May Newsletter
“Life was very chaotic before Finding Rhythms, life was just all over the place, I had no pattern, and I had no solid place for me to go and actually allow myself to make music“
In Joe’s own words, he tells us about his journey from prison to studying music production at university.
Joe’s track “Sun Goes Down” was recorded during the Finding Rhythms workshop at Only Connect in May 2021
Here is a quick snapshot of some of our recent projects with reflections from some of the people who participated in them
- We kicked off the year with an intensive two week project at HMP Wayland and recently had the pleasure of returning to celebrate the music created with the participants.
- Last month we completed our first project at HMP Downview, a women’s prison.
“It’s elevated us to think outside the box, grow our confidence, not just in here but outside. And obviously once we do get to show our work to people, hopefully they will see us as more than just prisoners.”
– a participant on our project at HMP Downview
- Last week we completed our fourth project at HMP Woodhill, working with participants through the NHS Offender Personality Disorder Pathway program.
“I never thought I was good at music, I thought you had to be a natural. But I’ve learned that with practice you can do anything. And it’s a bit of a confidence boost for when I go into other new areas of life that I’ve not really experienced before.”
– a participant on a previous HMP Woodhill project
- We are pleased to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust on projects at Oakhill Secure Training Centre and HMP/YOI Feltham on creative writing projects. Over the duration of the project, learners will focus on lyric writing, as well as working with writers and authors exploring the social and cultural context of drill and other rap music.
- Next month we are starting a pilot community project with the Department for Work and Pensions in South London. We will work with young job seekers providing employment preparation through one-on-one music sessions and mentoring, whilst they also work towards a Prince’s Trust qualification.
Job Title: Project Manager – Prisons and Community
We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive Project Manager to lead the delivery of projects which provide music-based collaborative courses for those at risk of offending or reoffending, either in prisons or in the community. You will have great attention to detail, be able to think ahead, anticipate and manage issues independently; you’ll have experience managing complex workloads and competing priorities, and have demonstrable experience in the community and/or criminal justice sectors. You will be passionate about music’s ability to transform lives.
Closing date: May 19th 2023
For more information please see the full job description
“My daughter felt the consequences of my actions. So when I see her smile, there ain’t no better satisfaction. Meds got me slipping like the tyres have no traction.”
Lyrics from ‘Consequence’ from our latest release ‘Finding Waze’ made at HMP Wayland
The start of this year saw the release of a record 5 albums.
Muddy Boots was produced with young offenders at HMP Isis.
Album 78
Project leaders: Fred Harper and Andre Hall
Released: 15 February 2023
Waiting was produced with young offenders at HMP Cookham Wood over 3 days just before Christmas.
Album 77
Project leaders: Tom Wright-Goss & Dwayne Kilvington
Released: 8 February 2023
Pain & Addiction was produced at YMCA Hackney, working alongside young residents.
Album 76
Project leader: Andre Hall
Released: 1 February 2023
LISTEN ON BANDCAMP
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
6 Days L8r is a double album produced at HMP Dovegate over two weeks.
Album 75
Project leaders: Fred Harper & Tom Ireland
Released: 24 January 2023
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN ON BANDCAMP
I’m Gonna Make It was produced at YMCA Crouch End, working alongside young residents.
Album 74
Project leaders: Fred Harper
Released: 4 January 2023
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN ON BANDCAMP