Acclaimed producer, musician, songwriter, and author Mark Rae continues his ambitious multimedia project, New Town Ghosts, with the release of its latest single, “The Conker Boys.” The track arrives ahead of the highly anticipated album New Town Ghosts – Songs From The Novel By Mark Rae, set for release on April 11th.
A seamless fusion of music and literature, New Town Ghosts explores themes of childhood friendship, nostalgia, environmental changes, and the spirit world. Set in the summer of 1976 in a Northumbrian new town, Rae’s novel and accompanying album weave together personal storytelling and universal themes, creating an immersive experience that blurs the lines between memory and myth.
Musically, “The Conker Boys” is a masterclass in melancholic yet uplifting indie-folk, with shimmering, interwoven guitars, tight drums, and a grounding bassline setting the scene for Rae’s lush harmonies and evocative lyricism. The song beautifully captures the novel’s narrative essence, bringing to life the wistful innocence of youth against the backdrop of a changing world.
“This project represents a high-water mark in my creative output,” says Mark Rae. “I wanted to explore themes of childhood friendship, our relationship with nature, and the spirit world. The story reflects the innocence and wonder of growing up during a unique time in history, intertwined with the emotional resonance of the music.”
Beyond its personal depth, New Town Ghosts speaks to larger social issues, including neurodiversity, childhood poverty, and the importance of freedom in early life. Rae’s ability to meld personal nostalgia with broader social awareness makes this project an affecting and necessary artistic statement.
With its introspective storytelling and rich sonic textures, New Town Ghosts is shaping up to be one of Mark Rae’s most immersive and defining works—a testament to his boundless creativity and ability to bridge the worlds of music and literature.
