Carlisle’s Old Fire Station is hosting The Lottery Winners and Jack Valero for an Easter Weekend concert.

The Manchester band need no introduction as The Lottery Winners have played the length of the county from The Boof Festival, Whitehaven to this year’s Kendal Calling.

Joining them is Modern Sky label mate Jack Valero with his new album, Not In Kansas Anymore, coming out in September.

After a bumper 2023, that included Glastonbury, Jack strides into a bigger year to come as he shares the brand new single Always Something You Can Do as the first track to come off the album to be released on September 6.

Always Something You Can Do introduces a much bigger sound from Jack, one which pulls together elements from his UK indie-pop roots with time-honoured Americana, some Rolling Stones-tinged guitars and uplifting vocal harmonies.

Lyrically it comes from a similar place: the belief that a personal connection can bring a little escape from even the toughest of times.

Jack says of the track: “This song came about when I noticed all of my songs had a very melancholy feel to them. I’m really big on the juxtaposition of a happy tune with sad or dark lyrics.

“However after looking at the world the way it is today, I realised that I had spent a lot of time pointing out the problems but hadn’t put together a song that had any positive look to the future.

“I for one felt I sorely needed that. In a time of war in Europe and the second Cold War, the resurgence of fascism in America, cost of living crisis and global warming I needed some hope.

“That’s why this song doesn’t mention those things, not that I will ever shy away from them, but more serving as a reminder that when the world seems out of control you can still make the effort of being decent to your fellow humans on a day-to-day basis.

“It may seem small and insignificant, but it actually makes all the difference to the person you make the effort for.

“These things we must retain in the face of catastrophe, so we never lose hope.”

Talking about the recording of the album and what a privilege it was Jack added: “Working with Jamie and the whole Scouse wrecking crew as we call them – featuring Tim Cunningham on bass, keys and engineer, Jim Sharrock on drums and Danny Murphy on guitar – was a privilege.

“I know he’ll say I’m being silly as he’s so humble but it’s true. It was an amazing experience to be a part of such talented lovely people working on my songs.

“To have people you have so much respect for believing in you is incredible and I will be forever grateful to Jamie for taking me in. I’d jump at the chance to do it again.”

Both the single and EP were produced by his friend and label mate Jamie Webster, and will be released via Modern Sky (Lottery Winners, Red Rum Club).

The show is currently sold out but you can join the waiting list at the Old Fire Station website here.