GBX releases new charity version of 90s hit for Ukraine

George, aka GBX, and production partner Sparkos have teamed up with D:Ream for a re-release of their single Things Can Only Get Better.

This time they will be joined by Ukrainian singer Anastasia Derkach, who recorded her vocals from Kyiv, and all proceeds will go to the DEC Ukraine appeal to help refugees.

George spoke about how the idea came about and the inspiration for it.

GBX on air

He said: “The idea came about very quickly after I met Anastasia. We had been going through potential singers for a GBX track and when I asked her to send a demo she said she couldn't for a few days because she was in Ukraine and there was a 48-hour blackout.

"I found the fact that she was continuing to work through these conditions and all the horrors that a war brings inspirational and thought we could maybe do something."

George originally thought of releasing an original song but decided it was fate when he played a 'Songs of Hope' Spotify playlist on random, Things Can Only Get Better began playing.

GBX Sparkos

George and Sparkos, real name Marc Anderson, then approached D:Ream, who immediately gave their permission and even offered to release the song.

Marc and George then worked together to bring the classic tune bang up to date, and give it a new lease of life with the dual vocals.

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Marc said: “Talking to Anastasia really brought it home and made it relatable just what the situation was. You can't escape the pictures and the horror of what is going on.

"We wanted to raise vital funds but we also wanted to a song of hope and Anastasia told me that's exactly what this is for her and the good people of Ukraine and that meant more than anything to all of us.”

Anastasia

Anastasia initially struggled to record the vocals for the song as there were jets streaking overhead and at one point she had to flee to an air-raid shelter.

She said: “It wasn’t impossible but I can’t say that it was even normal: for the time when I was recording I heard air-fighters flying overhead and they made a very loud sound.

"We always have air raid alerts and I needed to go to shelter.”

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She added: “To make a long story short, it seems that normal life is coming back but the fact is it only seems that way because some businesses are opened, I can see more people walking through the streets.

"However, panic and fear can be read from the people’s faces. A lot of them lost their families, the situation in Kyiv region is awful and a lot of people have families that are living here.

"As it can be understood, some of them won’t meet the members of their family anymore.

“The life changed and changed so rapidly: now I have before/after life as many Ukrainians do.

“We are for sure a very courageous nation”.

Anastasia plans to stay in the UK and is delighted with the choice of such an iconic song to raise much-needed funds. 

Anastasia

She added: “The song is extremely outstanding, I like the sound so much and the lyrics are so appropriate for the situation.”

George asks all music fans to show their support, whether by downloading this song or just sharing messages of support for those affected by the conflict.

He said: “I really do feel we all need to help. Not necessarily financially, if you can then that's amazing, however I appreciate money is tight for a lot of people.

"I feel we all need to show some sort of support and let the people of Ukraine know that we hear them and we are standing shoulder to shoulder with them throughout this horrendous time."

D:Ream ft Anastasia Derkach – the GBX and Sparkos Ukraine Relief Mix – is released at midnight tonight.