Sunderland homeless youngsters record charity single
Nathan Glover, middle, in the studio recording a charity single with vocalist and producer, Jaimie Johnson, right and Jackson Parker, left. They are supported by Centrepoint. Photograph by Jessica Bell.
HOMELESS youngsters have been laying down tracks in the studio.
The group, from Sunderland’s Centrepoint hostel, have teamed up with electronic pop band Static Soul on a charity single.
It’s The Little Things was written in a workshop in the organisation’s centre in Dundas Street, opened in March by X-Factor winner Joe McElderry.
“The whole experience was really exciting,” said Nathan Glover, 20, who has lived there for five months.
He added: “It was great to be involved.
“This is a great way of raising awareness of youth homelessness, as it’s homeless young people themselves that have written and recorded the song and are trying to make a change.”
Centrepoint’s move to Monkwearmouth from premises in Mowbray Road sparked opposition from the community.
They had feared an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour area.
However, the hostel’s residents are trying to make a change and are hoping that the charity single, made at Newcastle’s Blast Recording Studios, will help to raise awareness of youth homelessness.
Jaimie Johnson, 24, producer and vocalist for Static Soul, said: “It was great to have so many passionate and motivated young people involved in the project.
“I hope people like the track enough to download it and raise money to help youth homelessness.”
Static Soul have their own personal connection to youth homelessness.
Band member David Black was forced to sleep rough for six months after the relationship with his family broke down when he was 18.
David, 24, said: “After the relationship with my family broke down, I found myself on the streets and then sleeping in vans and on friends’ sofas.
“I sought support from the council and as a result managed to move into a hostel.
“The support I had was amazing and I am now living independently in my own flat.”
It’s The Little Things is available to buy on iTunes, priced at 99p.
All profits from the sale of the single will go to the Centrepoint charity.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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