Well done!!!! You did it. The first long term is over, which is always the longest and hardest in the college calendar. But this term has been one of the strongest yet with high attendance, amazing performances and some great trips outside of the college bases. Thank you all so much for the hard work you all put in to making sure your young person gets into college on time and is fed and awake for the day We know it’s not that easy but it does make a huge difference!!
Thank you also to our wonderful team of staff for their support. From singing and playing alongside the students, to organising gigs, encouraging rehearsals, leading trips out of college, organising trips during college time, providing pastoral care, health care, food care, mental care, mentoring, inspiring, encouraging and just about everything else they do Proof indeed that there are angels walking around on earth Some of you have been kind enough to write that in and pass that on We can’t tell you how much that lifts everyone’s spirits, so a massive thanks if you’ve taken the time.
A special thanks must go out to Swanley parents, carers, staff and students who are still battling against the odds in temporary accommodation and conditions that are far from perfect. Thank you for the amazing spirit you have broughtThe money from KCC are out to contractors and we will have a new college to m
We hope you all have the best Christmas and New Year and if you need another reason for our colleges to exist, take a listen to Brighton student Lou who was interviewed recently on BBC Sussex SupaJam is indeed a magical place and it is that place because of the magic our amazing students and staff provide each and every day.
On 14th November, David Court, Nick Stillwell, Rachel Streatfeild, and Natalie Coppins attended a special event at the House of Commons, hosted by GetFurther, a charity that supports post-16 students with Maths and English tutoring. The event marked the launch of GetFurther’s five-year strategy, which aims to increase funding for 16-19 year olds and campaign for an extension of the Pupil Premium to support more students in achieving key qualifications.
Baroness Wolf, a trustee of GetFurther, hosted the event, which featured inspiring stories from students who’ve benefited from GetFurther’s support. These students shared how gaining their Maths and English qualifications has opened doors to further education and improved job prospects.
At SupaJam, we’re proud of our partnership with GetFurther and excited about their vision for the future of post-16 education. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their new strategy and continuing to work together to help our students succeed.
For more info on GetFurther’s work, check out their Instagram @get further.
On Tuesday 19th November, Sammi Hastie and Riannan Martin - our Swanley College lead and deputy lead - travelled to Birmingham to attend the Alex Timpson ARC Attachment Awards where SupaJam were nominated in the Post-16 Category. The day started with an amazing speaker called Paul Dix (you should all check him out), who talked about the trauma our young people go through and how, as adults, it's us that are responsible for changing before we can expect the young person to. It was such an amazing talk. This was followed by other guest speakers and workshops with some amazing provisions that specialise in trauma attachment. During the day, they attended the awards ceremony and it was amazing to see over 400 people celebrating the success of all the provisions that attended. Sadly we lost out to the City of Liverpool College. We still feel it was amazing to be nominated and to lose to such a large provision with amazing resources is not really a loss at all. Sammi and Riannan had a great day and it was an awesome experience.
SupaJam was extremely proud to partner with Ditto Music for this year's Ditto X: Meet The Music Industry Event at the Indigo at The O2, the UK's biggest industry conference and networking event.
All of our Level 3 students across our three SupaJam colleges had the opportunity to attend the action-packed, one-day event which featured exciting panels, interviews, workshops, networking opportunities and feedback sessions with an incredible line-up of expert speakers, artists and brands from across the music industry. The event also hosted an Industry Market with selected music organisations and exhibitors, as well as unmissable live music.
As Creative Industries Lead & Events Manager I hosted an incredible panel joined by an amazing lineup of professionals including Abbie McCarthy (BBC Introducing), Venbee (Recording Artist), BEKA (Recording Artist) and Andrew Lansley (Neurodivergent Consultant)
- where they discussed "Navigating The Music Industry as a Neurodivergent Creative", exploring their own journeys and providing attendees with advice and guidance. We also had a pop-up Machine Room at the event where our radio/podcast producer David Maitland, alongside students, interviewed some of the attendees.
It is incredibly important that our students have the opportunity to attend events like Ditto X in order to support them in their development as young creatives and immerse them in the music industry. We were extremely proud to represent neurodivergent creatives at this event and look forward to continuing to work with Ditto Music, and develop more exciting opportunities for our students.
- Tom Johnston, Creative Industries Lead & Events Manager
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In this interview, Arthur chats with Tom Johnston, SupaJam’s very own Creative Industries Lead and Events Manager. Tom is an advocate for neurodiversity in the creative industries and a driving force behind our college events that promote inclusivity and innovation. Arthur caught up with Tom after his Ditto X panel where he spoke about the importance of neurodivergent voices in creative fields, and their vision for future opportunities for students and professionals. Their conversation sheds light on the transformative power of embracing diverse perspectives and highlights the ongoing work to create more inclusive spaces within the creative industry.
