Staffordshire young offenders produce new Sonic [db] music DVD/CD - 01/12/08

A new music DVD/CD entitled `Life is Hard' has been produced by young men from Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire as part of Sonic [db] - the acclaimed music project aimed at working with and helping to rehabilitate young offenders.

During the summer, Sonic [db], a partnership project between Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service, Make Some Noise and HMPYOI Swinfen Hall ran a further residency project at Swinfen Hall near Lichfield. 

Through a specially designed and tested Sonic [db] programme, experienced artists Keith Dilworth, Sharon Jones and Wolverhampton based filmmakers Rainmaker VF (Davinder Claire, Alex Crowton and Balwant Dass) worked closely with young men to develop musical, technical, team working and social skills.

The young men were also delighted to receive a guest appearance by Sonic [db] patron, Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood when he visited the institution to view the project underway.

County Councillor Maureen Compton, Cabinet Support Member for Cultural Services said: "Sonic [db] involves hard-to-reach young people in music making, to develop skills in music technology and gain an understanding of the music industry. It aims to be rehabilitative, creative and practically demonstrates training and career opportunities in music, music technology and media arts.  A previous residency held at HMYOI Swinfen Hall produced some really great work with two music videos made by inmates going on to win a prestigious Royal Television Society Award.  It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for this latest DVD produced through this worthwhile project."

The partners continue to seek all kinds of support to sustain this invaluable project. If you are interested in supporting 'Sonic [db]' please contact: Owen Hurcombe, County Arts Development Officer at Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service on 01785 278339.