South Tyneside music collective secures new studio space to develop budding stars

The Into the Studio organisation had been preparing to set up such a studio at Perth Green Community Centre on the Scotch Estate in Jarrow before the plans fell through earlier this year.

Now, the collective says it has obtained more than £5,000 in funding for a new recording studio at the Age Concern charity offices on Beach Road in South Shields.

The group also plan to run a weekly young performers group, which aims to help develop young people’s performance skills and stage confidence, as well as to be a social hub for budding musicians.

Organisers say that the funding will open up showcase opportunities for South Tyneside youngsters, a rehearsal space, possible show-reel production and use of the recording studio.

"We are very excited to be Working with ACTS (Age Concern Tyneside South) and Graham has been very supportive with us,” musician and Into the Studio co-founder, Ian Curry, said.

"Valuing what we can offer the people of South Tyneside and beyond. I’m looking forward to developing what I see could be a very successful working partnership."

Mr Curry said the collective currently has around 30 members across the borough.

The organisaton has been involved in performances for care home residents in South Tyneside during the pandemic.

Into the Studio says it has also put out an appeal for volunteers in recent months. It is now welcoming a number of local musicians into the fold – including former Stars in Your Eyes finalist, Elaine Rennie – to coach and support young musicians in the borough.

Into The Studio’s backers are also behind Into The Spotlight, a live performance initiative which is held in the region.

Jarrow Big Local and Unlimited helped support the project financially, on top of National Lottery funding.

Paint to decorate the new studio was donated by Shaun Matthias, a South Shields contractor, while flyers for the studio have been produced by Field Print Ltd, which is based in Boldon Colliery.

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