A collaboration between two of the city’s most vibrant music organisations is once again be supporting talent from across Southampton.
Sounds of Southampton Volume 3 launched on the 17th November and builds on the success of the previous two albums, both featuring in the UK Download Chart and supporting dozens of young artists from the city. Southampton based charity SoCo Music Project, working in partnership with local record label SO Movement, have been supporting artists to write, record and produce their tracks, chosen from an open call out earlier in the year. The artist support and album creation has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England and PRS Foundation.
Matt Salvage, Chief Executive of SoCo Music Project says: “Once again we were blown away by the level of talent in the city, we could have made 10 albums from the tracks submitted, but we’re really happy about what’s made it on the album. From Millbrook to Portswood, Shirley to Bitterne, I think we can be very proud as a city with the quality of music that’s coming out from these talented artists.”
Gavin Foord, label owner and producer adds: “This project has given us the opportunity to work with these artists, not only to release their songs for the first time, but also to provide them with the skills to release music and grow their career going forward.”
Maria De Lima, whose track “Feita De Barro” is on the album said: “I’ve made a lot of friends. I’ve gained a lot of confidence as well. And it’s just good to have the opportunity I’m having to be able to work with professionals and record a song that I’m really proud of. I’d love to see more projects like this. I think it’s really important to have people to work with if you’re starting out because you might feel a bit lost if you’re trying to do it all by yourself.”
Sam Flynn, who is 15 and his song “How Do I Know” was selected said: “It’s been really good, a real eye opener. It’s the first song I’ve ever, ever produced. It’s just been a really good first experience with this. I’ve never been in a studio before and I’ve met some really cool people. I lack a lot of confidence and I feel through music I find a lot of confidence in myself and this project has given me a sense of belongingness.”
The Sounds of Southampton Vol 3 Album is available on all streaming platforms and physical copies can be purchased from HMV Southampton.
Previews of a selection of the tracks along with artist images are available on the SoCo website: socomusicproject.org.uk/sosv3/
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