Bus fitted with mini recording studio hits the right notes with young people in Walsall

Thursday, 14 November 2024 11:50

More than 60 young people in Walsall visited a youth bus that toured the borough last week.

The council’s new youth bus is fitted out with a mini recording studio and young people were invited along to have a go at recording their own music or podcast and learn creative media skills.

Young people visited various locations in Walsall to see the bus, and youth workers from the council toured with it, to speak with them about their views, concerns, and promote some of the support that is available locally.

The bus tour coincided with National Youth Work Week, an annual celebration week organised by National Youth Agency which celebrates all things youth work.

Fro, a sound engineer and music artist, was on hand at the bus to show people the equipment and how they could use it.

Reflecting on the week, Fro said, “Music is such a great outlet for us to express ourselves and our feelings.

“It was great to speak with young people last week about their musical interests, and hear which artists they like, who they don’t like, and show them the basics of how to record their own stuff.

“It was really cool to see them try something new and have a go at recording, and more importantly, just enjoy themselves.”

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry visited the bus in Blakenall and said, “The feedback the team received about the bus so far has been exceptionally positive.

“Young people have enjoyed coming along to learn about music and podcasting, and they have been really open when speaking with our youth workers about what it’s like growing up in their communities, and shared some of the opportunities and challenges they think young people are facing today.

“We want as many young people as possible to get involved with things like this, so they can not only have a go at something new, but on a wider level, give us their take on the important stuff.

“This is just the start for the bus, so keep an eye out for more opportunities to come in the future where young people can visit it and have a go in the recording studio!”

The bus will hit the roads again in 2025.