DJ Mag's The Making Of A Dance Anthem series has been running on YouTube since 2020, with over 60 episodes. I watched my very first one on Wednesday!
What a one to start with, though. The fabulous Kirsty Hawkshaw taking about her journey with Opus III and their cover of It's A Fine Day, born out of the rave scene and which became a global smash in 1992.
Kirsty's storytelling is superb, describing her journey from 4AD-leaning indie kid to ball-spinning, shaven-headed frontperson, guesting on Jonathan Ross' chat show, to her unflinchingly polite challenge to big artists for not clearing us of her vocals. It's only 12 minutes but honestly I could listen to more of Kirsty's stories all day long.
I've included all of the versions, off shoots and variants mentioned in the interview below. Whilst some of the songs have featured here previously, I think I've picked unique versions for today's post. I've also added the original version, sung a cappella by Jane Lancaster and written by the legendary Edward Barton.
1) It's A Fine Day: Opus III (Kirsty's debut performance on Top Of The Pops, 20th Feb 1992)
2) Halcyon: Orbital (the official 1992 video recut to the original 11-minute single version and released in April 2025)
4) Fine Day XXIV: Opus III (production by Shadow Child and Adam F (Kirsty's husband); new vocals and video by Kirsty) (2024)
5) It's A Fine Day: Jane (1983)
They have never yet improved on the original in my opinion. When can we except an in depth feature on "There Goes Concorde Again"?
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