Q: So how did you get involved with setting this up?
A: The event has been on my radar for a couple of years, thanks to recommendations from colleagues and industry contacts. I've been eager to be involved and bring students here, but it only worked out this year. That's how it all started.
Q: Are you happy with how your panel went?
A: I hadn’t done anything on this scale before, just smaller interviews, so I was nervous. But it went really well. The panel was perfect for the topic, with each guest offering a unique perspective. Overall, I’d like to think it was a success.
Q: Do you think it's important to keep the conversation about neurodivergency in the creative realm open?
A: After the panel, people approached me saying how rare it is to see such open discussions. It highlights how much work is still needed. At SupaJam, we’re immersed in this world, but events like this remind us there’s more to do. The positive feedback shows there’s a clear need for more talks and workshops on this, and I hope we can build on this momentum in the future.
Q: How different do you think music would be without neurodiversity?
A: That’s a big question! I think many musicians and creatives may not even realize they’re neurodiverse, though a lot do. Some of the greatest musicians, likely neurodiverse, probably achieved incredible things and wrote amazing songs because of it. While I can't prove that, I believe creative thinkers who think outside the box are essential for advancing any industry. Embracing neurodiversity will only help discover new talent and push boundaries.
Q: Supajam is getting involved with more and more things, more festivals and more events. What in the future would you love to be involved with?
A: This event is a great opportunity for inspiration, careers, networking, and guidance. While it can be a long day with a lot of talks, it broadens horizons and exposes people to different sectors. It takes confidence to network, but it’s a solid foundation. Unlike other events, this one focuses specifically on music, aligning perfectly with what SupaJam is about. For our first year, there's a lot to learn, and hopefully, students take away something valuable whether from a talk or a conversation. If the feedback is positive, we’d definitely consider returning next year.
This term, Canterbury SupaJam students have been exploring their university options, gaining insight into potential next steps for their education and careers. They kicked off their journey just a stone’s throw away from SupaJam Canterbury at Canterbury Christ Church University. SupaJam Canterbury’s adventure didn’t stop there as students also had the chance to travel across to Brighton, where they visited WaterBear University and connected with SupaJam’s Brighton students. These visits have provided a valuable opportunity to explore different institutions, meet other aspiring musicians, and get a firsthand look at the university experience in both cities. It’s been a fantastic way for students to envision their futures and see the exciting possibilities ahead.
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Our Canterbury Level 3 students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Canterbury Christ Church University for an exclusive recording workshop. The day kicked off with a hands-on session in the university’s professional recording studio, where students recorded two original tracks under the guidance of industry experts. The workshop gave them invaluable experience with high-end equipment and recording techniques, enhancing their practical skills and giving them a taste of what an undergraduate course at Canterbury Christ Church University could look like
After the session, students were treated to a tour of the university’s impressive facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and practice spaces The visit also included a presentation about the university’s music courses, offering insights into potential career pathways in the music industry that students can access with a degree. It was a day of learning, creativity, and inspiration, helping students expand their knowledge and envision their future in the world of music.
SupaJam Canterbury students also visited our Brighton college for the first time! They checked out the Brighton campus and met their peers. After a fun “jam session” with Brighton students, they headed to the seafront to tour WaterBear’s performance bunker. Despite the cloudy weather, the students enjoyed a look inside at the unique
LEVEL3STUDENTSVISIT SUSSEXUNIVERSITY!
SupaJam students had an unforgettable experience visiting the University of Sussex, renowned for its top-tier music and media courses, as well as its thoughtful approach to undergraduate learning From the moment they arrived at Falmer station, they were treated like VIPs, with student ambassadors greeting them and guiding them throughout the day The ambassadors answered all their questions, ensuring they felt comfortable and welcome
To make the day even better, students were given vouchers for the university’s food court, where they enjoyed an impressive variety of meals from hearty roast dinners to fresh sushi The delicious free meal has been a hot topic of conversation ever since! The visit also featured a thought-provoking talk on "Why People Go to University." For many of our students, who don’t usually see themselves as university candidates, the session was eye-opening. It helped them realise their potential and understand the many exciting opportunities and benefits that higher education can offer.
