Posted on: August 12th, 2026 by pfm_master_us No Comments
New tracks have just dropped on our youth record label Wantsum Music?.Recorded right here in our Ramsgate studio, the Chasing Stars compilation showcases three incredible original tracks by young Thanet musicians aged 15 to 18. Listen to Chasing Stars live on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
Appetite for Summer by mood is an uplifting, soulful track capturing warm summer days by the Kent coast by duo mood (Mia and Paddy). The pair first met through Pie’s Open Access sessions before polishing their debut single in the Pie music studio.
Don’t Need You by Lois French is a powerful anthem about self-worth and independence. Produced by Jan Quindoyos, an alumnus of Pie’s Emerging Artists music career development programme, the song explores finding the confidence to move on from an unhealthy relationship.
Constellations by AZZA is a mesmerising tribute to his grandfather, layered with dreamy vocals, strings and keys. The track celebrates family, memory, and the people who shape who we are.
Lois says:
“Don’t Need You is about coming out of a relationship and realising you weren’t being treated right and that you deserve so much more. It’s about recognising that you’re not able to grow with someone who’s holding you back. This is your time to shine and become the independent, confident person you are. You don’t need to be with anyone to prove your worth.”
We built Wantsum Music? with our Emerging Artists back in 2022 to give Thanet’s next generation a platform to shine, and these young artists have poured their hearts into every track. So please show your support for local youth talent – listen, download, and share.
Our young campaigners – Miles, Molly, Jacob and Luke – headed to a glittering London ceremony last night where writer and comedian Viv Groskop crowned them national winners. Selected from hundreds of UK entries, our Thanet group was the only collective community campaign in their category.
The 16-month fight to #SaveOurYouthCentre This national recognition marks the climax of a massive grassroots movement. When Kent County Council threatened to auction off Ramsgate Youth Centre – the district’s last dedicated youth centre – our young people refused to back down.
Through a gruelling 16-month campaign, they:
Rallied the community through public advocacy and crowdfunding.
Lobbied decision-makers to protect their space.
Secured crucial funding from the Ramsgate Pride in Place programme via a grant from the Neighbourhood Board.
Thanks to their relentless drive, Pie Factory Music took full ownership of the youth centre site in February, safeguarding it for generations to come.
When receiving the award, our young campaigners said:
Miles – “Everyone in that building is going to say go ‘yeah we believe in you’. That’s the beautiful thing, it doesn’t matter what you like, where you’re from, who you are, as long as you come in with a smile and you’re polite to everyone you are welcome as part of the family at Pie Factory and that’s something that really needs to be cherished within the community.”
Luke – “This campaign was strongly young person led which I think is quite key when it comes to campaigning – not all young people and teenagers are careless, unbothered – they really do care. It wasn’t just us four it was many many other people – everyone got involved.”
Jacob – “We had a poem that we turned into a song – the poet used to go to Pie many years ago. Anything we could do, we did – like talking to local businesses.”
Molly – “Community – it brought everyone closer together. It’s about making sure that you get together as a community and help everyone.”
This award is a testament to the power of young people’s voices and collective determination. We are immensely proud of our young people, and deeply grateful to our community for backing us every single step of the way.
Let’s celebrate! Show our champions some love by sharing their achievement on social media and dropping them a congratulatory message on our Instagram @piefactorymusic!
The award celebrates campaigns instigated, delivered, or led by 18-25 year olds, who have made change happen effectively, creatively and courageously. We are beyond proud.
A group of our young people will be heading the award ceremony in London on 11th June – keep everything crossed that they win!
Over 16 months, our young campaigners did everything they could to save Ramsgate Youth Centre from auction – from crowdfunding and lobbying our district, county and national politicians to raising awareness and commissioning a community values assessment of the services we run to prove the huge value Pie makes. Together, with funding from the Pride in Place programme, they did it!
Our CEO Zoë says: “To be shortlisted for an award and gain national recognition for our Save Our Youth Centre campaign is beyond incredible! Our nomination provides hope for young people and youth organisations that challenges which seem impossible and insurmountable can be conquered with teamwork and joy. If we can do it in our small town in the corner of the southeast, it can be done anywhere.”
