LONDON, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

After the success of "Specialized: A Modern Take on Specials Classics", a double-disc record organised by Paul Willo to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Raw Material are proud to be involved in the release today of its follow-up: "Specialized 2: Beat Teenage Cancer", a collaborative tribute to one of the UK's standout ska and 2-Tone bands, The Beat.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130618/621936 )

The Birmingham-based group - consisting of frontmen Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, guitarists Dave Steele and Andy Cox, drummer Everett Morton and Lionel Martin (a.k.a. "Saxa") on the saxophone - released a stream of hits in the 1980s, and became the first of the 2-Tone bands to break America. As their recent tour and record sales have shown, The Beat have remained as popular as ever.

Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers, The Specials), a volunteer at Raw Material, the Brixton-based arts charity, contributed the track "Too Nice to Talk To". Rhoda recorded the track, which features the bass-playing talents of music journalist and comedian Phill Jupitus, at Raw's in-house studio, which provides state of the art facilities for community projects.

Several other artists jumped at the opportunity to take part in the collection of covers (both singles and album tracks), including The Hotknives, Addictive Philosophy, King Hammond, Big Fat Panda, Bluebird Parade, Buford o'Sullivan, Dirty Revolution, Dub Pistols, Dubtonik, Ed Rome, Esperanza, The Splitters, Swagga, The Amphetameanies and The Kosmos, among others.

As was the case with its predecessor, "Specialized 2" will be supported by a three-day festival in Parkdean Sandford in Dorset on November 8^th, 9^th & 10^th 2013. The aptly titled "Big One 2" will feature a reggae star showcase, details of which will be unveiled soon.

In the words of Dave Wakeling, frontman of The Beat:

"…Music has always had a healing aspect, 2-Tone a bit more than most, as it was designed to bring people together. These songs have been a big part of my life, and I am honoured that they could be of use to the Specialized project; a wonderful opportunity to assist a worthy cause, the Teenage Cancer Trust. And remember, when we help others, we help ourselves. One hand washes the other!"

See more at the brand new site:

http://www.specializedproject.co.uk/

"Specialized 2: Beat Teenage Cancer" is out today.

About Raw Material - Striving for excellence and innovation and promoting access and opportunity in the arts, music and media

Raw Material provides a range of high quality arts experiences and participatory programmes for young people and adults in London, the UK and internationally.

Raw Material's main aims are to support creative sector skills development and invest in artist development and sustainable futures in the arts.

We provide a comprehensive range of education and training projects, creative development for artists and musicians, film making and production projects, work based learning, apprenticeships and professional development, mental health services, work with young offenders, children's projects, live music events and performances.

We provide the highest level of service with the best resources possible, creating a professional, user friendly, safe, inspiring and productive learning environment.

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SOURCE Raw Material