Westcliff residents united with Rochford Avenue song

Matt Lane, lead singer for band The Calmers, came up with the concept for the song “Rochford Avenue” after speaking to his neighbours and seeing how they united during the Covid pandemic.

The song features lyrics centring on the lives and memories of those on the street and is set to release on October 19. 

Performing - Matt Lane and Steve Rosenthal performing as part of The Calmers (Image: Matt Lane)

Matt said the tune, which was first played at a street party outside his house, was designed “to make people feel good” and celebrate the lives of all the residents living on the street. 

He added: “During the course of the pandemic, tough things happened, what emerged was a tremendous community spirit.

“I just felt during the pandemic, the spirit was strong, I asked people if they had any interesting things they’ve done in their life to put in the song.

Community - Matt Lane said the experiences of Rochford Avenue's residents were at the heart of the song (Image: Matt Lane)

“The song captures the ups and downs of life.

“We all have a story and we all happened to be brought together by this street. 

“Decades come and go and the street remains.

“Audiences really enjoy the song Rochford Avenue, it’s the one people always join in on the chorus, it always gets an encore.”

Very popular - Vocalist Matt Lane said the song was easily the band's most popular and will release on October 19 (Image: Matt Lane)

He said the song also pays tribute to one resident, who had lived her whole life on the street, and all others who have lived there.

The vocalist added the song originally came to be after his wife started a residents’ group chat during lockdown, leading their neighbours to get to know each other moreThe Calmers - Bandmates pose for a photo (Image: Matt Lane)

He was joined by bandmates Stephen Rosenthal who plays bass and provides vocals, Ian Winston who plays the trumpet, guitarist Milan Dragovic, and drummer Gary Logan.

The band will be playing at St Mark’s Church on Princes Street, Westcliff on October 19, to mark the official release of the song. 

Matt said his band could be playing as a supporting act for British jazz-funk band Light of the World at the Rayleigh Mill on March 14.