Sonic [db] the acclaimed music project aimed at working with and helping to rehabilitate young offenders is set to run again in Staffordshire. Partners, Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service, Make Some Noise and HMPYOI Swinfen Hall are once again collaborating on this unique and acclaimed initiative which aims to be rehabilitative, creative and practically demonstrate training and career opportunities in music, music technology and media arts.

Sonic [db] will run as a residency project in Swinfen Hall near Lichfield from Monday 21st to Friday 25th July and on Tuesday 29th July.  Experienced artists Keith Dilworth, Sharon Jones and Wolverhampton based filmmakers Rainmaker VF (Davinder Claire, Alex Crowton and Balwant Dass) will work closely with young men to develop musical, technical, team working and social skills. 

This will be achieved through a specially designed and tested Sonic [db] programme of activity culminating in the production of music and video and a visit to the institution by Sonic [db] patron, Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood. County Councillor Maureen Compton, Cabinet Support Member for Cultural Services said: “It is good to see Sonic [db] running in Staffordshire once again.  

Sonic [db]’ involves hard-to-reach young people in music making, developing skills in music technology and gaining an understanding of the music industry. 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”.  The partners continue to seek all kinds of support to sustain this invaluable project. If you are interested in supporting ‘Sonic [db]’ please contact: Clare Smith, Sonic [db] Co-ordinator on 0121 4491213.