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Spring/Summer 2012
Page 37
A DAY IN THE
LIFE PAUL BURNS
Paul Burns, 49, (pictured) would describe himself as a ‘born and bred’ Teessider – being born in Middlesbrough and brought up here in Stockton. Paul is Director of Tees Music Alliance (TMA) a not-for-profit music collective working with local musicians and audiences – in addition to providing volunteering opportunities for people who want to gain practical experience in the creative sector. TMA are the people behind the Stockton Weekender festival and key partners in the Stockton Calling festival – as well as many other music events taking place in and around TMA’s ‘home’ in Stockton Cultural Quarter – just off the High Street in the Green Dragon Yard area of town. Paul leads a team of around 30 staff and volunteers who work hard to promote activity and provide services at TMA’s premises – a 200 capacity venue; The Georgian Theatre - and a recording and rehearsal facility; Green Dragon Studios. The studios offer a choice of four different sized rehearsal rooms allowing bands to play as long, and as loud, as they want. Professional multitrack recording – linked directly to The Georgian Theatre – allow larger sessions or live performances to be captured and produced. There’s a distinct ‘green’ theme going on too. Being located in Green Dragon Studios there’s the new addition of ‘The Green Room’ - an intimate occasional venue – decorated in a green theme (what else?) holding around 60 people for acoustic, spoken word or other laid back events.
TMA’s main venue – The Georgian Theatre – came into being in 1766 and has had many lives - from a Salvation Army base to a community centre. Some older readers may remember ‘Nebo Creams’ which were actually produced right here in Stockton when the theatre was a sweet factory – with sugar for the sweets being stored in what is now the recording studios.
“I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that can help local bands to develop their own music” Paul was part of a fledgling group of musicians that acquired the venue in 1993; it was refurbished in 2007 to offer a venue which is both atmospheric and intimate. New life is continually being breathed into the theatre which has permeated into the local community as a venue bringing live music of all persuasions – including visits over recent years by bands such as The Arctic Monkeys, The Maccabees, King Charles, The Futureheads and Frankie & The Heartstrings.
On any given day, Paul’s time can be spent either trying to negotiate with an artist’s agent; planning an event or trying to arrange a plumber to fix a leaking sink - proving it’s not all rock and roll… Music events are a great form of entertainment – bringing enjoyment and pleasure to people of all ages and backgrounds; importantly, they contribute to the economy, creating jobs and developing people’s skills – and Paul is takes pride in the part TMA is playing in all of this on a local level. Paul says: ‘I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that can help local bands to develop their own music and profiles on one hand - and bring artists with worldwide acclaim to the area on the other.’’ In his spare time which (in this age of smart-phones and laptops) seems to be a rare thing - Paul likes to spend time with his wife and two children getting out and about as much as time permits; in between staying at home tackling an endless list of odd-jobs. If you would like to find out more about TMA visit www.teesmusicalliance.org