The University of Sussex led an engaging workshop that really captured our students' attention. The session introduced them to the world of "Glitch Art," where they manipulated photo coding to create distorted images. The results were fascinating and unpredictable: some students accidentally destroyed their photos with a simple character like a "!" while others created unexpectedly striking pieces. Level 3 student Chris accidentally stumbled upon an image split into perpendicular lines, each slightly off-centre and in different colours, calling it the best photo of the day. Afterwards, Sussex staff showed the students how to turn their glitch art into audio using DAW software. They experimented with sound manipulation, adding effects like reverb and distortion Level 3 student Arthur, for example, created a pulsating drone sound with a "WAH" effect that he thought was really cool All in all, the workshop left our students inspired and impressed by the creative possibilities they had unlocked
LEVEL3BRIGHTONSTUDENTS VISITICMP!
A recent visit to the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London gave SupaJam Brighton’s Level 3 students an exciting glimpse into the future of music education. Known for its cuttingedge facilities and industry-driven curriculum, ICMP offers a hands-on learning experience designed to prepare students for the competitive music industry For students like Jake, a new Level 3 student passionate about music production, the trip was eye-opening, revealing the vast opportunities for growth at a leading music school.
ICMP hosted a series of workshops that showcased their state-of-the-art studios and engaged students with the prospect of further education. Jake was particularly impressed by the recording and mixing studios, as well as the live stage "It felt like a bigger version of SupaJam," he said, noting the professional equipment and private funding that made the experience both exciting and attainable. What stood out most was ICMP's focus on real-world, practical learning, making further education there feel within reach. “They teach you how music production and performance work in the real world,” Jake said.
For many SupaJam students, the visit reinforced the idea that there are no limits to what they can achieve ICMP’s hands-on approach and strong industry connections offer clear pathways for students looking to elevate their skills. Whether in production, performance, or songwriting the visit reminded our
SWANLEY’STHEATRETRIPS
Hannah Goslett, our Director of Safeguarding, recently had the pleasure of joining the Swanley team on an incredible trip to see Michael Jackson: The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre and a live performance by London Grammar at the O2 Arena Both shows were nothing short of spectacular, offering unforgettable experiences for all who attended. The excitement was palpable, with staff and students alike completely captivated by the performances.
At the Michael Jackson: The Musical performance, the group had the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the production. They were able to explore the sound desk and even meet one of the performers at the stage door, giving everyone a deeper appreciation for the effort and artistry that goes into a live show.
It’s been exciting to see the opportunities SupaJam staff are creating to immerse everyone in live music and theatre. From industry insights to unforgettable experiences, these efforts are enriching the community and providing valuable learning moments. We can’t wait to see what’s next and we look forward to sharing more with you soon!
GIGSAND PERFORMANCES
Thisterm,SupaJamstudentshavebeenbusy performingandexperiencinglivemusic,bothat collegeandbeyond.Fromshowcasingtheir talentincollegegigstotakingpartinexciting performancesoutsidetheclassroom,students havehadthechancetoshineandgaininvaluable experienceinlivesettings.Explorethehighlights oftheirmusicaljourneysandseehowtheselive i
XHMV stores across the UK are celebrating unsigned talent with their ‘Live and Local’ events, offering emerging artists the chance to perform in front of real audiences. Every Saturday, HMV Canterbury hosts an exciting mix of local bands and solo performers, showcasing everything from indie rock to acoustic melodies. The events create an intimate atmosphere, giving locals a unique opportunity to discover new talent before they make it big. What makes ‘Live and Local’ stand out is its inclusivity—these events aren’t just for seasoned musicians, but also a great platform for newcomers to play their very first live shows. Whether you're a music lover or an aspiring artist, it's the perfect place to experience fresh, up-andcoming talent.
In an exciting twist, @supajam canterburyl3 students got to showcase their musical talents in a special one-off weekday #HMVLiveandLocal event. The performance offered a unique opportunity for the students to take the stage and share their creativity with a live audience. Locals from the Canterbury area came out to show their support, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on the next generation of musicians. It was a fantastic celebration of local talent and community spirit!
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The Canterbury Christmas market was a huge success, with a wonderfully festive atmosphere that truly captured the holiday spirit! The SupaJam stage was set up inside a cozy gazebo right in the heart of the bustling Christmas market, creating the perfect setting for a day of music from our wonderfully talented students.
Our students performed an incredible mix of original songs and covers across various genres, their talent echoing down the entire high street. It was amazing to see the crowd grow as more people stopped to watch, drawn in by the energy and skill of our performers. The support from fellow students, staff, friends, family, and the public was heartwarming, with cheers and applause encouraging the performers throughout. A particularly touching moment occurred when one student, new to performing, struggled with nerves and almost couldn’t finish her song. But with the crowd clapping, singing along, and cheering her on, she found the strength to push through and complete the performance
For those who didn’t perform, there were plenty of other ways to get involved - whether it was helping with event planning, photography, or stage management and set-up. The whole event was a fantastic celebration of creativity, community, and festive spirit!
