The Edge radio hosts Sharyn Casey and Jayden King have brought together some of New Zealand's finest musicians and most beloved famous faces to raise money for Youthline with a charity version of Stan Walker's song 'Take It Easy'.
The broadcasters were inspired to take on the project after learning that there was a 50 percent increase in calls and texts to Youthline - which has recently taken a funding cut - from young people during the COVID-19 lockdown. In order to help, they assembled the 'Youthline Supporters Squad', which features a host of musicians, sports stars and even New Zealand's Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.
Lending their vocal talents to Walker's hit track include local hitmakers Robinson and Mitch James, as well as Western Springs College's Kapa Haka group, who perform their part of the song in Te Reo Māori.
The music video for the song also features other well-loved Kiwis who are less musically inclined, such as Kanoa Lloyd, Suzy Cato, Mike McRoberts, Julian Saavea and Sam Cane.
Bloomfield makes a special appearance at the end of the clip, urging New Zealanders "follow the rules, and we'll be fine," referencing the song's chorus with a flourish.
Casey said when considering the perfect song for the charity track, she and King always came back to 'Take It Easy', which she says has the "exact message they wanted to send".
Walker "didn't hesitate" in giving permission for the song to be used and was keen to be involved.
Having called Youthline for advice herself as a child after a "horrible day at school", Casey said the charity particularly important to her.
"Youthline have saved so many kids and always been there for us, now it's our turn to be there for them," she said.
Listeners of The Edge were encouraged to donate to Youthline and record their own lipsync videos to feature in the final cut.
