Local record producer and veteran Bernard Healey and his son Joel Healey (who appeared on The Voice UK) have been working hard over the pandemic to produce a variety of tracks, including ‘Just Keep Going’ a track that features members of The Veterans of The Foundation.
All earnings and rights of the track are being donated to The Veterans of The Foundation to raise funds for local veterans who may need our help during the pandemic.
We caught up with Bernie last week to gain an insight into his background and inspiration in writing the track that features members of The Veterans of The Foundation.
- So, can you tell me a bit about yourself?
“When I was 17 years old I decided to join the army, I ended up joining the royal artillery and completed my basic training and I then went on to be a gunner for many years, in that time I was always heavily involved in sports, music and I was a physical training instructor too.
- What was your inspiration to write the song ‘Just Keep Going’?
“My son Joel inspired me a lot! He was a part of the TV Show ‘The Voice’ and appeared in NXTGEN he was taken to Los Angeles by WILL.I.AM and his team however decided to part ways to focus on his own music and talents. It has been a pleasure working with him over the past couple of months, he is a great guitarist and a fantastic vocalist, he’s a blessing to work with.”
“Last November I lost my dad who was also a musician, prior to this I had not been involved in music for the past 12 years. Before he passed away, he wanted me to start up that fire again with music, so I decided to give it another go!”
“The song ‘Just Keep Going’ acts as a little bit of self-comfort and getting your inner emotions out, I have suffered with mental health and my son also suffered with anxiety which he is open about.”
“I have always had in mind what The Veterans of The Foundation did for me especially when I was going through a difficult time with my mental health. Dave Shields and the guys there really helped me and to be totally honest with you, I don’t think Id be around if it wasn’t for them… I suffered badly with substance abuse and alcohol but now I feel as though I have a new lease of life! I’m back involved with music, clean and keeping myself busy.”
“So, I thought what can I do to aid The Veterans of The Foundation? I had written a song with Joel who is a vocalist on the track, so we decided to give the rights and earnings of the song to local veterans. We have veterans out there who are living on the streets and dealing with a variety of mental health issues, rejection, and ultimately suicide. So, if we can give back to them and even help a handful of veterans it would be a job worthwhile!”
listen to the track preview below!