Contraband competition at the Canterbury Festival 2024! This exciting new project showcases talented musicians aged 14-21 from across the Canterbury district, offering them the chance to perform live in a professional setting.
On Friday 25th October, SupaJam’s very own Mac, Bradley, Oakley, and Bradley took to the stage at Westgate Hall as part of the Canterbury Festival’s public engagement programme. They competed against other local bands for the chance to perform in front of a festival audience and work with professional sound technicians. Thanks to their hard work and talent, they were crowned winners of the competition huge congratulations to them!
A special shout-out to Annie Brazier for her support throughout their journey. The group’s outstanding performance even earned praise from senior contacts at East Kent College, who went out of their way to share how impressed they were with the band’s talent and professionalism.
The Contraband event was a fantastic opportunity for young artists to gain experience, connect with other musicians, and contribute to building a live music hub in the Canterbury area. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this event such a success. We can’t wait to see what’s next for our talented students!
BRIGHTON”S CHRISTMASGIG
On December 8th, Brighton students kicked off the festive season with a spectacular Christmasthemed gig at the Hope and Ruin, a lively venue just a stone’s throw from Brighton Station. Students arrived at 11:30 for their final run-throughs, sound checks, and to get ready for what would turn out to be an unforgettable afternoon of music!
The venue opened to the public at 12:00, and it was heartwarming to see so many parents and staff members taking time out of their weekend to support our talented students. Many of our staff members had volunteered to help with the performances, but secretly, we all knew they were eager to perform with our students in the show too! At 12:30 sharp, the Level 2 band kicked off with Miles’ rendition of "Merry Christmas Everyone" by Shakin' Stevens – a true showstopper that set the festive tone for the entire afternoon
Guests were treated to a dazzling range of student-led performances, with everything from band sets across all levels to solo acts, original songs, and covers that nearly rivaled the originals. There were angelic choir renditions, hard-hitting heavy metal, and everything in between. To top it off, SupaJam Brighton staff surprised the crowd with a festive cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”!
It was a truly fantastic event, and a privilege to watch our students shine. Their confidence has grown so much in such a short time, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next!
Brighton students have been spreading festive cheer this season with an uplifting performance at our local Hove Station, which students have adopted as a community collaboration. On the afternoon of their performance, students left SupaJam College after lunchcomplete with festive hats and tinsel - and headed to the station to serenade commuters and help them get into the Christmas spirit.
In true SupaJam Brighton fashion, the show kicked off with “Merry Christmas Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens, sung by our very own Level 2 student, Miles! Our choir joined in with classic carols, and Bob was ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ The commuters were treated to beautiful renditions of “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night”, and virtually every Christmas song you can imagine. Many of these performances were stripped back or acoustic, allowing our students' raw musical talent to truly shine.
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The students returned to college buzzing with excitement after amassing a lively, dancing audience of happy spectators. Not only did they bring holiday joy, but they also raised a generous sum for MIND, a powerful charity supporting mental health Both staff and students agreed that the afternoon was a beautiful reflection of the Christmas spirit.
It has been incredible to see how much our students have grown in both confidence and skill It’s safe to say they put smiles on the faces of commuters and staff at the station, and it was especially wonderful to see some parents there enjoying the moment too!
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oppo u y o pe o , s o cas g a de range of skills and musical styles. From energetic band performances to heartfelt solo acts, it was incredible to see the depth of talent and creativity within our Canterbury college. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was a true highlight to witness the students shine on stage as they wrapped up the term in festive style!
David Court and Nick Stillwell were lucky enough to attend the live performance. They praised the event, saying ‘It was outstanding. The quality of the performances was brilliant, and the support everyone gave to the students and to each other truly reinforced why we set up SupaJam in the first place. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to all the students – we left the event completely buzzing!’
Well done to all involved in the SupaJam Canterbury end of term Christmas gig! You guys smashed it!!
SWANLEY’S WINTERWONDERJAM
SupaJam Swanley’s end-of-term Christmas gig was an unforgettable celebration of talent and creativity! Held at the Alexandra Suite, just across from SupaJam Swanley, the event featured an endless array of musical genres, from heartfelt original songs to showstopping covers that had the audience hooked.
One of the highlights was a powerful rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”, paired with some excellent dancing from our lead vocalist, which truly stole the show. The diversity of performances, from rock to pop to soul, showcased the incredible range of talent within the student body.
It was truly wonderful to see how much our students supported one another throughout the event, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie. The gig was the perfect way to wrap up the term, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement and pride for all the hard work and passion our students have poured into their music.
