A charity that enriches the lives of disabled performers through music has again demonstrated what is possible by bringing together more than 150 performers from across the country to make an album entirely remotely.
When lockdown was announced Electric Umbrella immediately launched daily online music shows and sessions to provide connection and entertainment for the learning disabled community. This included a series of songwriting workshops, journaling the highs and lows of life in a pandemic.
One year later the Watford-based organisation has delivered Sunflower Avenue, an album completely written, produced and recorded remotely online.
This is an impressive feat in itself but is all the more remarkable when taking into account the number of people involved in making it possible.
Artistic director Tom Billington
Artistic director Tom Billington said: “Capturing the 15 tracks was an extraordinary challenge. It took all our technical agility and know-how, combined with untold experimentation, to record over 150 learning disabled performers and professional musicians remotely. In extreme cases our efforts extended to feeding mics through letter-boxes!
“The making of it united our members all over the country with an incredible shared focus and goal and the end result has exceeded everyone's expectations."
Sunflower Avenue is described as ‘a multi-genre explosion of creativity: from anarchic punk to country and synth pop, from quirky dance floor fillers to sweeping ballads.
‘It gives a bold and beautiful voice to a community often unheard and lyrically roots itself in a unique time in history.
‘At its core is hope and joy, coupled with a driving underbelly of social comment that can’t be ignored.'
Gavin Kennedy and Katy Prosser. Picture: Sue Lacey
Electric Umbrella member Gavin Kennedy said: “To be on the album has made me really happy. I'm very proud of it. When I looked at the actual CD I could see my face in it. I was really pleased about that."
Gavin lost his father Ivor to Covid this time last year. Mum Susan reflected: "I think Gavin would have been a shell after he lost his dad. Electric Umbrella definitely helped. When I hear him online he's so happy."
Mel Boda the charity's chief executive, said: "This album is just an example of what we can achieve when we work alongside each other.
“Moving online has opened up an accessible creative space where we have been able to welcome 100s of people, connecting and igniting a brilliant network that positively fights isolation. The feedback has been overwhelming.
“Much of what we offer is completely free so we are keen for as many people as possible to benefit from it. We would invite anyone who is learning disabled to jump right in and enjoy the fun, friendship and music of course! It's just a quick online sign up away at www.electricumbrella.co.uk."
Sunflower Avenue is on sale now
Electric Umbrella member Katy Prosser said: "We can't wait to get back to performing live. Our audience wants to see us sing and dance again. It's something we love. It makes us and everyone around us really proud."
Sunflower Avenue is out now. It is available to download from £7.99 or to buy at www.electricumbrella.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel