Help! We're setting up a record label

Having a established a successful music programme which is working with over 100 young people in Cambridge, Romsey Mill is looking at way that it can further support the young musicians, by setting up a social enterprise record label.

The social enterprise that Romsey Mill is looking to set up is called: ‘Turntable Records’ - a music production company and record label that will seek to invest in the creative, artistic and personal potential of young people (10-21) and particularly those who face significant challenges in their lives. 

Romsey Mill - a Cambridge-based charity supporting children, young people and families to overcome disadvantage and develop personal, social and spiritual well-being – and builds upon and already successful music project that supports over 100 young people in three studios across the county.

The planned activity of Turntable Records can broadly be divided into two categories:

Studio Services: Turntable Records’ commercial will enable members of the community to access music production services (including mixing and mastering) and studio hire.  This part of the enterprise has clear social aims including the training of youth work practitioners to operate studio software, the provision of work experience placements and job opportunities for young people already supported by Romsey Mill.  Any profits would be re-invested into Romsey Mill’s highly effective music programme.

Artist development:  With an emphasis on young people who face significant challenges, Turntable Records hwould support identified upcoming local artists to produce, release and market music including providing studio time, production and promotion support and licensing cover.  Alongside this musical investment, Turntable Records will place a significant emphasis on the personal development of young people and in particular the fostering of good character and strong inter-personal skills.

This would be a new venture for Romsey Mill - and we are looking for any assistance or advice that people can offer, based on their own experience.

How you can help

There are 2 ways you can support this venture and help launch the work of Turntable Records:

1. Business support:  If you have experience or expertise in running a social enterprise, commercial studio or in the field of music and entertainment we would really appreciate your input and advice.  Contact mike.farrington@romseymill.org
2. Financial investment: We do need some financial support to turn this vision into a reality.  Whilst many things are in place, including three existing studio set-ups and some match funding,  we are looking for some additional investment in three specific areas:
   1. Employing a studio manager:  In the initial 6-month phase we are looking to invest in a part-time studio manager to get our ‘Studio Services’ activity up and running with the intention that this will become a self-financing aspect of Turntable Records.
   2. Brand development:  Although we have already been given some pro-bono support we need a further support to finalise aspects of the brand and help fund promotional materials and events.
   3. Studio infrastructure and investment:  In the initial phase we require some investment to bring our studios up to industry standards.

If you can offer any advice, please contact Mike Farrington: 07789617522 or mike.farrington@romseymill.org