After releasing his latest single “BT45” on August 18th, JC Stewart returns with traditional Irish musicians Beoga, delivering an emotive rendition of the song, which is inspired by his upbringing in Magherafelt, in central Northern Ireland, and his childhood in the postcode area BT45. The rendition of the Irish anthem featuring Beoga, “BT45 (Live from BT45)” is due for release on September 20th.
The homage to Ireland’s BT45 is all about nostalgia, youth, growing up and a love for Ireland. A sense of place, of home, of Northern Irishness, is at the heart of who JC Stewart is. The song is layered with soft guitar riffs, subdued piano tones and builds gently as JC sings;
“I know I left my heart in Ireland”.
Speaking about the song, JC said: “BT45 is the postcode of the area that I grew up in: a little town in Co. Derry, Northern Ireland called Magherafelt. When I turned 19, I left to work on my career and it was only when I came back to my parent’s house during the pandemic, being with my family, that I fully realised the magic of the place. There’s a beauty and enchantment in Mid-Ulster that I have never been able to replicate anywhere else.”
“BT45” was originally written as a song for JC’s family that was never meant to be released. It’s a simple song about leaving to find your dreams and then discovering what you’re searching for is in the place you left.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Beoga for years now and when it came to releasing this song, I knew if I could get them on board they would add so much. I sent them a quick message and they were so kind and so up for it straight away. We recorded it at their studio 10 minutes from my family home and it was such a special day. I’m so excited about what we made and it is such an honour to have this out in the world,” reflects JC Stewart upon having the opportunity to collaborate with Beoga.
John Callum “JC” Stewart has packed a lot into his 27 years. A self-released single at 18. A record deal with Warner Music, signed after an old-fashioned bidding war, when he was 21. A Number One single in the Czech Republic in the teeth of lockdown, underpinned by gold-selling success in Eastern and Northern Europe. A touring and writing partnership with good friend Lewis Capaldi, co-writing “Hollywood” (in excess of 84 million Spotify streams) from the Scotsman’s blockbuster debut album, Divinely Inspired to a Hellish Extent. A co-write with Niall Horan on his own 2021 song “Break My Heart.” An EP with Tom Odell, one of JC’s North Stars and true heroes. A proper viral moment with his parodic cover of Friends theme “I’ll Be There For You,” which went from TikTok to ABC News to an American media storm after Jennifer Aniston reposted it. A deep-seated creative bond with Foy Vance, aka the patron saint of modern Irish songwriters. Now, JC Stewart returns – rebooted, refreshed, realigned and stronger than ever, with his new record label Stanley Park, to continue his musical journey.
HEADLINE I’M A MESS TOUR BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER ACROSS THE UK AND EUROPE
TICKETS ON SALE HERE
September 2024
27 Hebeuhne, Hamburg, Germany
28 Kafka, Antwerp, Belgium
29 Melkweg Old Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands
October 2024
01 Les Etoiles, Paris, France
02 Bush Hall, London, UK
11 The Limelight 2, Belfast, UK
12 Whelan’s, Dublin, Ireland