An Exclusive Evening...
On the 14th of February, The Victoria will be proud host to an exclusive evening of music, conversation and drinks to celebrate the official campaign launch for TRACKS The Label.
This is an exciting new platform for young artists to release and showcase their original music.
The event will share what makes TRACKS unique, highlighting the voices and stories behind the programme and enjoying some special musical performances.
This gathering brings together music industry friends, champions of young people in music and education & supporters inspired by the creativity and diversity of the young people involved.
This event is supported by Sheffield based businesses Gripple, Westfield Health and Henry Boot.
Lucas Ashman
We love these thoughts and words from Lucas on the importance of TRACKS
Music can hold great power...
Its presence has always been significant, however a few years ago it set me on the most beautiful path.
In the late 2010s and early 2020s I was lost. After dropping out of the first year of sixth form around February 2019, I hit a rough patch. I was treated for low mood and anxiety for a few years, my motivation had just gone.
Although my amazing family were always supportive, there wasn’t much they could do but be there. My self esteem was never great, but in these years I saw nothing but it hit rock bottom.
When I told an occupational therapist about the connection I felt to music, they suggested an open music production session held weekly at Sheffield Flourish, a mental health charity. I had zero experience in making music, having never taken to music in school, but something about these sessions captured me. I had never seen this side to music before.
The lack of knowledge I had was not a problem to the staff there, who assisted me at the start of my music journey, and that’s when I met Lucy Revis. She showed encouragement and understanding and kindness.
She offered me some 1-1 mentoring sessions which I accepted, and this was my first venture with the charity TRACKS. These 1-1’s commenced late 2022 with Philippe Clegg, who helped me create my first full songs complete with vocals.
I treasure the memories of these lessons — the things I learned and the stories he would tell from his music career — and not long after I would sing in my first performance alongside him on the guitar. It was an unforgettable experience.
I had gone from listening to music and dancing throughout my childhood to expressing myself through my own songs, no matter how amateur. I had gained a passion, a direction and a motivation.
Although these sessions soon came to an end, Phil extended an invitation to volunteer on Saturdays. They held multiple classes for a variety of music making aspects and I joined the rap and production class, and I was quickly endeared to the TRACKS culture. They were warm and inviting — qualities embodied by each and every member of staff, along with the mass amounts of talent and knowledge they all carry.
I don’t believe I’ll ever lose the admiration I hold for the people I’ve met here.
The first Sheffield Music School showcase I witnessed was magical, held across the road from the usual base of operations in a church, and today is one of my favourites to this day. The feeling of togetherness was obvious. Such kind and talented people, always willing to impart their knowledge, and you can tell from the growth of the young people we work with.
The more I’ve done with Tracks, the more I love it — and I don’t believe I’m the only one. The young people look in their element. Their positive feedback shows it’s worthwhile.
Tracks is a force of good you can’t grasp unless you’ve felt it — and I’ve felt it.
We hope to see you there
