Upbeat Circle Of Light Album To Be Released on World Mental Health Day
An uplifting album full of hope created in just three weeks by young adults coming together after months in lockdown is being released on World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October 2020).
The Youth Music funded Circle of Light took place in Nottingham this summer for the second year, giving young people aged 18-25 the chance to work together to create, perform and record new music.
The digital release of Circle of Light 2 features 11 tracks with an upbeat summer vibe and will be followed up with a second release at Christmas. All the tracks were written, performed and recorded by the participants working alongside young mentors who took part in the music project set up to explore how music can improve mental wellbeing last year.
Project lead Tricia Gardiner said: “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the project went ahead at our new city centre venue with social distancing measures in place. We had no idea at the beginning if any music would be created at all but we’re all been blown away by how positive and successful the whole process has been. Circle of Light 2 album has a wonderful coming out of lockdown vibe and shows how important music can be in helping us in times of adversity.”
Poppy Scoffings, a university student who also helps to care for her disabled brother, was taking part for the second year and created the track ‘Flings and Fings’ on the new album.
Poppy explains what Circle of Light means to her: “At the beginning of lockdown I was feeling down - It was supposed to be my first year at Uni and I had to come back in March. I have a disabled brother so I was caring for him a lot, and I didn't really have time to make music or do anything creative apart from finishing my uni course online during the first months of lockdown. Knowing that Circle Of Light was at the end of that period was really good because it gave me something to look forward to.
“Going into it this year, I've found my style, my genre and my image. This year allowed me to bring out more of my kooky side, so that was really good! Making the music video was also really beneficial to me because I got to learn so many things about filming and dance. I didn't see myself as being able to do that sort of thing on that level, but there's no hierarchy here, everyone's ideas are as valid as everyone else's. It's given me a boost because I'm really proud of how it looks.”
The project is going from strength to strength with a Circle of Light record label set up to provide a vehicle for new music releases and remixes as well as a dedicated space equipped with macs and music equipment at Fisher Gate Point to enable artists to work together and record all year round. Summer workshops are slated to take place again next year to offer more young people the opportunity to get involved in what has been life-changing for many who have already taken part.
Three of the participants/mentors have also been taken on in paid roles as assistant project co-ordinators to help deliver Circle of Light, including managing the studio and record label, setting up a steering group and organising masterclasses.
Circle of Light assistant project co-ordinator Ethan McKenna said: “I am so happy to have the opportunity to help with a project which has done so much for me both personally and professionally. It's more important than ever that young people continue to be supported in the career paths that they choose, but with the current circumstances, projects like this allow people to express themselves and access training and connections which are unfortunately a luxury rather than a given.
"With our new record label and studio/venue space, it's so exciting to think of everything that we can do for both past and new participants going forward and I'm grateful that I get to watch and be part of the project growing. The state of the creative and events industry has been completely changed so I'm hopeful projects like Circle Of Light will help to give people much-needed opportunities and support.”
Assistant project co-ordinator Tiffany Holland will be helping to develop the programme as well as creating an environment that supports and protects wellbeing.
She said: “Being able to help direct the Circle of Light programme as a young person is an incredible opportunity because it means that we can fill in the gaps between us and organisations who think they know what we need. From this I’m hoping to continue paving a new way of lifting the voices of young, vulnerable and disadvantaged people as well as developing myself as an artist and professional programme coordinator.”
Several nominations have also been put forward to the Youth Music awards which celebrate the achievements of young people taking part in Youth Music funded projects all over the country. They also recognise the organisations and music leaders that are tirelessly working on the frontline, going above and beyond to help the next generation of young musicians progress personally, socially and musically.
Last year, Mae Monypenny - now releasing music under her artist name eam - won the Best Live Performance Award, going on to perform in front of industry heavyweights as well as winning three days of production time at Spotify recording studios.
Circle of Light 2 will be available on all streaming and music platforms. Follow Circle of Light on social media and #circleoflightnotts #COLnotts to be the first to hear when it is released.
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