BORDERS musician Graham Coe has shed light on coronavirus’ impact on small music venues with a video for his group’s new song.

Coe, who attended Peebles High School, forms one half of acoustic duo The Jellyman’s Daughter, with Emily Kelly completing the group.

The pair have recently released a poignant video to accompany their new song Christmas.

Filmed at empty concert halls, the video demonstrates the struggles caused by COVID-19, with venues in Scotland having been closed since March.

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Coe says he has “fond memories of seeing some great music at the Eastgate [in Peebles], as well as playing in various rock and metal bands there”, with the pair also visiting as part of their UK vinyl launch tour.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the video, Kelly said: “We’re extremely worried about bands having somewhere to play after the pandemic is over as a lot of them are in need of urgent assistance.

“We’ve always been firm believers in the importance of small venues – both for the up-and-coming local acts to get their start and for international touring acts to have somewhere to find a new audience.

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“This year we became patrons of the Music Venue Trust and wanted to help raise awareness and hopefully donations for their Save Our Venues campaign.”

The pair describe the Eastgate as “a really vital part” of the community, adding that “we really hope it can weather the storm of 2020”.

Their Christmas video was filmed across three days in 10 empty Edinburgh venues, which Kelly says was an “extremely emotional experience”.

“We thought at first it was maybe an ambitious idea but all of the venues were so supportive and welcoming.

“The song itself is a heartbreaking but hopeful send-off to 2020 and explores some of the emotions that we know so many people around the world have gone through - good and bad.

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“The reaction to the song and video has been amazing,” she added.

“People from all over the world have gotten in contact to let us know some tears had been shed watching the video. It’s been an emotional year for everyone.”

Christmas forms part of The Jellyman’s Daughter’s festive album of the same name.

The original song takes it place next to “new versions of well-known Christmas songs”, ranging from Hark the Herald Angels Sing to Slade’s Merry Xmas Everyone.