Torbay hip hop record label, Oceanside Records, is producing more music and engaging with more young people than ever thanks to grant funding from Torbay Council.
The record label is run by the social enterprise Sound Communities and provides a platform for marginalised young people to share, promote and celebrate their music.
The organisation was awarded £7,950 from the Torbay Social Enterprise Grant Fund to develop the record label into a more sustainable, youth-led social enterprise.
The funding is part of a scheme set up to support the development of the social enterprise sector and strengthen the local economy through Community Wealth Building, which is jointly owned and championed by Torbay Council, South Devon College, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and TDA.
Director of Sound Communities, Kate Rudman, said: ‘‘The Torbay Social Enterprise Grant has had a huge impact on our ability to support Oceanside Records. The funding has allowed us to develop an action plan, engage more young people to get involved, produce and release more music and music videos, and set up regular performances and open mic nights.’’
Based in Paignton, Sound Communities helps marginalised young people to engage, create and consult using radio, music and creative media production. Their pioneering work aims to develop creativity, improve mental health, inspire confidence, raise aspirations and increase skills in young people.
Oceanside Records is one of the organisation’s key platforms and gives young people the opportunity to write, produce and perform their own music with lyrics based on their upbringing in Torbay. Their music tackles issues such as mental health, lack of opportunities, childhood trauma and their take on the challenges which they face.
Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said: ‘‘Torbay Council is proud to provide grant funding to organisations like Sound Communities which are doing incredible work to engage and inspire young people in Torbay. Social enterprises play a significant role in our local economy, and we are doing our very best to support them so that they continue to offer their excellent services.’’
Since it was launched, Oceanside Records has won several awards including Best Music Video at the national Youth Music Awards 2022 for the track “Welcome to Torbay”. Meanwhile, Sound Communities’ work across South Devon was recently recognised at the Torbay Business Awards where they won the Commissioner’s Business Community Champion Award.
To find out more about Community Wealth Building in Torbay visit https://investintorbay.com/our-projects/people-and-place/community-wealth-building/
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