Working within local communities has always been an important aspect of the music industry; it keeps our venues thriving and small movements can make waves. Making his own splash in the local scene is one of our third-year students, Alexander Jones, who recently took part in the Brierley Hill Song Book Project. The project was part of Brierley Hill’s Cultural Consortium activities and focused on making music inspired by the local area. After workshops, rehearsals, a recording session and two live performances, we spoke to Alexander to find out how he felt about his experience working alongside other local artists.

Q: How did you get involved with the project?
A: I found out about the project on Facebook. Brierley Hill Community Forum were advertising a music event for songwriters that would take place in Brierley Hill. I contacted Katie and Dan Whitehouse and they gave me more details.

Q: What skills did you contribute?
A: My contributions to the project were singing, songwriting, choir directing, and assisting the people involved by helping them record and giving them cues. I write songs, play drums and sing in my own time as well as at Resonance.

Q: As a local community-based project, how did it feel to be a part of it?
A: Being part of the project was very enjoyable and rewarding. The people who were there were very interesting, and I heard so many hidden stories that I would never have known if I hadn’t taken part. It felt really satisfying to share my skills with the group because I could help those who needed it and provide feedback.

Q: How have your studies at Resonance helped you to find your identity as an artist?
A: Resonance has helped me greatly with my identity as an artist because of the convenient location, the excellent facilities, and the knowledgeable staff. The time I could invest in developing my skills has been phenomenal. I am very honoured to be a student here, and I’ve learned more about myself, music and the industry as a whole. The skills that I’ve developed at Resonance have helped me work with the local community, and I’m really happy with the feedback I’ve received.

Q: What do you feel you’ve gained from taking part?
A: I’ve gained a sense of ownership for my work, while also developing my leadership and directing skills. I am able to push myself out of my comfort zone doing things I never thought I was capable of, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have taken part.

 

The Brierley Hill Song Book Project is available to watch on YouTube.

 

Sam-James Gordon