CD project for the homeless puts talent in the spotlight
South Wales Argus - 12 November 2005
(by Rebecca Thomson)
IT'S MUSIC OF THE STREETS
Talented homeless people in Gwent were given the opportunity to showcase their music on a special CD. Pilot Project, part of the Gwent-based organisation for homeless people, Solas, has provided them with the means to produce the CD, which contains songs written and performed entirely by the project's students.
The Pilot Project is a community arts centre in Newport which provides a huge range of projects for homeless people all over the area. The CD, called 'Coming Up Roses', has been in production in the centre's studio for the last year and those involved say the results are 'brilliant'.
Jim Wright, Pilot Project manager, said: “The CD was a natural consequence of the students' talents, because they wanted an outlet for their music. We were really pleased with the end result – it's given a sense of well-being and achievement.”
Justin Salmon wrote and performed Baby Jane, track two on the CD. He said: “I've been in music all my life and when I came down here I just started playing. It's brilliant what they're doing here – we all worked together on it.”
Paul Dunn wrote two songs on the CD. He said: “My confidence used to be really low but it's much better after being involved with the projects here. It's been really good fun experimenting with different sounds on the computers in the studio.”
David Chapman is the music project worker at the centre. He said: “I'm really proud of what they've produced and happy with the way it's all come together. There's a real mix of music on there – now we just hope people will buy it.”
John Young, another musician on the CD, added: “This is a great project and a lovely place. It brings creativity out of people and it's like a new start. It gets your mind off your troubles and onto something positive.”
The CD is available from today at record shops across the area including HMV, MVC and Diverse Records.
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