Teenage digital writing group record an album of spoken word at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow
An online writing group set up to help develop skills, build confidence and be part of a community of new talent, have recorded an album of spoken word at Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow.
Article Source: SYPS Digital Writing Group
First Published: 18 October 2021 11:19
Updated: 18 October 2021 11:19
The album, entitled: The New World was released on all major streaming platforms including Bandcamp sypslam.bandcamp.com/album/the-new-world
on Friday 15th October 2021.
The young participants were recorded at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the album was produced, mixed and mastered by Lauren Gilmour, who heads the writing group, at Novasound. Subjects covered in the young writers’ poems include - what it means to be a girl and have a fear of walking the streets; what the future holds; climate change and loneliness during lockdown.
The young people are part of the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam Digital Writing Group a year-long project which was set up in December 2020 to connect young people from across the country. The group was set up to help the young writers develop their skills, build their confidence and be part of a community of new talent. Poets, speakers and industry professionals including Holly McNish, Hannah Lavery, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Tawona Earnes, amongst others, have been involved in the delivery of the project.
Kathleen Jamie, Scottish Makar, has lent her support to the project and commented: “I began writing poetry in my teens and published a first booklet at the age of 20. Since then, writing has remained the touchstone of my life. It’s where I do my best thinking, and where I rub up against the world. It is wonderful to know that these young people have discovered the transformative power of poetry and spoken word too. Their voices are so important, and I know they have found a friend for life.”
The album documents and celebrates the young people who have been part of the group this year with a collective and community spirit. There are nine participants, all mid-teens, mostly from central belt, with a member dialling in from India. The writing groups are free of charge and held each month.
Some of the young people taking part had this to say:
Shreemayi Kurup, aged 13, from Delhi in India, who wrote ‘These Vicious Streets’, said: “My piece was inspired by the simple feeling of being out in the streets as a girl. It is such a simple thing going out in the open, yet for me, the feeling is not carefree or calm, it's horrifying. I thought if the world knew about it, they'd think of rewiring what is engraved in them.”
Rhys Pearce, aged 17, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, who wrote ‘Letter to Our Cousins in the New World’, said: “I think the concept for this began when we looked at epistolary poems and discussed the idea of talking to future generations. Since the poem only comes from one perspective, it becomes a one-sided conversation that develops more into a voicing of our present concerns than a real attempt to describe the future. The speaker of the poem doesn’t know what the future will be like, and partially that makes them nervous because there’s no assurance against any of the terrifying things that are happening right now. On the other hand, this means the future becomes a blank slate that the speaker can project their hopes onto and use to imagine a better world. I think I was very keen to present that both of these ideas can exist in unison – yes, the future is scary but it’s also all we have, and we need to not only hope that things will get better but actually do something to make sure that they will because we can’t just assume that progress will happen.”
Frea Tennant, aged 18, from Glasgow, who wrote ‘No More’ said: “The song reflects the carelessness we as a population have shown to the world. The earth is suffering, and we need to adapt our behaviours in order to replenish it.”
Elsie Hannay, aged 14, from East Kilbride, who wrote ‘The Meadow’, said: “My poem is about the fear of loneliness people must of us felt during lockdown.”
Tawona Sithole, a writer, performer, musician and academic, who delivered a session to the group last month, said: “The pandemic has put pressure on our physical and mental health equally. For young people especially, our most active group in society, this has been particularly hard. The online creative space has been a reimagination of our ways of gathering, but more importantly a signal that we're still here, and we are not in isolation.”
Lauren Gilmour, Head of SYPS Digital Writing Group, commented: “Running this project has been a much-needed creative constant in such turbulent times. I’ve been blown away by the commitment, talent, and honesty of our young writers. It’s been a huge privilege to see and hear them develop as writers, performers and as people in the process. This group represents the voices we need to hear more of in our future. On an artistic and a personal level, this project has inspired me to keep sharing stories and listening intently to the stories of others.”
If you would like to take part in the Digital Writing Group, contact: Lauren Gilmour, lauren@confab.org.uk or telephone: 07803 550 430
Latest Glasgow News
Get CARRIEd Away with Ultimate Glasgow Shopping Break
Maldron Hotel Glasgow City is marking the highly anticipated 'SATC And Just Like That...' launch with the ultimate fashionista package for you and your pals to indulge in!
Annual fundraiser aiming to provide over 100,000 meals to homeless people launches
itison have launched their annual Social Bite fundraiser where you can donate £5 to buy a meal for the homeless this Christmas.
Six by Nico is spreading Winter Joy with its latest menu... Miracle On
Christmas is officially back for 2021 as Six by Nico serves up the magic of the season with a show stopping Christmas themed tasting menu!
Bute Fabrics open Christmas pop up shop in Princes Square
Scottish fashion and textiles manufacturer, Bute Fabrics have opened a Christmas pop-up shop in Princes Square!