Izzi Green is a Level 1 student at SupaJam Brighton who has recently secured a spot on the Brighton and Hove Youth Council (BHYC). It started when Izzi went to a meeting with her youth worker. The event consisted of all sorts of organisations who had gathered to talk about issues regarding young people, including education. Izzi and the other young people in attendance had to write about their experience with schools they had attended.
Here is a condensed version of Izzi’s story:
‘Support for young people without diagnoses or EHCPs is failing our futures. This is from my personal experience and how I am extremely disappointed with it. I’ve been between 3 high schools Due to me not having an EHCP or diagnosis, my mum had to push and fight to even get a meeting with the SENDCo at my last school, and we felt very pressured to make a choice between two non inclusive choices - I was told I could go to school on a full timetable or my mum could homeschool me. I feel this experience is something I should put out there to spread awareness in case there are any other young children in similar situations. I hope that someone is able to read this and spread awareness about the struggles young people are facing in education. I hope that someone can take my experience into consideration and reflect on how mainstream education has failed me.’
One of the main councillors from Brighton and Hove saw what Izzi wrote and was rightfully impressed by how eloquently she wrote about her time in mainstream education. John Lewry, who runs the BHYC asked if Izzi would be interested in joining the council and representing SupaJam. Izzi can now proudly raise discussions from our SupaJam Student Forum at the Brighton and Hove Youth Council to fight for improvements in young people's experience of education.
Today I'm here to talk about my role in the Brighton and Hove Youth Council and ways we can use your voices to make a change for young people. I've been chosen to represent SupaJam on behalf of all of you here, so I have the opportunity to pass things on outside of college for things that you might face or struggle with day to day. Whether this is for transport issues within Brighton and Hove, funding for activities and clubs, mental and physical health troubles, self confidence or other things, I know that with the power of putting everyone's voices together we can turn it around and make a change to help.
I feel it's important that no one needs to suffer alone or in silence, and by having the opportunity to help out people who might be struggling without a way to get their opinions and feelings across, I understand how lonely that can be and can confidently say no one deserves to not have their voice or opinions heard I feel like I can help use my voice on behalf of young people and try to make a change whether that's with meetings with the NHS, parliament, the bus companies or wellbeing services to try to help young people go about their days with less struggles. As a victim of bullying and mental health struggles in the past and recently due to having issues with the school system failing and having things said to me that made me feel down, I've turned it around in a positive way by using my experiences to try help other young people going through similar situations and trying my best to support along with the youth Council as everyone has access to different young people who would benefit from different things, so the more voices and opinions we have is amazing. Our roles are to help support and keep young people safe, so if you have anything that's struggling you during college, weekends, basically day to day please come talk to me about it and I can try my best to pass it on in my next meeting I have and see what we can do.
Thank you for reading and I hope we are able to make a change for young people struggling and make sure the amount of problems we face day to day can go down. Don't be scared to speak out as it's the best thing you can do.
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I really enjoyed performing at both gigs. The audience loved it and they sang along with me. There was lots of dancing and laughter.
At the first performance, the one with me outside, someone came up to me and said “your singing made me cry because it reminded me of my late husband who I lost last year and your singing was just so beautiful it made me cry”. That was one of the best things anyone has ever said about my singing!
The second performance was for two hours, luckily I was inside! It was a great challenge for me and I loved it. Not only that but I really let go and started to dance and took the mic out of the stand and got everyone to sing along with me. I’ve really gained a lot of confidence and has given me a lot of ideas of how to perform on stage and really let go and not to be scared.
Canterbury student Oakley Osmond is excited to announce the release of his debut album, “Sunlight Over a Kingdom of Yellow”. SupaJam Canterbury students were given an exclusive first listen at a special listening party, which Oakley described as a great success. Reflecting on the event, he shared, “It’s not something I’m used to doing, but it was a really positive experience. It was a nice time, and it definitely helped get my songs some exposure. I’m very appreciative of the support.”.
We sat down with Oakley to learn more about the creative journey behind his new album. Here’s what he had to say: “I made the album over the past year, recording most of it in my room at home. The only exceptions were the drums and piano for ‘A New Day is Rising,’ which were recorded at a studio and at my old school. I played most of the instruments myself, with the exception of the piano on ‘A New Day is Rising,’ which was played by my former music teacher. I also mixed and mastered the tracks myself. At the moment, my personal favourites are: The Moon is Beautiful, Isn't it?, Lying Awake at Night, and the title track Sunlight Over a Kingdom of Yellow.”
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A crowd at full capacity sat on the floor of the Bees Mouth basement to see ISM play a gig organised by Agenda Collective to support the Women For Women charity The band were seated, dressed in black and giving an air of still confidence
The group’s performance had an element of art and theatre to it. The musicians sat quietly at the back while the singer moved thoughtfully around the space left ahead of the front row, never standing, preaching to the congregation.
