Ten adult learners from Leeds and a choir from Wakefield are helping to put the finishing touches to an original piece of music that will see them collaborate with industry professionals at a once-in-a-lifetime recording session at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios.
The adult learners are taking part in a course called People in Production, funded by Leeds City Council through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s adult education budget, and provided by Beeston-based Vera Media, a community learning organisation. The music production course supports vulnerable people, some with mental health struggles or in recovery from substance misuse or alcohol misuse, to develop their confidence and skills which could lead to work.
Next Friday (16 August 2024) the adult learners will help to record an original track written by Leeds-based song writer, Nicky Bray, in Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios, made famous by musicians such as The Beatles, Oasis and Adele. They’ll be accompanied by expert music producers and lecturers from Leeds Beckett University, Dr Paul Thompson and Barkley McKay, a band of professional musicians and She Sings, a Wakefield-based community choir.
Sarah Stead, Vera Media’s managing director said:
“Our learners have been working so hard and to be able to put their skills to practice in the most aspirational of settings will be an unforgettable, enriching experience. It’s an honour to be able to work with so many talented and inspirational people on this project.
“It’s not about creating something that could make it into the top ten, more having a brilliant experience and being able to soak up the Abbey Road’s musical heritage. For the adult learners, we’re helping to raise their aspirations and support them to continue to achieve personal goals.”
One adult learner taking part in the course is Michelle, who is in recovery from addiction and has bipolar disorder. Michelle recently received a special commendation from West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Adult Learning Awards for her work supporting adult learners who are also in recovery. She commented:
“The People in Production course and the support and encouragement I’ve received from Vera Media has been a real game changer, both personally and for others. I’ve been able to create learning opportunities for people in recovery services in Leeds, to support their wellbeing. The trip to Abbey Road will be the cherry on top of what has already been an incredible experience and something we’ll remember forever.”
The group took part in its final rehearsal at The Hop, Wakefield, on Monday 5 August, before making the trip to Abbey Road on 16 August. They will record Together in Song, a pop track with Latin influence, written by Nicky Bray. The final track will be released in September.
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Vera Media
Photo: She Sings Choir. Credit: McFade Photography
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