The Burrell Collection launches innovative volunteering opportunities
The Burrell Collection, reopening in March 2022, has launched a recruitment campaign for those interested in volunteering at the newly refurbished, world-class museum in Glasgow.
The elves have arrived at Princes Square
Princes Square loves Christmas just as much as you do and this year, they have created their very own Elf School!
Glasgow burger restaurant launch festive special
Award winning burger supremoes, El Perro Negro have release a limited edition festive burger!
New holiday dates added for The Ice Experience at Elfingrove
itison, organisers of The Ice Experience at Elfingrove, have confirmed ten additional holiday dates, which will go on sale on Thursday 9th December!
Mary Doll gets 125th Anniversary Celebrations underway for the Tall Ship Glenlee
As part of The Tall Ship Glenlee's 125th celebrations the Clyde Maritime Trust welcomes the support of Elaine C Smith as the real-life figurehead for the charity after the ships own Mary Doll.
The biggest ever ice rink in Scotland opens today!
Scotland's biggest ever ice rink, The Ice Experience at Elfingrove, opens to the public today set against the stunning backdrop of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum!
Jack and Victor Spotted on the River Kelvin
What appeared to be Still Game's Jack and Victor were spotted in a rubber dinghy on the River Kelvin this morning!
Have a Merry Maldron Christmas
With the festive season well underway, Glasgow City’s newest hotel is looking forward to welcoming you, and they have the ultimate offer for you to take advantage of!
Eastenders icons Adam Woodyatt and Laurie Brett reunite
Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that Eastenders stars Adam Woodyatt and Laurie Brett will reunite in the stage adaption of Peter James' bestselling novel, Looking Good Dead!
Cranside Kitchen Transformed into the Biggest Winter Village in Glasgow
Christmas has officially arrived in Glasgow, with the launch of the Cranside Winter Village open until 2nd January 2022!
Glasgow, we have an Ice Experience!
Scotland's biggest Ice Experience EVER is now frozen and almost complete as Elfingrove gets ready to open to the public on Thursday 2nd December!
Glasgow social enterprise is giving discounts for good deeds
The Blankfaces, a Glasgow based social enterprise is offering a discount on their unique, cutting-edge streetwear in exchange for supporting Carntyne Food Bank.
London based menswear brand Percival to Open Pop Up Store in Princes Square
East London-based menswear brand, Percival will open a pop-up store in Princes Square from 1 – 5 December!
First screenings announced for hybrid edition of Glasgow Film Festival 2022
The first events have been announced for Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) 2022.
Great Scottish Run Balck Friday Offer
Great Scottish Run have announced their Greatest Black Friday deal and this is one you don't want to miss!
Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow launches new pool room and cocktail lounge!
Opening its doors at Midday on Saturday 27th November, Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow is looking forward to welcoming everyone to their exciting new cocktail lounge and pool hall!
Donate a Christmas tree to those in need in Glasgow and help rewild the Scottish Highlands
The award-winning Clydeside Collective reveals their plans to give back this Christmas with the launch of their 'Relove, Rewild Christmas' initiative.
Out East Festival announces epic line up
Today, organisers of Out East Festival have announced the musical line-up for 2022’s family-friendly extravaganza in Dalkeith Country Park.
The 29th French Film Festival UK adds online section
The organisers of the French Film Festival UK are delighted to reveal an exciting new edition of the online programme which will run from Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th December.
Buchanan Galleries reveals Black Friday offers plus free parking incentive for shoppers
Christmas shoppers can grab a bargain this Black Friday as Buchanan Galleries has revealed some of its best money-saving offers – the centre has also launched a festive free parking promotion!
Crowdfunder successfully protects piping legacy with launch of Piping Times Annual
A crowdfunder launched earlier this year by The National Piping Centre has been successful in raising the funds to protect and develop their piping archive, with the launch of a new annual publication
cinch presents TRNSMT Festival announces 2022 day splits!
cinch presents TRNSMT festival is delighted to reveal the day splits for next year's musical extravaganza in Glasgow Green!
Win a coaching session with Scottish rugby international Hamish Watson
Entries are now open to junior teams across Scotland to win the chance to be put through their paces by Scotland international Hamish Watson at DAM Health Stadium in 2022.
Make it Maldron this panto season
After last year's postponement, Scotland's biggest pantomime is back, and to celebrate, the city's newest hotel Maldron Hotel Glasgow City, has announced a special Theatre package offer!
Connect Music Festival set for 2022 reboot
DF Concerts & Events have announced an exciting new addition to the festival calendar - Connect, which will take place between 26th-28th August 2022!
IRN BRU Carnival celebrates one month until launch!
The IRN-BRU Carnival celebrates its return to the SEC with one month to go until doors open on Europe's largest indoor funfair!
Sponsored Links
