GMMAZ

On Top Of The World Returns to Band on the Wall!

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:13:04 +0100

Wednesday 6^th June sees the culmination of On Top of The World: Tameside, a very special musical project that has been running for over 8 years and has seen performances at venues such as Contact Theatre, Lowry Theatre, Bridgewater Hall and Band on the Wall. This year sees On Top of the World returning to Band on the Wall for a 2^nd year for a performance that will not disappoint.

Brighter Sound have been working a group of around 20 young musicians and artists, aged 11 – 18 and from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, once a week for the last 6 months, helping them to create & compose their own brilliant original music.

The group are on a massive high going into this performance, having recently recorded their tracks at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, where acts such as Elbow, Snoop Dogg & Gorrilaz have all recorded. These tracks showcase the wide range of influences and talent within the group; the live versions of these are going to be something special!

This performance takes place at Band on the Wall on 6^th June, 7.00pm and is FREE. Please come and show your support for all the hard work these young people have put in over the last 6 months!

North Manchester... Get Up, Stand Up!

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:08:00 +0100

Brighter Sound is pleased to announce the 2nd phase of Get Up, Stand Up. We’re very excited to be taking this project forward into a new venue. We will be moving into North Manchester, working with new participants to create a great mix of music and drama.

Our team of musicians, including Joe Botham & G-Kut, as well as theatre director Marcus Hercules, will be working with recruits from North Manchester, helping them to write & develop their own material based around issues and events that really mean something to young people in Manchester. Earlier this year, sessions in Moss Side focused on thoughts and feelings around the 2011 riots in Manchester & London, government cut backs and the increasing pressure on young people to become involved in gang related activity.

Having already delivered two very successful taster sessions at the brand new Factory Youth Zone in Harpurhey, we’re positive we can recreate the work that was developed in Moss Side, which culminated in fantastic performances on Contact Theatre’s main stage and at the launch of Peace FM’s Peace Week.

The North Manchester phase of Get Up, Stand Up will begin at the end of May at Factory Youth Zone in Harpurhey and culminate later in the year with both groups being united to share their ideas and create one big piece of music and drama.

There will be a taster session 6 - 8pm on Monday 28th May at Factory Youth Zone.

The project will start properly on the 11th June 4 - 6 pm and will culminate in a live performance at Band on the Wall in late August.

Get Up, Stand Up is funded by The Home Office as part of the Communities Against Gangs, Guns & Knife Crime Fund.

Artist Profile: Charlie Morrison

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:49:00 +0100

Name:

Charlie Morrison

Band / Job Role within Brighter Sound (GMMAZ):

Bands (a long time ago): Space Monkeys, RSL

Job at Brighter Sound – Head of Operations and Finance

What projects are you currently working on (or recently worked on) with Brighter Sound (GMMAZ)?

I’m involved in most of the company’s projects… As I deal with finance, company management and marketing, I’ve normally had something to do with everything, in some way somewhere along the line…

What instruments do you play?

Drums, Piano, Bass.

How old were you when you started to play an instrument and be a musician?

I played piano as a kid and hated it. It wasn’t til I was 12 that I got a drum kit and that was it. Then I taught myself piano as a teenager and got into that a lot more.

Why did you first get into music?

There was always music on in the family car – Talking Heads, Beach Boys, Eurythmics, and my dad is a musician, so he used to play me Kraftwerk and I’d watch his bands rehearse. If I was to be totally honest though, the first time anything went “click!” was the guitar riff on Money for Nothing by Dire Straights. I think I was 10.

What bands/artists have influenced your own personal style?

I know it’s cheesy, but everything – I’ve been through so many phases, from metal, to experimental hip hop, indie, rock, reggae, film soundtracks (I used to be obsessed!), Cuban and everything elso pretty much. Currently, The Drums, Arcade Fire, Stooges and Eagles of Death Metal.

What advice would you give to any young people learning to play and make music?

Finding like-minded people is amazing – there’s nothing better than forming a band with your mates. Start writing your own material as soon as possible, be brave with ideas, don’t be lazy, and play gigs.

What advice would you give to any young people wanting to make a living from music?

It’s very difficult. When I was 18 my band was signed. We had an album out, singles, US and European tours and videos on MTV in the states and Japan. I was on £150 per week throughout, and when we split up, I was 21 and left with nothing.

If it’s recording / releasing / touring music that is your plan, being a named writer is important.

And “getting signed” in whatever sense isn’t the only way to earn as a musician. Session work, teaching, music for theatre / film, even setting up your own label can bring in cash. As with anything though, it’s about hard work, being very good, and making contacts. Generally, have your wits about you, know where the money is coming from but don’t do it just for that reason. Be unique. The love of the music you’re making is key.

What has been the highlight of your music career so far?

Playing the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe, headlining the Azzurro Festival in Italy to 20,000 people, and winning track of the year on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Show.

What inspires you to make music?

Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, the rehearsal room, or in your bedroom, there’s no sensation like nailing that rhythm, or harmony, or sound, or song that just makes you go… “!!!”

