The Glasgowbury Music Group awards cabinet got a little bigger with the announcement that their Rural Key Music Project was selected as Northern Ireland’s Rural Spark.
The Carnegie Rural Spark Awards recognise those groups who have helped to transform the areas in which they live and have achieved something remarkable within their rural community.
The Rural Key Music Project, a diverse music program which offers local acts a chance to meet and learn, has been chosen to represent Northern Ireland in the esteemed awards.
Now an established and massively respected project, the Rural Key began from humble beginnings, realising a demand for rural musicians and filling the gap, giving bands and artists the time, space, resources and respect needed to develop their careers.
Industry professionals, music stalwarts and the participants themselves work together, building and developing a strong music community where like-minded people work towards a common goal.
The course founder and tutor, Paddy Glasgow, is privileged that the Rural Key has been recognised as Northern Ireland’s Rural Spark.
“We’re honoured that the Rural Key has been identified as a rural champion and chosen as Northern Ireland’s representative,” he said.
“The project has long given its participants an alternative approach to the music world, offering a sanctuary for acts both locally and further afield to learn about the practical side of the industry and through its completion, many bands and acts have progressed into fields of work that may not have been possible without the help of the course.
“While supporting local talent and offering them a sanctuary, The Rural Key Music Project is part of a much bigger picture where the whole community benefits,” said Paddy.
“Although still in its relatively early stages, the Rural Key will continue to grow while maintaining the same standards which have already seen it recognised as a rural innovator.”
Enjoying his second year on the course, indie songwriter John Gribbin said:
“The Rural Key Project is more or less a mix of singers, songwriters and bands all sitting down together every Saturday with some tutors and good friends discussing different aspects of the music industry.
“There are key areas covered during the year – for example how to make a press pack, how to talk to a sound man, song writing techniques, live recording – although some days you come in and it’s decided that certain people might be paired together and asked to work on a tune.
“Last year was my first year on The Rural Key Project, and it was my first time in a recording studio so I really appreciate the opportunities that I have been given by Paddy and the team.”
As one of the country’s most exciting young bands, The Q have relished the opportunities offered by the course.
“The Rural Key has, and will, change our band,” they said. “We’ve been taken out of the comfort zone in which we were just gliding.
“Before joining the Rural Key we had never given much thought to pre-production, dynamics or presentation. But the Rural Key isn’t just an academic course, it’s an opportunity to discuss and learn with, and from, similar musicians about all aspects of making, producing and performing your own music.
“Other projects may give you some letters after your name or a nice certificate to hang on your wall but the Rural Key will give you the know-how and the ‘know-who’ to go out and make your mark as a serious artist.”
Songstress Shauna Tohill has welcomed the relaxed atmosphere offered by the course:
“It’s such a refreshing thing to be involved in,” she said. “Every Saturday I come down to the project and there’s a massive smile on everybody’s face – no matter what kind of mood you’re in, they make you feel happy.
“It’s a place where acts are really encouraged to play without being criticised. Everyone works together for the benefit of everyone else; it’s a really productive environment.”
Established songwriter Junior Johnson used the Rural Key as a tool to focus in on the most important parts of his music career.
“Talents and abilities are brought to the fore with the help of everyone. Drawing from the wealth of knowledge possessed by the organisers as well as mixing all kinds of musical tastes, genres and backgrounds has enabled me to expand my own songs and diversify my music to create an entirely new sound, one I’d only ever wished I could achieve.
“I’ve learnt a detailed account of the inside of the industry and that very few people are as honest or as genuine as the Rural Key team. I draw deep inspiration from being around people with such drive and truly believe that this approach is the way forward.”
