by train connects you to the people, places and things you love – like music. We’re delighted to be working with Jo to help people rediscover the fantastic musical heritage Britain has to offer, and inspire them to explore the origins of genres, artists and the locations that influenced them by train.”
You can find out more about the campaign here, or download the app from your Apple or Android app store.
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