AudioActive: Summer 2020 newsletter
A new newsletter for the new normal...
As believers in the power of music and art for social change, the past few months have certainly lined up a few challenges for us to take on…
Lockdown has gradually eased but the importance of providing an opportunity for young people to be creative has certainly not let up. As AudioActive and our determined team of music leaders have adjusted to new ways of working, there’s been some surprising and pleasing results across online sessions and one-to-one mentoring.
'Lockdown has brought out some different skills in me. Working remotely, I'm feeling more of a social worker or a friend than a music teacher…' - Joe ‘Skitz’ Cole, Hastings Practitioner
As we all know, Covid-19 has not been the only disease present in society since our last newsletter. Racism in the US and elsewhere has been highlighted and fought against as Brighton and many parts of the world stood together following the death of George Floyd.
People marched. People spoke. Statues fell. The music industry ‘blacked out.’ Initiatives and statements rang out across social media. And the work is far from done.
At AudioActive we are realising our own potential in the fight against racism. There are plans to play our part in a more proactive way than ever before and regular, productive anti-racism meetings with board members, staff and young people have been both informative and inspiring. Much like Miri’s words before thousands at The Level…
…read on to see what else AudioActive has been up to this summer.
(Cyber) Cyphers
Our popular rap cyphers at The Level have been put on hold, but the beat has carried on online every Wednesday evening. While the spontaneity of Brighton parks is dearly missed, opening up the sessions to people online has created a truly worldwide space in which we can connect through rap, beats and sturdy wi-fi connections.
‘Working on Zoom has had the unexpected benefit of not being restricted to location. We've linked up with music leaders and youth workers from all over the UK, from Newcastle to Southampton, who get involved and invite young people in. We've even had participants from as far afield as Switzerland and Germany.’ - Cyber Cypher host, Tom Hines
Equaliser: Collaboration is key…
Our weekly music production sessions for young women lead by females have continued online since those lockdown days. Not only have we seen Casper the Ghost and mentor Bobbie Johnson collaborate on a wonderful new single, we’ve also seen lockdown allow for fresh collaborative learning, as Cate Ferris explains.
‘Being forced to deliver sessions online has been unexpectedly successful. Participants have been able to utilise their own home set up and discovered they could route audio preferences through the software and remotely access the participants’ computers to collaborate and demonstrate techniques.’ - Cate Ferris, Equaliser Mentor
Emerge: What does artist development look like in lockdown?
Our PRS Foundation-funded initiative, Emerge, is all about talent development. An artist-led programme that has provided funding for Phonetic and Crysalice since it began, the project and it’s artists faced arguably their biggest challenge yet amidst COVID-19.
As a means of research for us and a valuable resource for any young artists locked in, we hosted a panel talk with guests from all corners of the music industry. The short-term and long-term future of music was on the agenda, as MGMT Rob Brown, label manager Chris Headcount, Osoje from The Brighton Cypher and emerging artists Bklava and the aforementioned Phonetic discussed artist development, gigs, merch and more.
Keep an eye out for Emerge 2020, too…
Kustom Vibes Online
And the Emerge Panel isn’t the only live video to come from AudioActive this summer. Nelson Navarro hosted the first-ever Kustom Vibes Online, as our regular event series continued to offer a platform for young musicians in a whole new realm.
Tune into this playback of the online event that features performances from The Isle of CC, Teresa Linn and AudioActive regular, Spraxa.
The next Kustom Vibes event will be launching the new mixtape… 👀
RadioReverb Partnership
Away from Zoom and onto the airwaves, we’re chuffed to announce a new partnership with RadioReverb…
Having chosen AudioActive as their Charity of the Year, you’ll be able to hear a selected team of young people on a new monthly show via their station, that will also offer free radio training for all involved. Tune in to the first show with Nelson Navarro from 2pm on Sunday via RadioReverb.
Bottega’s Back!
A hub and a home for creativity in Brighton, Bottega Rooms is back open for artists looking to practice and record. As well as all the new additions in cohesion with Covid-19 guidelines such as hand sanitiser stations, regular cleaning and mask-wearing, the Lewes Road spot has also received a new lick of paint. Thanks once again to all involved in getting the space ready once again.
The Movement continues…
We are always grateful for the support of local businesses who believe in what we do. But more than ever, with the uncertainty that so many cafes, bars, shops and more have faced in recent months, we are thankful to all who have joined The Movement.
From the pizza pioneers at Fatto a Mano to the most recent addition, Prime Loops, the donations go a long way to making our work possible. Find all the supporters of The Movement here on our soon to be updated website…
I think there's been lots of learning and an opening up to new ways of connecting that may be left over when services return to normal. - Tom Hines
And finally, a welcome to our newest staff member Greg Stanley who joins as our first-ever Communications Manager. He’s excited to be on board the team, even if it has meant writing about himself in the third person for this newsletter.
Until the next one, thanks for reading, sharing and supporting,
AudioActive 👍
