A musician who discovered a recording by a late member of his family in an attic has found a unique way of immortalising his memory - and it's left people in tears. Daniel Astles revealed on TikTok that he was just six-months old when his uncle Joseph sadly took his own life.
"His death was devastating for the whole family, and the sadness and grief echoed through everyone," Daniel penned in a caption accompanying several images used to tell his story. He continued, explaining that Joseph was a "massive music fan" who worked at a venue in Liverpool, where he would write reviews of bands and collect records, tapes and posters of his favourite artists.
Daniel continued: "When I was 15 I started getting into music and writing my own songs." At this point his grandad - Joseph's father - told him to have a look in his attic for any of Joseph's old musical belongings.
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"I hadn't seen these things before and my mind was blown!" Daniel declared after making an incredible discovery.
He added: "There was an incredible mixtape in particular, that played out like an actual album. It contained songs by some of my favourite artists - I became obsessed with it - even buying a Sony Walkman to listen to it when I was on the bus."
Daniel revealed that the tape included songs by Liverpool bands, The Beatles and Echo & the Bunnymen, as well as others including ABBA, REM and Kate Bush, and even poems by Jack Keourac.
"When the time came to record my debut album, I decided I would make it a tribute to him," Daniel said of Joseph.
"I created an album that is about family - it contains samples from his original tape and plays out like his mixtape."
Daniel said he even made his album's artwork using images of Joseph's possessions, whilst a local bus firm allowed him the use of one of their vehicles for the day for him to host a listening party for friends and family.
Proudly holding a copy of his record aloft, he added: "The song, 'Joe are you listening?' was written directly to my uncle Joseph. We have got the vinyls made and I am going to place a copy in his collection. A dream come true."
Daniel closed by revealing that 'Soundtrack for the 21 Bus Home' is "out everywhere now!"
Writing in response, one TikTok user penned: "Absolutely love the story to this album. Added straight to my playlist, sounds amazing."
A second person confessed: "Wiping back the tears! You look so much like him Daniel, and what an amazing thing to do for your uncle Joseph in keeping his memory alive."
A third gushed: "What a heart felt legacy to your uncle. In the Lion King there is a song called 'He lives in me', well your uncle Joe certainly does. Well done and keep your music going."
Whilst a fourth declared: "Most beautiful thing I've seen/heard in a while. As an auntie, that sure brought tears to my eyes. Pure magic!"
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