An exciting opportunity within the national, perhaps international, music industry may very well become available to someone involved in the Shetland music scene as part of a project called ‘Make Tracks’, part of the Channel 4’s ‘Ideas Factory’ initiatives and in association with HAIL Music, based in Inverness.
 
‘Make Tracks’ is a project for young people, over 16, who are enterprising and would like to participate in a recording industry project, in particular the setting up of an on-line record label. The project is mainly aimed at those involved in the contemporary music scene, rather than those working in more traditional genres, and around 10 individuals from across the Highlands and Islands region are expected be selected to form the regional project ‘team’.

The ideas factory team will be in Shetland on Sunday the 5th September (prior to the Slam DJ’s gig in the North Star) to explain the project in full to anyone who may be interested in participating.

The details of the whole project have yet to be finalised, however the team will work hand-in-hand with music industry people in the creation of an on-line record label, which will produce an actual CD of music from the Highlands and Islands to be distributed via the international music magazine ‘Music Week’ at the end of the project.

Those selected will also get the opportunity to work on the production of the CD during a special weekend in Inverness and at Watercolour Studio’s, one of the Highlands and Islands leading recording facilities.

Finally a member of the regional team will be selected to undertake a placement within the international music industry, possibly visiting a European based trade fair or working with Music Week in London to promote and distribute the CD. There may also be an opportunity to participate in an American event in Memphis acting in an A & R role to identify bands to visit the UK.

Shetland Arts Trust Music Development Officer Davie Gardner said “This will be a tremendously exciting project, and I am delighted that someone from Shetland may very well be offered the opportunity to participate directly in it. For anyone even considering a possible career in the industry this project will offer them a real insight into the business at the very top end of the market”.

In the meantime local bands who would be interested in putting forward music to be possibly included on the CD itself are asked to contact Davie at Shetland Arts Trust on (01595) 697550

The ‘Make Tracks’ project team will be in Shetland on Sunday the 5th September in Islesburgh Community Centre at 3pm to explain the initiative in full and meet anyone who might be interested in participating in the project itself.

For further information contact Davie Gardner, Music Development Officer, Shetland Arts Trust on 01595 697550.