October 28th 2020

The Studio in Widnes Making Waves thanks to the Music Industry Support Fund

The Studio Widnes’ has utilised their grant from the ‘Music Industry Support Fund’ to help local people in the Halton area overcome barriers to music; developing two virtual projects that enable the development of local musicians, singers and songwriters – ‘Social Song Writing’ and ‘Supported Studio Setups’.

The Studio was one of over 50 beneficiaries of the £150,000 Music Industry Support Fund, established in April by Steve Rotheram, Metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and administered by the Liverpool City Region Music Board.  The funding, offering financial support to businesses at risk in the Liverpool City Region music sector was provided by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in response to the challenges brought about by Covid-19.

The Studio Project Manager, Louise Nulty, said: “As well as enabling us to run these new projects, the fund is great validation that our work is beneficial to the local community and music industry. It’s also helped us to feel part of the Liverpool City Region.”

“Working with the Music Board has also opened doors for us in terms of accessing a fantastic calibre of locally connected artists who have been working with us on these projects, inspiring the participants as well as the staff who work at our charity.”

The ‘Social Song Writing’ sessions are one-hour small group online workshops with guest mentors including David J Pichilingi, Natalie McCool, Gary Daly from China Crisis, and Jennifer John. The mentors bring a wide variety of experience and professional knowledge, from song writing tips and tutorials, to career and industry advice.

Zoom with Gary Daly

Gary Daly mentoring via Zoom

 

‘Supported Studio Setups’ financially and emotionally supports local musicians to create their own piece of music during the crisis period, when access to technology, recording facilities, and social support has been restricted. By providing specific equipment where needed, and individual virtual mentoring from The Studio’s experienced tutors, six participants have created a piece of work which they showcased live during their own ‘Making Waves Gig’ on Saturday 24th October. You can watch the performance here:

For more information about The Studio and the work they do in the Halton community visit their website.