Musically, ISM have elements of Jeff Buckley’s jangly instrumentation and vocal style, and by extension, traces of Nina Simone. Intricate, yet simple, guitar supported effortlessly by steady, melodic bass lines, glued together by the tasteful drums. The vocals move smoothly from close to a whisper to a scream when the songs reach their emotional climax. To me, the music and performance had a feeling of longing and romanticism. I use these words maybe because I feel artistically intimidated by them, each gig is given more thought than I’ve put into most aspects of my life, each having a different theme and tone. The first time I saw the group, the theme was “sleepover”, this time it was “funeral” Lyrically, the songs touch on themes like love and religion, set to a backdrop of minor chords they were delivered with the required emotion and intensity
Having being sat on the floor made this gig feel much more intimate than the majority of shows I have been to The energy from the performers was felt by everyone in the audience For music that can very easily be labelled “sad”, I left the room feeling lighter than when I entered I suppose that’s what it’s all about.
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Swanley Level 2 student Kaitlin is excited to share a unique opportunity for all students across our SupaJam community to collaborate on a musical project that celebrates diversity and self-expression.
Kaitlin has written a song called ‘Colourful Neurodiverse Army’ which is a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced bullying, with a special focus on those within the autistic community. Kaitlin is using this original song to give a voice to those who often feel unheard, saying ‘it's time for your voices to be part of something truly special.’
Inspired by the timeless energy of Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd, this anthem calls for a large choir of voices so Kaitlin has recruited the help of her fellow SupaJammers to sing on the track. Kaitlin has already sent round instructions on how to participate, with a copy of her wonderful lyrics.
Students have already begun sending in their audio files to Sam Coppins who is supporting this student led project but there is still time for you to participate! Let staff in your base know next term that you want to send a recording to Kaitlin and we will help facilitate it!
We can’t wait to hear your contribution and the result of a united SupaJam with the sound of Colourful Neurodiverse Army. Together, we’ll create a chorus of empowerment and inclusivity!
Thank you so much to Kaitlin for bringing this exciting project to our students!
SupaJam is excited to announce a collaboration with the Homegrown Festival in 2025, offering our students a unique work experience opportunity. Homegrown is a Brighton-based, communitydriven festival that not only showcases local artists and bands but also strengthens the fabric of the community by supporting independent venues. By hosting performances in local pubs, the festival helps boost the local economy and reinforces the connection between music, culture, and the people who make up the city.
Through talks with Homegrown’s booking agents, SupaJam’s Level 3 students have gained valuable insight into the ethical side of booking, supporting local talent, and fostering inclusivity The festival’s affordable ticket pricing ranging from £15 to £20 ensures that music remains accessible to everyone, encouraging a diverse audience and supporting the idea of a truly inclusive community. This focus on community is a core value of Homegrown, as it strives to create a space where people can come together through the universal language of music.
This collaboration will give SupaJam students the chance to perform at Homegrown in 2025, gaining hands-on industry experience while deepening their connection to the local music scene. It’s an exciting opportunity to be part of something that not only highlights incredible talent but also celebrates the importance of community and collaboration in the arts.
The Music Shelf initiative at SupaJam is back in Swanley, bringing fresh talent and industry insights to our aspiring musicians and future music professionals. This term, Swanley kicked off their first Music Shelf of the academic year with a special performance from the talented Leo Aram-Downs.
A UK-based musician and producer, Leo AramDowns is known for his dreamy, experimental sound that blends electronic, indie, and cinematic vibes. His music is a fascinating mix of ambient textures, lush synths, and haunting melodies, creating an immersive, mood-driven experience that captivates the listener. Think ambient electronic with a cinematic twist—perfect for those who love a soundscape that tugs at your emotions. The event wasn’t just about the music though. Students from all levels got involved, helping with everything from technical setup and audio mixing to interviewing Leo in a podcast that followed the performance. This hands-on involvement gave students valuable behind-the-scenes experience, all the while learning about the creative journey of a working musician.
Today's performance from Leo was excellent. His skills at finger-picking the mandolin and the acoustic/electric guitar was extraordinary. His songs were amazing and his singing style matched perfectly with it. I personally think he's one of the best people we got for the Music Shelf.
- Aaron, Swanley Level 2 Leo’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, blending acoustic instruments with electronic beats to create a genre-defying sound. Drawing inspiration from ambient, post-rock, and trip-hop, his set was a perfect fit for the Swanley crowd, who praised the atmospheric and cinematic quality of the show. It was a day of music, learning, and creativity, and a reminder of how vibrant the SupaJam community truly is!
