Chesterfield’s Educatable, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Ricky Barson, releases “Thank You”, a track that captures both the loss and renewal that has shaped the project’s journey.
Educatable started back in 2002 as a school-friend trio called 24/7, with Barson on drums. The years brought different names and lineups — The Remedies, then Educatables — growing from three to five members before eventually settling as a duo. That partnership, with lead singer and songwriting partner Dom Slone, became the heart of the band.
They played hundreds of shows to thousands of people, earned BBC radio coverage, featured on Spotify and YouTube, and took to stages in football stadiums. Then Slone passed away — and everything changed.
Rather than let the music end, Barson stepped into the role of lead singer and guitarist, transforming Educatable into something new while holding onto the spirit of what it was.
“Thank You” arrives as part of this evolution, bringing fresh material that keeps the melodic, feel-good energy of the earlier work while pushing into new territory. The sound pulls from the expansive atmospheres of Coldplay and U2, filtered through the modern bounce of Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club, with touches of African and world music woven throughout.
The result is lively, beat-driven, and summer-ready. It’s indie pop-rock that moves — built on the kind of melodies that stick with you and rhythms that make venues feel alive.
Barson’s live shows have become known for pulling audiences in, creating moments that feel shared rather than performed. The Educatable Army is growing, with shows selling out across the country in theatres and top music venues.