A NOTTS van driver has hit all the right notes after recording a Christmas song which has shot into the charts.WATCH: Gary's video here
Gary Armstrong, 34, from New Ollerton, penned Dance Down the Local while driving and said he was aiming to create a feelgood Christmas song.
And it appears to have worked, as thousands have watched the video on Youtube and downloaded the single, which has reached No 87 in the Singer/Songwriter chart on iTunes.
Mr Armstrong, who recorded the song in his home studio, said he was disappointed that recent Christmas chart-toppers seemed to ignore the festive season.
He added: "There hasn't been a good tune for a long time – it's always whoever won X Factor or TV talent shows – and after speaking to people, it seemed they wanted something a bit more festive in the charts.
"So, that's how the song came about – a line came into my head when I was driving, so I got my dictaphone out and recorded it.
"I then went into my home studio, recorded all the parts and the song was made."
"It's not commercial at all – it's about Christmas and having a good time with your friends and family in the pub or at home."
Mr Armstrong has been making music for most of his adult life.
He said: "I want people to listen to the record and enjoy it. Music is something I have a real passion for.
"I've been lucky enough to have a lot of people support me.
"I've played on stage with people like Frank Turner and I've enjoyed the experiences my music has given me.
"It's not just my friends and family that have bought the song – I've had a few people come up to me in the local supermarket telling me they liked my song and that's just a brilliant feeling."
The former West Notts College student said he really wanted to see the song hit the top 40, but conceded it would take a big effort to see that happen.
He said: "If I get into the top 40, the radio stations will have to at least give me a bit of airplay – it would be great to hear my song on Radio 1.
"But it would take a few more sales to see that happen. I spoke to the website which has helped with distribution of the song and they have said to get to 87 in the iTunes chart, it must have sold a few thousand.
"Nottingham has got some incredible music coming out of it at the moment, especially Jake Bugg.
"The national spotlight is really here – so perhaps a Christmas No 1 might not be a crazy idea after all."
Watch the video for Dance Down the Local at thisisnottingham.co.uk
