Some might explain it as the result of random meetings, the law of attraction may be as complex as quantum mechanics, and as simple as harnessing the will to change.

When a group of musicians with a similar vision met while out on tour, the energy of this became the catalyst for a movement. This was not a hedonistic product of 70s Woodstock, but may well be their modern ancestors. With copies of The Secret tucked into gig bags, and channeling the wisdom of the Celestine Prophecies, Heal the Last Stand and Andy Hickie focus the positivity of their collective energies. Drawing from the core intention of the tour, the Everybody Wants Peace record label was formulated.

Returning from the success and heat of Barcelona, the tour consolidates its momentum in the December chill of Wrexham’s Central Station. Supported by Cornwall based singer Nathan Ball, on his way through to Ireland, and front woman of the Wild Mountain Giants Stacey Cohen. The evening’s first set was delivered by Singer Songwriter Andy Hickie. Contemporary Springsteen of the Microsoft age, Hickie holds the attention of an audience with the well-rounded experience of an artist twice his age. Drawing from a catalogue of self-penned compositions Andy’s warm narrative style includes the audience in the tale of his music. Intensely his voice barks out an authentic folk inflection in the Christy Moore standard Spancil Hill. Acappella and immediately recognisable the national anthem of Wales whined out poignant and haunting from Andy’s harmonica. Accompanied by Laura of Heal the Last Stand, piercing pitch perfect harmonies ring out across the engrossed audience and Andy’s set ends to a huge applause.

When a performer of the standard of Andy Hickie has been on stage, a common emotion is that the band which follows will need to raise the bar several notches. Heal the Last Stand, did precisely that. Comprising of Laura Dickinson, her two brothers Joey and Stan, and singer/guitarist Thom Bithell, conjure a gritty Virginian stomp. A choral purity directly from Appalachia fused with the emotional harmonies of organic grind house. A case study in non verbal communication, Laura wore a multitude of expressions, stood lost within the music as she arched her head back, as if feeling each phrase of the melody like a caress, wringing her hands in almost evangelistic intensity.

Vocalist Thom, and Keyboard player Stan are the assured anchor points within the music, while Co vocalist/guitarist Joey appears controlled and methodical. As a birthday party unfolded on stage the band appeared oblivious to onlookers, unaware of the intoxication of their uninhibited camaraderie.

Following the gig, the musicians congregated in the fridgelike cool of the Wrexham night. Metaphysical visions were shared of an inspired unity, as Andy Hickie spoke of the record labels birth during the everlasting peace tour. Citing a need to reach out to people, and fight against negativity with the power of collective good, Andy passionately related to witnessing the healing effects of music and an ethic of working with positivity. The project’s realisation being chiefly credited to HTLS vocalist Laura Dickenson who utilised her knowledge of media, and the music industry. The record label exists as a tangible concept, driven by the guided will of its makers and a resource that with support and vision will grow and grow.

More about Everybody Wants Peace Records here.