Scottish award-winning dance DJ George Bowie (aka GBX) and his long-term production partner Sparkos (real name Marc Anderson) have collaborated with Northern Irish/English pop rock and dance group D:Ream to remix their 90s number 1 hit single "Things Can Only Get Better."

The special remix is in aid of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, with all proceeds from the song going to the DEC appeal to support refugees.

George and Sparkos wanted to do something to support those superseded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and felt "Things Can Only Get Better" was the ideal track.

The pair fittingly recruited Ukrainian singer Anastasia Derkach to help transform the anthem into a duet, with Anastasia recording her vocal at home in Kyiv. After discovering Anastasia online, the duo worked relentlessly to make the single - despite Derkach facing significantly difficult recording conditions.

She explained: "It wasn't impossible, but I can't say that it was even normal: for the time when I was recording I heard air-fighters flying overhead and they made a very loud sound. "We always have air raid alerts, and I needed to go to the shelter. I strongly believe that it's my duty to do what I can to help all my sisters and brothers - all Ukrainians. I have no plans to leave; I will stay here. When George got in touch with me, I felt excited". 

She continued, "Thanks to you, George and Marc, for giving me an opportunity to perform such an outstanding song and help my country. The song is extremely outstanding, I like the sound so much and the lyrics are so appropriate for the situation."

Speaking about life in Ukraine now, she said: "To make a long story short, it seems that normal life is coming back, but the fact is it only seems that way because some businesses are open, I can see more people walking through the streets".

Regarding the charity single, George stated: "The idea came about very quickly after I met Anastasia. We had been going through potential singers for a GBX track, and when I asked her to send a demo, she said she couldn't for a few days because she was in Ukraine and there was a 48-hour blackout. I found the fact that she was continuing to work through these conditions and all the horrors that war brings inspirational and thought we could maybe do something".

You can listen to "Things Can Only Get Better" (GBX & Sparkos Ukraine Relief Remix) below:

By Isaac Roblett