Young People Record Album

Collage Voices have enlisted over 70 young people from Haringey and beyond to write and record 10 original songs. As part of our wider Voices Against Hate project, which includes films, a podcast and drama performances, the young musicians were asked to respond to the problem of hate speech with positive messaging.

Several groups had the opportunity to work with acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Kevin Mark Trail. Participants were inspired to take their tracks to the next level by perfecting song structures, honing dynamics and paying more attention to instrumentation and harmonies. Genres ranging from R’n’B, soul and synthpop to rap and drill, participants brought their unique tastes and interests to the project.

Tony Mahama, long-time collaborator of Collage Voices, invited the songwriters to his studio where they learnt how to engineer and produce their own tracks and for others. Billy, who co-wrote and performed the track ‘Never Here’ with Valli, told us “It was an amazing and unique experience to be able to use such advanced equipment and create a piece of music with my friend to a professional standard.”

This project was made possible by Amplify London, a partnership between London Music Fund and YouTube Music. Album out now on Soundcloud.

Images: Kevin Mark Trail delivering songwriting sessions at St Thomas More School and students working at Tony Mahama’s studio.