THE YOUTH MUSIC PROJECT

Youth Music is a national charity investing in grassroots organisations and to young people themselves so that more 0–25-year-olds can make, learn and earn in music. The charity is a big supporter of the creative industry, by working with those who are deprived of the opportunity to create music because of who they are, where they live, or what they’re going through. The charity works alongside young people to invest where it’s needed most, to drive systemic change in the music industries and the education that’s needed so that every young person has the chance to change their lives through music.

Music heavily inspires our output, as an industry that pushes creative boundaries, breaks rules and challenges conventional norms. Youth Music and its contribution to the music industry resonates closely with our ethos, so we’re immensely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with Youth Music’s network of outstanding young creatives on this project, to provide a platform for them to exhibit their ability while breaking down industry entry barriers for them. 

The aim of the project was to celebrate the cultural importance music has in the contemporary world and its impact on shaping youth culture, particularly fashion, for future generations. Whether it’s the electronic dance wave of the 80’s, the 90’s illegal rave scene or the Hip Hop/Grime scene today; they all have one thing in common: they hold their own place in cultural history, as a social movement that serves as an association for a collective of individuals. 

 

Jacob Edwards, our competition winner and collaborated artist for the project, is a young aspiring designer from West London. He is trying to launch his own custom sneaker business to channel his art, with plans to launch a clothing brand in the future. His style is a reflection of London’s street art and, in particular, his passion for music, driven by basement, soca and RnB, which heavily influence his creative output as a form of escapism.