As the term drew to a close, Canterbury was buzzing with excitement, eagerly preparing to welcome their second Music Shelf guest of the year Lucy May Walker! This was an opportunity students didn’t want to miss, and the whole week was filled with anticipation for her arrival.
Lucy May Walker, a talented singer/songwriter from Folkestone, Kent, began her career busking on the streets of London. Her big break came when BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine discovered her and invited her to perform live on his National Radio and TV talk shows. Since then, Lucy’s career has skyrocketed, with her music played on BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, and even Love Island UK. She’s supported the likes of Wet Wet Wet, Lucy Spraggan, and Ainé Dean, and has sold out numerous headline tours across the UK.
This session was an amazing chance for students to learn from someone who has truly made her mark in the industry. Lucy treated Canterbury students to an exclusive interview for the Creative Industries Podcast, offering invaluable insights and sharing her journey. It was fantastic to see so many new faces in the audience, with Lucy’s story clearly sparking interest and inspiring the next generation of talent. Students were able to ask questions, gain inspiration, and learn from a professional who’s been there and done it all.
A: Yep, It was BBC Radio Sussex. So I went along with Leo, and we were met by Sarah. There was Sarah who was taking us around and helping us. Then there was also Shara the presenter. Anyway, we met and had a cup of tea and then they took us on a tour, so I got to see one room where I was basically able to see how it works. And they've got a big projector screen. They can put people on the TV if they want to. So they have the facilities there to put people on the telly. They showed us the different radio rooms and I got to sit with Sam, the producer, and I got to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes of a radio show. So, Sam would tell me “right, this is this, We’ve got this song playing”. He has to queue up the next song, make sure everything’s on time. Then he has to speak to Sarah in the other room, Sam has to keep Sarah on time. They were doing a really fun game where they were trying to find the youngest Barry in the UK.
Q: Why did you want to work with Radio Sussex?
A: I love podcasting. The story is the BBC came in last year when they did a podcasting workshop with us. They really liked my podcasting skills, and they liked the way I did it when I did a podcast with them, with the class. They got in touch with Maria to ask if I would be interested in work experience. I kind of just got invited, but I have an interest in radio. I'm on SupaJam radio and I'm into podcasting so I thought “yeah, go on”. What’s your next question?
Level3LouTakesBBCRadio SussexbyStorm
InterviewedbyLevel3studentArthurCoates
Q: I was wondering how accessible you found it?
A: Well, I didn’t really do anything hands on. I think I was literally just sitting there with Sam and hearing what he was doing, because it was my first go. And that's fine. I'm not really sure how accessible they were. They were actually really good at telling me what was happening and stuff like that. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t want to be a producer only because I think that it would be quite a lot of multitasking, deadlines and pressure.
Q: Could you see yourself working in the radio industry?
A: Maybe, but it would have to be under the right circumstances doing what I wanted to do. I love the idea of doing radio, but it would need to be something that I am passionate about. I could see myself having a radio show, but what that looks like and where that would be, I'm not sure. Does that make sense?
Q: Did you speak on air?
A: Yeah, exciting, the best bit. At the very end, Shara, the presenter, decided, “Right, that's it. I want to have a chat with Lou”. It was pre-recorded, and it's going to be on next week. It's only five minutes, they talked about my podcast, so I got to promote my podcast (no such thing as normal) and tell everybody why I feel it's so important. Shara really really liked me, so I’ve been invited back for a longer interview that might be live.
g p online mentoring programme, designed to help students in the Kent area build essential skills and achieve their goals in music!
If you're a student interested in developing your music career, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Click here to sign up!! Act fast—spaces are limited!
Are you a budding beatmaker, a bedroom producer, or just someone who wants to dabble in digital audio? If so, you ' re in luck! Today, we ' re diving into the world of free Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to crown the ultimate champion of budget beatsmiths.
Join us as we pit three heavyweight contenders against each other: the sleek and stylish Ableton Live Lite, the ever-reliable GarageBand, and the dark horse contender, Waveform Free. Let the battle begin!
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is the digital equivalent of a traditional recording studio. It's a software application that allows you to record, edit, mix, and master audio. While professional DAWs can be costly, a range of powerful free options are available, making music production accessible to anyone with a computer. In this article, we'll delve into three of the most popular free DAWs: Ableton Live Lite, GarageBand, and Waveform Free.
AbletonLiveLite
Ableton Live Lite is renowned for its intuitive interface and powerful features, especially for electronic music production. Its Session View allows for creative improvisation and live performance, making it a favorite among DJs and producers. However, its limited track count can be a drawback for those working on complex projects.
Pros:
Intuitive interface, especially for electronic music production
Powerful features for live performance and looping. Strong integration with Ableton's ecosystem.
