September Blog
DJ’s and Dance-offs: Sound Lab Hits the Road
Whilst the majority of our work takes place in Glasgow, we occasionally load up the car and work further afield as well. Aberlour Jamboree (known as Abjam) is Aberlour’s annual young people’s event, co-developed and co-delivered by and for the young people they support, who travel from all over Scotland for the event.
We’ve been running DJ sessions with some of those young people at Aberlour’s Youthpoint service since July, and were delighted to be invited to be a part of AbJam 24, which took place near Dunoon in the last weekend of August.
Alongside some stellar DJ tuition from Laurie, we were buzzing to team up with dance tutor and creative entrepreneur Patsy Tchimoa-Ouethy for the first time, who delivered two really popular afro dance workshops.
We’ve been running DJ sessions with some of those young people at Aberlour’s Youthpoint service since July, and were delighted to be invited to be a part of AbJam 24, which took place near Dunoon in the last weekend of August.
Alongside some stellar DJ tuition from Laurie, we were buzzing to team up with dance tutor and creative entrepreneur Patsy Tchimoa-Ouethy for the first time, who delivered two really popular afro dance workshops.
Steg G also hit the road for us in August, delivering DJ sessions at Youth Scotland’s Big Ideas event. Taking place at Stirling University, the event was a brilliant two day celebration of the power of youth work, bringing youth workers and young people together from all over Scotland to connect, make friendships and learn new skills. Thanks to both Youth Scotland and Aberlour for having us – it is great to partner with likeminded organisations who walk the walk when it comes to believing in young people and supporting them to do what they want to do.
Healing Arts 2024
- We were delighted to participate in the Glasgow leg of Scotland’s Healing Arts Festival 2024. As part of this week-long celebration highlighting the transformative power of participatory art in improving health outcomes, we delivered a DJ workshop led by Steg G, and showcased the creative work of our young participants at the Scottish Parliament.
Programme Coordinator Mairi Fletcher also featured on a panel discussion, where she discussed our involvement in the ITAC Relay, the crucial importance of funding music education for young people, the value
of network building and supporting practitioners to deliver community-engaged work and her hopes for the future of healing arts in Scotland.Throughout the year, The Sound Lab joined over 20 other organisations country wide to participate in the Healing Arts Relay. Centered around the theme of isolation and loneliness, the young people we work with at St Mary’s Kenmure created lyrics and a backing track reflecting on their personal experiences of isolation. Their contributions were then passed on to other organisations across Scotland, culminating in a collaborative piece that was exhibited at the Scottish Parliament.
Springburn Auditorium
We’re thrilled to have kicked off our Build a Band sessions at Springburn Auditorium! Open to any young people who would like to get involved, these workshops provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to dive into their musical interests and collaborate with others.
The initial sessions have had a vibrant, atmosphere with participants exploring drumming and guitar. It was inspiring to see everyone experimenting with different musical elements and connecting with fellow musicians. In the coming weeks, we are hoping to introduce a DJ element to the programme, so please look out for future information on our social media. For the latest from Springburn Auditorium click here.
The initial sessions have had a vibrant, atmosphere with participants exploring drumming and guitar. It was inspiring to see everyone experimenting with different musical elements and connecting with fellow musicians. In the coming weeks, we are hoping to introduce a DJ element to the programme, so please look out for future information on our social media. For the latest from Springburn Auditorium click here.
Radio
If you missed our latest Radio Buena Vida show, you missed an electrifying performance by one of our rising stars, Ciaran Novek. Fresh from hosting his own event at Brunswick Cellars, Novek took over the airwaves on Saturday with an incredible set that perfectly encapsulated his signature techno sound. It was an energy-packed session that’s sure to get you moving. You can listen back to the show here. To keep up with Novek's exciting journey in the club scene, be sure to follow him here at @novekmusic.
If you missed our latest Radio Buena Vida show, you missed an electrifying performance by one of our rising stars, Ciaran Novek. Fresh from hosting his own event at Brunswick Cellars, Novek took over the airwaves on Saturday with an incredible set that perfectly encapsulated his signature techno sound. It was an energy-packed session that’s sure to get you moving. You can listen back to the show here. To keep up with Novek's exciting journey in the club scene, be sure to follow him here at @novekmusic.
