Upfaders is a ground-breaking, inclusive music production and performance project created by Dan for Youth Music and in conjunction with City of York Council. The aim was to create a viable route into music and music training for absolutely any young person aged 13-18 in the city, regardless of their situation or background, and to inspire and empower young people with the skills and confidence to launch their musical careers.
Since 2008, Upfaders has been helping young people from all backgrounds to discover and apply their musical ideas and talent using industry standard tools and techniques. Working closely with many partners in the city from the Youth Offending Team to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Upfaders has engaged and inspired even the very hardest to reach young people to create and perform their own music.
Outreach Sessions are taken to every corner of the city and aim to reach every type of young person with a focus on the disadvantaged and marginalised - young people who would not otherwise access musical activities. After each outreach programme, a group of young people are recruited to take part in a project.
Each Upfaders project takes a group of 6-12 young people on a rich 16-week musical journey through music production to public performance where DJ's and MC's perform using their own original music on vinyl!!! Behind the musical activity is a solid support structure for each young person, addressing their individual needs and aspirations and includes goal-setting, progress reviews, formal accreditation, visits to music training providers, progression work and industry masterclasses.
Below are some examples of music produced for the Upfaders project:
Bald Mountain
