Acclaimed producer, musician, and author Mark Rae has released his new single "The Conker Boys", following its premiere on Radio X with John Kennedy. The track is part of Rae’s ambitious new multimedia project, New Town Ghosts, and the accompanying album New Town Ghosts–Songs From The Novel By Mark Rae, both out on April 11th.
Set during the summer of 1976 in a Northumbrian new town, New Town Ghosts blends music and storytelling into an immersive experience exploring childhood friendship, the spirit world, and our connection with nature. Rae describes it as “a high-water mark” in his creative journey. "The Conker Boys" captures this vision with jangling guitars, tight drums, and rich vocal harmonies. Melancholic yet warm, it brings the novel’s themes to life through evocative melodies and vivid lyricism.
Alongside its nostalgic charm, the project addresses deeper issues like neurodiversity, childhood poverty, and environmental change, underlining Rae’s commitment to meaningful storytelling. New Town Ghosts is a bold, heartfelt work from an artist who continues to push creative boundaries.