Higher Education – ‘Gift Called Life’

Higher Education are a fun-loving trio comprising brothers Petey and Danny Devaney on guitars, bass, and vocals, with Bradley Wilson on drums. The three has independently released three studio albums since 2010 – ‘Chasing Highs’, ‘Would You Like Fries With That’, and ‘The Ballad Of Alexander Henry’. Their feel-good single, ‘Gift Called Life’, is from their forthcoming fourth album, and serves as the perfect introduction to Higher Education’s fusion of classic reggae and psych rock.

Opening ‘Gift Called Life’ with his guitar, Petey paves the way for Bradley to get listeners up out of their chairs and onto the dance floor, while layered percussions provide the reggae vibe ahead of the rich vocals. It’s a lighthearted feeling song, but hides a deeper meaning, as it was written in the wake of the death Petey and Danny’s father. Petey’s aim was to capture the positivity their father brought to the band, in his role as their inspiration and biggest supporter. They commemorate life in the song, and believe that every day should be celebrated, as it is truly a gift.


‘Gift Called Life’ comes with a video which was filmed and edited by Zach Strouse from Positive Vibe Media, and shot at Greenbelt Lake, Maryland, a spot where the guys from Higher Education had hung out since they were kids. The clip is filled with friends and family, including fellow musicians and producers, as well as family members, and each person has had an effect on what Higher Education has become. The beautiful sunlight and the crew dancing along the lake make for an altogether gorgeous and heartwarming clip.

Higher Education set off on a Northeast/Midwest USA tour from 10 March. You can find out more information about this and everything else from Higher Education’s official website.

Gift Called Life - Higher Education (Official Music Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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