‘Guiding Star’, is the new Christmas single by Whiskey General for London based charity The Stuart Low Trust. The song draws inspiration from icons such as Elton John, Queen, Wham, The Pogues and Paul McCartney to evoke strong nostalgic memories, like those Christmas singles of the 1980’s we love. 

A Musical Celebration - Guiding Star is released to raise awareness and funds in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the London mental health charity, The Stuart Low Trust (SLT).

The single is an original composition by two talented songwriters Jay Serrao aka ‘Whiskey General’ and Adam Wilson, who also work for the SLT charity.  
Whiskey General arranged and produced the single and is the lead singer/ guitarist.
'Guiding Star' tells a story of finding hope and strength amidst life's darkest moments. For the single, Whiskey General collaborated with Adam, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 45. Adam gains new insights from his lived experiences and has not allowed this disabling condition to stop his artistic expression, nor curb his long-standing ambition to release a festive record.

Adding a personal touch, the choruses of the song are performed by the SLT Choir, comprising service users, staff, and a trustee ably conducted by Cecilia Forssberg —a poignant demonstration of community support.  Charity members have created beautiful artworks for the single cover on the theme of ‘Guiding Star’.

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Amelia Hartley, Banijay multinational entertainment company, for her superb support to create 'Guiding Star' and help us achieve a major impact through this single. We also would like to thank Universal Music, Tufty Evans and Abbey Road Studios.

About The Stuart Low Trust
In December 2023, The Stuart Low Trust proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of unwavering commitment to build a supportive local community.  Founded in response to the tragic loss of Stuart Low, who was just 27 years old when he took his own life, the charity has grown into a beacon of hope, dedicated to breaking the social isolation which often leads to despair.

Mark Gillham SLT CEO said: "Our mission is to be radically different from other mental health services: easy to access, out-of-hours, and embedded in local communities.  Through this Christmas single, we aim to raise awareness and funds for people suffering in isolation this Christmas." 

How could your donation help?
The Stuart Low Trust aims to break down the barriers of isolation by being free, open to everyone and available on evenings and weekends. 

If you wish to donate when downloading the single, you will enable isolated Londoners experiencing mental health problems and living in poverty to connect with others through FREE social activities and make new friendships:

£10 will enable us to reach 50 more isolated Londoners via publicity  

£20 will pay for a Time to Talk session enabling 12 isolated Londoners to connect socially.  

£50 will enable 12 isolated Londoners to benefit from a social event.

Credits:
Produced and Arranged By: Jay Serrao/ Whiskey General
Written by Jay Serrao aka Whiskey General/ Adam Wilson

Recorded at: Universal Music Studios, London
Mixed by: Tufty Evans
Mastered: Abbey Road Studios, London

Musicians: 
Jay Serrao - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Rich Merit - Bass
Jack Evans - Lead Guitar
Matt Dean - Drums

Backing Vocals: Cecilia Forssberg, Susie Mills, The SLT Choir

Guiding Star

An homage to the relentless dedication of individuals in pursuit of their dreams. This song is a tribute to your commitment and sacrifice. This is part of the Whiskey General's upcoming album 'Mooreish'. 

Listen on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/3TGf6gr
Listen on Apple Music here: https://apple.co/3w6bpYh

Lions

Lover, No matter where you've been
We've got to change our ways
for the powers that may be
Freedom, is more than just belief
A Rebel, is the morning bird that sings to me

Cos her love flows like a river
it's going to wash away the pain
And I know that it won't last forever
after the storm the sun will shine again


Enemies, enemies who forgave me
We were meant to, walk together free
Freedom, is more than just belief
Open, your mind to the change that’s meant to be
credits
released May 31, 2024
Song written by - Jay Serra, Rich Merit

Vocals - Jay Serra
Bass - Rich Merit
Backing Vox - Mischa Serra
Guitar, Keys - Jay Serra
Drums - Matt Dean
Produced - Jay Serra, Rich Merit
Gospel Choir - Zamar Choir, South Africa

Mixed - The Swan Sings (Archway, London)
Mastered - Pretzel Logic Studios

Love Like A River

'Do What Though Wilt'

It's a funny old world
But nobody's laughing
In between the newborn, the living and the dying
In for a penny, In for a pound
Prince and Pretender, both claiming the crown.
All this it's no surprise
Truth and Lies
Well I look to the east
Raise my hands up to heaven
Bowed to the new born son who had risen
Learned all the words but none of their meanings
Learned all the secrets but none of their reasons
So I laid all my faith in the tales and the legends
Miracles and myths of divine intervention
Huckster and priest selling redemption
Toll for the soul
On the road to salvation
And who are to blame?
We are sinking forever
In the sea of gain
Now I sit here to ponder
Question and wonder
End of the day I am still none the wiser
Like threads on the loom all weaving a pattern
A picture in light and life ever after
Life ever after

Truth And Lies

Whiskey General aka Jay Serra is a seasoned British singer/songwriter who has graced stages alongside an eclectic array of acts, including Scouting for Girls, Idlewild, Billy Bragg, The Feeling, Doves, Magistrate and Ms Dynamite. His musical journey has taken him to perform on prestigious platforms like the BBC, ITV, and Disney, and his extensive background includes international tours and independent music productions. In an era shifting away from traditional rock stardom, Jay envisioned Whiskey General as a collaborative project to spotlight often overlooked talent. His vision extends to a future where artists liberate themselves from genre constraints, embracing a DIY ethos that accentuates the raw power of a simple idea on a guitar or piano, and aims to build towards a polished production that can rival mainstream acts.

In support of mental health, Whiskey General has collaborated with Adam WIlson to write 'Guiding Star' for London charity The Stuart Low Trust.  Adam was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 45 gains new insights from his lived experiences and has not allowed this disabling condition to stop his artistic expression, nor curb his long-standing ambition to release a festive record.
Whiskey General has recorded, produced and arranged the Christmas single. 

Drawing inspiration from icons like Elton John, Queen, Wham, The Pogues, and Paul McCartney, he describes the song to evoke strong nostalgic memories of 'That eighties Christmas song'. This will be released soon.

Currently, Whiskey General is also working on the release of his album ‘Mooreish.’ This 7-track album is highly anticipated by fans, and it promises to showcase his unique blend of musical styles and lyrical prowess.

Truth And Lies

Whiskey General

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