Tameside On Top Of The World: On The Record at Blueprint Studios

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:01:00 +0100

A massive congratulations to all of our young artists and musicians from On Top Of The World: Tameside, who, for the last 6 months have been hard at work making & composing their own original music. The music they’ve made showcases the wide range of influences and talent within the group, and we’re very proud to have captured the magic at Blueprint Studios in Manchester, where acts such as Elbow, Snoop Dogg & Gorrilaz have all recorded.

The tracks will be mastered in just a few weeks, which will serve as an excellent taster for the live performance at legendary Manchester Music Venue, Band on the Wall on the 6th June, 7.30 pm. Be sure not to miss it!

Artist Profile: Laurence Boot

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:20:00 +0100

Name:

Laurence Boot

Band / Job Role within Brighter Sound (GMMAZ):

Trainee

What projects are you currently working on (or recently worked on) with Brighter Sound (GMMAZ)?

Brass Roots

What instruments do you play?

Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Percussion, Didgeridoo…

How old were you when you started to play an instrument and be a musician?

Why did you first get into music?

I heard a Jimi Hendrix cassette tape when I was on holiday and thought it was amazing. My older brother already played guitar, so he got me started.

What bands/artists have influenced your own personal style?

My taste has always been very eclectic, and I take influence from all sorts, even if it’s not directly reflected in what I play. If I had to name some of the more influential artists to me, it would be people like Tortoise, Juan Martín, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Aphex Twin, Shakti, Talking Heads…

What advice would you give to any young people learning to play and make music?

Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

What advice would you give to any young people wanting to make a living from music?

Get really good at your instrument(s); be confident in what you do; make good use of opportunities to network; it will take time, so stick at it.

What has been the highlight of your music career so far?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one particular moment, especially as the best bits often happen when nobody is there to hear them. I would say though, that generally over the last year I’ve really enjoyed working with so many different artists. Playing such a wide variety of styles has been really fun.

What inspires you to make music?

The feeling you get when you play something that just sounds great (and it’s even better when other people think it’s great too).

Laurence is currently working on our ‘Brass Roots’ & ‘Get Up Stand Up’ projects. Helping to create, inspire and make original music with young people aged 11 - 15 on from the Greater Manchester area.

Brass Roots comes to Islington Mill!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Wednesday 21st March sees Salford’s finest young musical talent perform live on stage at Islington Mill, the heart of Salford’s musical community.

For over 10 weeks, GMMAZ & MAPAS have been working with 20 young people from Salford Youth Brass Band creating innovative, raw and completely original music.

Our team of artists have been helping the group develop their uniquely Salfordian sound; think brass, funk, soul, hip-hop. Live on stage, as well as a full brass band there will be drums, keys, electric guitar, bass and decks.

The range of musical styles and influences that this talented group brings together, as well as their ethos of improvisation and energy makes for a new and unique sound well worth checking out… A must-see performance!

Don’t miss Brass Roots, live at Islington Mill, Wednesday 21st March, 2012 @ 7pm. Tickets are £3.00 on the door.

Projects beginning this week!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

We’re happy to announce the start of two new projects this week!

Hey, Mr DJ is taking place at Harper Green School in Bolton where students will be working towards a Music BTEC qualification incorporating DJ Skills. Artist G-KUT will be leading this project from January until March 2012.

Brass Roots Salford begins at Swinton High School this week. MAPAS and GMMAZ Projects are partnering to deliver a brass ensemble with a modern twist, exploring styles such as hip-hop, funk and soul. The project will culminate with a performance on Wednesday 21st March 2012 in Salford (venue tbc).

On Top of the World Tameside also begins again this week, so looking forward to seeing the regular group again and hearing their ideas!

Shake, Rattle and Roll Music making for babies and...

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:48:00 +0000

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Music making for babies and parents.

After our successful pilot last year we have organised another run of 8 music sessions for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years and their parents/guardians.

Sessions are held at Band on the Wall from 10.30am-11.30am and 11.30-12.30 every Saturday morning from January 14th - 3rd March 2012. Please feel free to attend whichever session is best for you.

Sessions cost £3 per family (per hour) and payment will be taken on the door. You can also book for all 8 sessions via the Band on the Wall website to receive a discount:

www.bandonthewall.org/education

Get Up, Stand UpThe next round of our music and drama project...

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Get Up, Stand Up

The next round of our music and drama project arrives next week in Moss Side. Are you between 11-19 years old? Do you want to get involved in an exciting music and drama project?

Are you an MC, singer, actor, musician? Would you like to meet young people from other areas of Manchester and work with them on a large scale performance in 2012? If so, come along to:

Moss Side Fire Station, Denhill Road,
Moss Side, M15 5NR

Wednesday night sessions 6-8pm
Sessions on 18th and 25th January, 1st, 8th and 15th February with a performance at Contact Theatre on 16th February 2012 for friends and family!

Come along - It’s FREE!

