The Amy Winehouse Foundation and Island Records are proud to announce the release of a very special album - made by artists benefitting from the Foundation’s Amy’s Yard programme.
The 10 tracks form part of Amy’s musical legacy, made by young people given the chance to record their music by the projects that continue in Amy’s name. It is the sound of young London, with raw talent guided to overcome personal obstacles and produce extraordinary music.
The perfect way to celebrate Amy’s birthday and the Foundation’s 4th anniversary, it will showcase just some of the artists who have been involved with Amy’s Yard over the past 2 years.
The project sees young people with a musical talent mentored to become self-sustaining music artists. They are given time in Amy’s own studio and are guided by producer Urban Monk who has worked with the likes of Giggs, Wiley, Plan B, Ghetts, Lily Allen and Mr Hudson.
Accompanying master classes are provided by industry professionals including Island Records, Metropolis Music and Handle Recruitment, covering all aspects of music, providing unique insight into what can be a notoriously difficult industry to break into.
“It's really gratifying to know that Amy continues to influence and inspire young people through her life and music,” says Darcus Beese, President, Island Records, “The Foundation does a fantastic job in keeping Amy's spirit alive by offering hope and opportunity to young people who are struggling in life and it's an honour for Island Records to help these emerging talents get their music heard.” ?
Artists are referred to the Amy Winehouse Foundation by one of their partner organisations - including The Roundhouse, Key Changes, New Horizon and Pilion Trust, who all work with vulnerable young people facing a variety of complex needs such as homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment or a history of offending.
Aged 18-25 and coming from across Amy’s home town of London, they have proved that there is some incredible talent just waiting for the opportunity to express themselves.
Young artists from the programme perform at the Amy Winehouse Foundation Gala every year (this year on October 15th at The Savoy, London) and take part in live showcases. They will gain extra exposure from an album launch party on September 22nd.
A double A-side single will also be released with tracks from Mainee Montana Ft Porsha Chanelle and Zodiac.
Mainee Montana (Turn it Up) is 23 from London – "Amy's Yard was a great experience and I learned so much. I got a call out of nowhere telling me my track was going to be featured and I was over the moon about it and I'm excited about all the new things ahead."
Zodiac (Tick Tock) from London. "The Amy Winehouse Foundation gave me focus and drive, their patience allowed me to express myself by giving me a foundation. Their encouragement made me want to shine."
To really understand what Amy’s Yard can do for those who participate, the last word goes to Jhordan Romaine, 21, who’s track Early Bird opens the album:
“I’ve always wanted to be a musician – a producer – and the inspiration Amy’s Yard gives me is just amazing. But going there is about much more than just making music.? My mum threw me out when I was 18. I’m 21 now. I was going through a really rough patch and smoking a lot of weed and drinking. I was registered with two psychiatrists when I was 17, my mum just couldn’t cope with it.?? So I lived on the streets for about a month, until an organisation called New Horizons found me a place to stay. While I was staying there a mate told me about Amy’s Yard.
“??It’s a brilliant place. You get to see how the music industry actually works. You get to see what a professional studio looks like and hear just how amazing a human voice can sound! You meet with lawyers and record company executives and real professionals. They’re role models.
“I would say 50 per cent of what we do at Amy’s Yard is about the music, and 50 per cent is about showing respect, giving reassurance and about the skills you need to just be a good person.
“??And things are improving at home. It will take some time but my mum and me are rebuilding our relationship. That’s a really good thing.”
Published on 09 September 2015 by Ben Robinson