Cons:
Limited track count, which can be a bottleneck for complex projects.
Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its depth
GarageBand
GarageBand is a user-friendly DAW that comes pre-installed on Apple devices. It offers a vast library of loops, instruments, and effects, making it an excellent choice for beginners. While it's easy to pick up, its mixing and mastering capabilities may not be as robust as those found in professional DAWs
Pros:
User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.
Extensive library of loops, instruments, and effects.
Tight integration with Apple devices
WaveformFree
Waveform Free is a feature-rich DAW that offers unlimited tracks, making it suitable for large-scale projects. Its professional-grade features and customizable interface appeal to both beginners and experienced producers. While it may have a steeper learning curve than GarageBand, its flexibility and power make it a compelling choice
Pros:
Unlimited tracks, making it suitable for large-scale projects. Professional-grade features and a customizable interface Strong community support and regular updates.
Steeper learning curve compared to GarageBand. Can be resource-intensive, especially for older computers. Cons: Limited advanced features and customization options. Mixing and mastering capabilities can be subpar.
Cons:
The best free DAW for you will depend on your specific needs and skill level. If you ' re a beginner looking for a simple and intuitive DAW, GarageBand is a great option. For electronic music producers who value live performance and creative experimentation, Ableton Live Lite is a solid choice. And for those who need a powerful and flexible DAW for complex projects, Waveform Free is worth considering.
As the world of free DAWs continues to evolve, we can expect even more powerful and user-friendly options to emerge in the future
For my money (FREE), Waveform Free from Tracktion is the DAW I'd choose over the others. They even offer a paid plugin, the Launcher Performer (£50), which mimics Ableton Live's clip launcher. I'm excited to test this plugin in live gigs and see if it can truly rival Ableton's performance. If so, it could be a game-changer, offering a complete Ableton-like experience for a fraction of the cost.
Welcome to our SupaJam Radio, where fresh tracks and classic hits come together. We’re more than just a station - we dive into the stories behind the music with artist interviews, exclusives from industry professionals and behind-the-scenes access to events and festivals Hosted by experienced producer David Maitland, SupaJam radio is a community where your voice can be heard, and where music lovers and industry professionals connect. Tune in and discover your next favourite track!
SorrellNation
In this week's episode, we're thrilled to have the incredibly talented Sorrel Nation with us! Sorrel takes us behind the scenes of her journey as a musician and songwriter, sharing her insights on the creative process, tips for crafting unforgettable songs, and what it's really like to live the life of a musician. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a longtime fan, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom you won't want to miss!
KieronMarshall
In this week's podcast, Kieron Marshall joins us to share some incredible stories, including his experience playing the SupaJam stage at Black Deer Festival, his thoughts on learning guitar, and a surprising encounter with none other than Eric Clapton early in his music career Tune in for a fascinating conversation with this talented musician!
DuskhouseIndieBand
In this episode indie band Duskhouse takes us behind the scenes of their performance at the Black Deer Festival, recorded live at the UK Creative Festival. They share their tour experiences, what it’s like to play at one of the UK’s top festivals, and give a glimpse into Brighton’s vibrant music scene Plus, the band sums up their sound in one word each Thanks to Duskhouse for joining us!
GeorgeandRebeccalivefromtheUKCreativefestival
This special episode, recorded live from the UK Creative Festival, was joined by George and Rebecca, two seasoned journalists with over 20 years of experience in the industry. It’s a must listen if you want to hear how they launched a music magazine at just 21, the unique freebies and experiences they’ve collected along the way, and their valuable advice for anyone looking to break into journalism in 2024 and beyond!
MixingItUpwithSupaJamStudent,Will
In this episode, our very own SupaJam Brighton student, Will Greener shares valuable insights on music production and mixing. He also shares the story of how he earned a spot in the Ill Factor Beat Academy. Will is in his second year of SupaJam and has become known for his incredible songwriting and production abilities Tune in for tips and inspiration from an upand-coming producer!
Do you want to work for BBC Introducing? Here's your chance to take your first step into the music industry and earn a qualification in the process. CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE!
MOREBBC
OPPORTUNITIES
Please see links below to BBC apprenticeships that are now OPEN until Friday 17th January 2025 Get your application in early!
Production apprenticeships (radio) Look out for the London opportunities in the list!
Junior Production Coordinator
Live music and events
Junior production coordinator BBC radio Level 4 (good progression for Level 3 SupaJam Students)
IsyouryoungpersonthinkingaboutemploymentafterSupaJam?Thereare severaloptionstoexplore,dependingoninterestsandreadiness.Belowisan overviewofthemostcommonpathways.Clickonthelinksformoredetailed information