The Curveball Music Project Final Event at Band On The Wall

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:57:00 +0100

Curveball music project is a joint initiative between Barnardo’s, GMMAZ and Youth Music, which has worked with young adults aged 16 - 22 in Moss Side Manchester.

There will be a drinks and canapés reception and introductions from the organisers, before the group performs the brilliant material they’ve written during the project on the renowned Band on the Wall stage.

There will be opportunities to mingle and meet the performers, as well as colleagues from across the region.

On behalf of Barnardo’s, GMMAZ and Youth Music, we’d love you to attend.

The event will be on Tuesday 13th September at Band on the Wall
6pm - 7.30pm

Please RSVP to info@gmmaz.org.uk

Aim Higher 2011, end of an era.

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:14:00 +0100

Friday 22nd July sees the big performance by this year’s GMMAZ / Aim Higher Summer School. The show is the culmination of three days of musical activity, where a group of over thirty young people selected through the Aim Higher programmes in Tameside and Stockport have worked with six top class musicians to write 10 (and counting!) brand-new pieces of music, taking in rock, blues, folk and urban styles along the way.

The project also sees the end of a long-standing partnership between GMMAZ and Aim Higher. The summer school has run for five years now (the last three being at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music), but sadly the Aim Higher initiative is due to come to an end at the end of this month.

We are proud to say Aim Higher & GMMAZ partnership projects have always been of a very high standard, and this week has been no exception, the quality just gets better and better! Thanks to everyone in the Aim Higher and GMMAZ artist teams, and at RNCM.

Living To Our Habitat is finally here!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:00:22 +0100

The debut release by GMMAZ Records is finally here! Coming off the back of a great performance live on the Band on the Wall stage on Friday 3rd June. This is an album of quality material, so be sure to download your own copy!

The album has been made and released by a team of young people who have been involved in GMMAZ projects. Please show your support for the great work they have been doing by following the link below and buying the album!

Click here to buy the album on Bandcamp! (also available on amazon and iTunes)

AMP & On Top Of The World Performance!

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:06:05 +0100

Hi all

Check out this link to an amazing new track, soon to be released by a group of young musicians from across Greater Manchester, aged 11-19 called A.M.P.

Drop That Funky Bass

The track is a sampler from their forthcoming album, “Living to our Habitat”, the debut release on the new youth led record label “GMMAZ Records”.

The album will be available on iTunes and BandCamp from 6^th June.

Album Launch Event Invitation

There will also be a launch party on 3^rd June at Band on the Wall – 7.00 – 9.30pm – featuring performances of songs from the album. Please come down and support us!

Please share this link with everyone you know! This incredible track is well worth spreading!

Please respond to info@gmmaz.org.uk ASAP if you’d like to attend the launch event, and feel free to invite others.

Watch this space for more news …

Yours, A.M.P. and the GMMAZ team.

Tune in to Waterloo Road next week!

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:21:00 +0100

Our girls Millie and Hope will be gracing your screens in the school based BBC drama ‘Waterloo Road’, every Wednesday at 7.30 pm. Well done girls!

Video

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:40:17 +0100

On Top Of The World... 2011.

Wed, 04 May 2011 10:51:41 +0100

Invites going out shortly… Watch. This. Space!

These are videos made by the CAN Exodus group using music from...

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:39:14 +0100

These are videos made by the CAN Exodus group using music from Rawchestra!

Happy Endings - Video: CAN Exodus group. Soundtrack: Rawchestra...

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:39:00 +0100

Happy Endings - Video: CAN Exodus group. Soundtrack: Rawchestra Group

Rawchestra Returns!

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:17:56 +0100

You will be pleased to hear that after a short break, Rawchestra returns to the Picturehouse this Saturday! Expect a great workshop of total improvisation. This session starts at 11 am.

Congratulations also to Rafiq, Lauren, Renya and Brad for passing their Arts Award! Keep up the good work!

Wall of Sounds Launch

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:05:26 +0000

We would like to invite you to the Wall of Sounds launch event taking place on Tuesday 22nd March 2011, 5:30pm-7:00pm, in The Picturehouse at Band on the Wall.

Wall of Sounds is an exciting new partnership between Band on the Wall and Brighter Sound, offering exciting opportunities to explore music through artist residencies, courses, masterclasses and performances.

The launch event will feature a selection of musical performances from The Beating Wing Orchestra, The New Music Voices Choir, The Picturehouse Choir, and a DJ set from Jazz FM producer and Band on the Wall’s very own Programme Director Mike Chadwick.

As well as that, it will be a fantastic opportunity to network with us, and meet other like-minded individuals interested in influencing the cultural arc of Manchester in years to come, over complimentary drinks and refreshments.

Please let me know by 5pm, Friday 11th March if you would like to attend. Attendance is FREE – just reserve your place, let us know if you would like to bring any friends or colleagues, and then turn up! Simple. And of course we look forward to meeting you and discussing the exciting horizons of Manchester’s music scene.