Opus III 'It's A Fine Day' | The Making Of A Dance Anthem

Kirsty Hawkshaw, the voice behind Opus III’s 1992 hit ‘It’s A Fine Day’, shares the making of one of UK dance music’s most beloved hits.

Hawkshaw gives DJ Mag an insight into her musical upbringing – from growing up as the daughter of famous composer Alan Hawkshaw, the man behind the iconic Countdown theme tune, to becoming a part of the travelling free party scene in the '90s with Spiral Tribe – and recalls recording her vocals for the single, an interpretation of an Edward Barton poem originally sung by Jane, in a kitchen in Sunderland.

Produced by Kevin Dodds, Ian Munro and Nigel Walton, 'It's A Fine Day' became an instant hit, and launched Kirsty into the spotlight with TV interviews, Top of the Pops performances and worldwide shows, an experience she wasn't always comfortable with.

From Orbital's 'Halcyon' to Skrillex & Boys Noize's 2023 hit 'Fine Day Anthem', Hawkshaw's vocal has been sampled countless times. 32 years later, she shares her feelings on this phenomenon, and speaks about what the track still means to her today.

Electronic music history is rich with unforgettable and timeless classics. In our series, DJ Mag explores the tales behind some of the world's favourite dance tracks, told by the people that made them

[mkhdnimg]

What a bloody icon kirsty Hawkshaw is. Such a sweetheart.

[julieblair]

Between this and "Halcyon" and all the remixes throughout the years, I have no idea how many hours of my life I have spent listening.

[CliffTangredi]

One of the classics that defined us, the early 90’s rave generation. This still gives me chills.

[ernestobame]

"Rui da Silva - Touch Me" needs to be here in this series.

[NerdyFrames]

Kirsty is such a modest and honest woman. I LOVE HER

[ERTMedias]

32 years later and... ABSOLUTE CLASSIC!!!!

[chrisdorsch]

I worked in a 24 hour Nightclub in Atlanta and one night the DJ played Chicanes Saltwater with the Accepella of Fine Day over top and it was the greatest mashup I've ever heard.

[hdmediaservices]

It’s a Fine Day is THE dance anthem that continues to be shared with every generation in so many ways. I remember the first time I played it at age 18 at a club and instantly new this song was special. I am 51 now and still get goose bumps when I hear it sampled or remixed.

Thank you for producing a song that continues to make people smile and forget about the problems in our world.

[Bstrifeless]

Kristy, I say this with zero hyperbole, you changed my life. Discovering your voice on Halcyon, and later the rave scene, made finishing school and many other personal trials so much easier. I'm a better person for your influence.

[rodcas]

Wow, the part when she mentioned that she sang to this little boy, it really hit me at the core, all the lads at the rave, we were all this little boy at one point in life and we all needed to hear that it’s going to be a fine day tomorrow

[josephhertzberg]

This, The Orb and Saint Etienne were monumental for me

[attiladezso]

Kirsty is a true legend among vocalists in electronic music, for me especially in trance. DJ Mag, keep sharing those fantastic insights! ❤

[Soundsauca]

It's one of those seminal tracks, without equal. I wore my tape out playing that track. I can still feel how I felt when I first heard it. To me it defined an era that I'm proud to have lived through. Timeless.

[arjanvuik]

Oh wow, sometimes the algorithm does good things. I was picked upon and bullied a lot in my youth and when I heard your beautiful and innocent voice in this song, back when I was 13/14 years old with your positive lyrics, it literally kept me going. Even to this day, I still get a lump in my stomach and a jump in my heart when I hear your voice. Thank you so much!

[philwatts]

This series is great. Keep 'em coming!

[trapset]

Still listen to this track now. One of my favourites from back in the day.

[djtenzen]

The music of Opus III has enveloped me like a womb in the moments when I needed it most. Such a rare blend of energy, emotion and positivity.

[machadoviewer]

I hope Kirsty knows that Opus III is heard and beloved in Brazil. Their sound changed my life, completly. Before them, I didn't know about Electronic Music. After, Electronic Music started to fill my soul. I'll never forget Opus III. Thanks DJ Mag for bringing the story of this true Dance anthem!

[windowbreezes]

Kirsty Hawkshaw’s work with Way Out West was one of the best. ❤😊

[davidcattin]

She's so right about the dance scene being healing. Pretty music, pretty lights, not a care in the world, there with all your friends... boy I miss those days, and those friends!
Movin' Up
… ain't nobody gonna hold me
i'm gonna be all that i can be
i'll take my problems to the dance floor
let the music make my spirit soar…
Never happier than during my party days. You really do take your problems to the dance floor-- and dance the HELL out of them!