An exciting new 12-week project is launching at The Stove Network in Dumfries town centre this month, in which young people will be given an introduction in how to build their own sound system and how to operate it at festivals and events. On Thursday 23rd January from 5pm, Sound Systems, in partnership with The Stove Network, Creative Futures and Dumfries Music Conference, will host a workshop open to young people, with a special showcase gig following at 7pm.
Sound Systems is a youth-led project where experienced musicians, DJs, MCs and sound system operators work with a group of young people to help them design, build and operate their own 12-volt, transportable sound system. Project Tutors from Sound Systems were keen to bring their project to Dumfries and Galloway, as many of them grew up in the area and wanted to offer the opportunity to young people here and show them how to curate and create music, as well as the required carpentry and electronics skills needed to get your sound on the road.
Stuart Thomas, Project Manager and Tutor for Sound Systems commented: “We’re really excited to be bringing Sound Systems to Dumfries this month. The project was created to offer something to teenagers who might not normally take part in music making. Sound Systems requires team work and collaboration and encourages people to find a role which suits them, because the young people are designing and building their system as well as creating and curating material to play on it. We hope they will find it really rewarding to be able to see the fruits of their labour as they design, build, assemble and play their system.”
The Sound Systems Taster Session will take place at The Stove Network, 100 High Street, Dumfreis, on Tuesday 23rd January, starting at 5:30pm. The event is open to all young people – no experience required musical or otherwise! During this session, participants will learn about the main areas involved in the project and start building the Dumfries sound system. The workshop will be followed by a gig at 7pm, and young people are invited along to see what it’s all about and sign up for the project. For more information, please contact [email protected].
The event follows the recent announcement of local Community Interest Company, Dumfries Music Conference (DMC), appointing Martin O’Neill as the new Operations Manager. Martin is based at The Stove Network, 100 High Street, and is joining the organisation at a very exciting time in its development. DMC’s flagship conference has been a regular feature on the Dumfries events calendar since it was launched in 2012. Following its establishment as a Community Interest Company in 2016, DMC – with backing from The Holywood Trust – now delivers an annual programme of music education and showcase events.
After its successful flagship conference, which was held at The Stove in October 2017, DMC is looking forward to launching Sound Systems this month, and a showcase gig on 1 February at The Stove. For more information, please visit the DMC website: www.dumfriesmusic.co.uk.
