Music production graduate shows the right ‘touch’ with Noiseworks’ remix

For many it remains the classic Australian rock anthem of the 80’s. Now the Noiseworks song, ‘Touch’, has been remixed by a house music duo that features the talents of Southern Cross University music production graduate, Ben Kelly.

Ben Kelly, aka Benny Electric, and Wal Gedeon, aka Habebe, are Brisbane-based duo Silver Sneakerz.

Their single, Silver Sneakerz ‘Touch’ featuring Jon Stevens, is now available on iTunes. Noiseworks’ front man Jon Stevens re-recorded the vocals for the track.

Ben said he and Wal came up with the idea of creating a remix of ‘Touch’ after hearing it on the radio.

“Wal thought it would be a great festival tune so we hopped in the studio and gave it a test. We quickly recorded the famous piano line, threw a basic rhythm behind it and realised instantly that it was going to work.

“People love to sing along to a well-known tune, so we were pretty confident with that awesome chorus,” he said.

Silver Sneakerz’s record label Ministry of Sound Australia was impressed with the demo and approached Jon Stevens who agreed to be part of the project.

Ben and Wal flew to Sydney to meet Noiseworks’ charismatic lead singer.

“Working with Jon was a dream come true for both of us. We grew up listening to Noiseworks. We met him in the studio and he was an absolute pro. We’d booked the studio for a full length session, but he hit it on the head before lunch,” said Ben.

“All of the original band members had a listen to our version before giving the thumbs up, so we were really happy with the overall response.”

Silver Sneakerz ‘Touch’ featuring Jon Stevens is currently sitting at Number 5 on the ARIA Top 50 Club Chart.

“You can play it anywhere, to any crowd and they all sing along to the chorus. It's just one of those 'hands in the air' tunes,” Ben said.

Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Contemporary Music from Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus in 2002.

“The degree has helped me so much, as it was both analogue and digital-based training. Knowing my way around equipment, audio programs and how to mix really gave me a head start when I decided to start writing house music and DJ-ing,” he said.

Ben is the son of well-known contemporary Australian jazz guitarist, Jim Kelly.

“I don't pick up the guitar all that much these days, mainly just to work out a chord progression or lead line when we're producing in the studio,” Ben said.

When he is not DJ-ing, Ben runs his own graphic design business in Brisbane.

Photo: Ben Kelly (left) and Wal Gedeon are Brisbane-based duo Silver Sneakerz.