This month on Clyde Built Radio, we’re thrilled to spotlight another of our talented DJ students, Wajd. We first met Wajd when she came along to Rising in Harmony, our Refugee Festival Scotland event, back in June; she told us she was passionate about DJing, but had never had the opportunity. Since then, she’s progressed fantastically with support from her tutor, Jonny Fernandez, AKA Wheelman Together, they’ll be showcasing Wajd's impressive DJ skills and reflecting on her experience with The Sound Lab. Don’t miss the live broadcast on 13th September from 1-2pm.
Later in the month, on Radio Buena Vida, we’ll be giving listeners a sneak preview of ‘Music Makes Glasgow’, our 25th anniversary party at Drygate. Be sure to tune in on 21st September from 3-4pm as we get ready to light the candles, soundcheck the mics and celebrate all things birthday.
Later in the month, on Radio Buena Vida, we’ll be giving listeners a sneak preview of ‘Music Makes Glasgow’, our 25th anniversary party at Drygate. Be sure to tune in on 21st September from 3-4pm as we get ready to light the candles, soundcheck the mics and celebrate all things birthday.
YCSA – Build a Band
Last month we wrapped up a series of ‘Build a Band’ workshops in partnership with the Youth Community Support Agency (YCSA), a fantastic organisation dedicated to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds in Glasgow.
Held at our Pentagon space, the workshops offered sessions on piano, guitar, bass, drums, songwriting, and electronic music. The participants rotated between instruments, trying their hand at everything from keys to drums with the guidance of our tutors, Keith Beattie and Marina Rolink.
It has been a rewarding experience watching these young people explore their musical talents and learn to play together. We’re looking forward to more collaborative projects in the future!
Held at our Pentagon space, the workshops offered sessions on piano, guitar, bass, drums, songwriting, and electronic music. The participants rotated between instruments, trying their hand at everything from keys to drums with the guidance of our tutors, Keith Beattie and Marina Rolink.
It has been a rewarding experience watching these young people explore their musical talents and learn to play together. We’re looking forward to more collaborative projects in the future!
Exciting Opportunity: Free Participatory Arts Short Course
Glasgow Connected Arts Network is thrilled to announce their new Participatory Arts Short Course, running from 29th August to 7th November. This programme is designed specifically for those in the Creative Industries in Scotland, offering a unique blend of professional development, networking, and mentorship.
The course will take place on Thursday evenings from 6.30-8pm, with a hybrid format available both online and in-person at The Alchemy Experiment. It’s open to 16-25 year olds and comes at no cost. Participants will benefit from thematic networking events, monthly training workshops, and personalised 1-to-1 support sessions.
Seize this opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with other creatives. Sign up now at Eventbrite.
The course will take place on Thursday evenings from 6.30-8pm, with a hybrid format available both online and in-person at The Alchemy Experiment. It’s open to 16-25 year olds and comes at no cost. Participants will benefit from thematic networking events, monthly training workshops, and personalised 1-to-1 support sessions.
Seize this opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with other creatives. Sign up now at Eventbrite.
The Mini Betty Fund: A New Opportunity from The Dream Machine
Following the success of last year's Betty McAllister Award, we’re excited to share the Dream Machine’s new initiative; the Mini Betty Fund, a shorter version of the previous award, that runs until December 2024. This opportunity is designed to help you bring your artistic vision to life—whether it’s a gig, workshop, rehearsal!
What’s Included:
What’s Included:
- Free Room/Venue Hire: Use your awarded credits (one credit = one hour in one room).
- Technical Support: Their in-house technicians will assist with lighting, sound, and more.
- No Budget Provided: They offer the space and tech support, but you’ll need to cover any other event costs.
- Use by 21st December: Be sure to book and use your credits before they expire
The Sound of Young Scotland Award
Applications for the Sound of Young Scotland Award are now open! The award supports emerging Scottish musicians with a funding package worth up to £10,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album.
Supported by Help Musicians and the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, the award provides cash grants, studio time, business advice, and more. The winner also receives a bespoke art prize and a performance slot at the 2025 SAY Award ceremony. Eligibility criteria include age limits and being an active, self-managed artist based in Scotland.
For more details on how to apply, visit The Sound of Young Scotland Award.
Applications for the Sound of Young Scotland Award are now open! The award supports emerging Scottish musicians with a funding package worth up to £10,000 to facilitate the creation of their debut album.
Supported by Help Musicians and the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, the award provides cash grants, studio time, business advice, and more. The winner also receives a bespoke art prize and a performance slot at the 2025 SAY Award ceremony. Eligibility criteria include age limits and being an active, self-managed artist based in Scotland.
For more details on how to apply, visit The Sound of Young Scotland Award.