SMK says:
“This year’s Awards celebrates a community of changemakers navigating one of the most challenging environments in recent memory – and doing so with ingenuity, courage, and a deep commitment to one another. This year we honour campaigners and changemakers who demonstrate that progress is not driven by lone heroes, but by collective effort, shared learning, and deep connection and most importantly teach us all a simple but radical truth: change is possible when we work together.”
This is the seventh year of our flagship programme, starting on 22nd April 2026 and running until 16th December 2026, which is designed to help aspiring young artists based in East Kent develop their music careers with professionals. Selected participants will receive comprehensive guidance and invaluable insights into the music industry, covering essential topics such as promotion strategies, rights, management, recording techniques, and live performance, and gain access to East Kent’s vibrant community of like-minded young musicians, seasoned industry professionals and experts, and iconic local music venues.
The programme has already helped 35 young artists progress and develop their skills and learn new attributes to help them thrive as musicians and have a broader understanding of the industry. There have been many successful gigs that the young people have planned, booked and performed during the programme’s duration.
What you’ll gain:
Access to East Kent’s vibrant community of like-minded young musicians, seasoned industry professionals and experts, and iconic local music venues.
Industry masterclasses at local venues
Creative development and ongoing personal support
One-to-one guidance from a carefully matched mentor
Insight into key areas of the music industry, such as promotion, rights, management, recording, and live performance.
The chance to perform at two live shows (June and November), in addition to gigs at local festivals, such as Margate Soul Fest and Ramsgate Festival of Sound.
The opportunity to record in a professional studio, get your music mixed and mastered and released on our youth-led record label Wantsum Music? – gaining hands-on experience in releasing music.
Emerging Artists meet fortnightly on Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm, at Pie HQ (Ramsgate Youth Centre) and local venues across Thanet.
How to Apply
Send a short introduction (written or video) to us, including:
Name, age, location, artist name
Musical style and career interests
A short biography
A recording of your music or a link to an online video.
If you’re interested in the programme from a music industry (non-artist) perspective, such as management, promotion or label work, please include this in your application.
COMMITMENT – if you are selected to join the programme you must turn up on time, be dependable and reliable at events, and commit to sharing your journey and the work of Wantsum Music? with your followers.
MOTIVATION – we want you to bring your passion, creativity and ambition to the programme, but you will also need to listen, take advice from our leaders and mentors on board, and be willing to learn and grow.
ADVOCACY – you will be a part of the Pie Factory Music family – shout loud and be proud about being an Emerging Artist, and be an inspiring ambassador for our young people and our organisation.
The first Emerging Artists sessions will be on Wednesdays, from 16th April 7-9pm. Please let us know in your application if you can make this date. The sessions will run weekly every Wednesday until 16th December 2026.
This is what our Emerging Artists alumni say:
“Pie Factory Music, they’ve shown me the importance of collaboration. They’ve also shown me a deeper understanding of the music industry, especially with owning your music as well.” Janmakesnoise
“We’ve been to studios and met people who mix and produce, and we’ve met people who run labels. That was so informative to me because as much as I’m an independent artist and I’ve done well in the last year, it made me realise how much I’ve missed having PRS and things like that, that is so important.” Char.B
“It’s been really nice to have a sense of community especially people who are interested in music and similar things, to get to know other people.” Moss.E
“We’ve organised gigs which we’ve performed at. We’ve promoted them. We’ve recorded collaboratively, created collaboratively and worked together.” Motel Green
“Being part of the Pie Factory Music Emerging Artists has been amazing/ It’s been great to meet people that are as passionate about music as I am and being able to explore what I can do. I’m not musically trained so being able to see my art come to life has been really exciting.” Orla
“It was way better than I imagined. My first time doing original stuff, I’m really happy with it.” Fin, musician and producer
“Emerging Artists has been an incredible opportunity. It’s given me a platform, boosted my confidence, got me back to performing and connected me with the music community. I’m inspired by my peers every day. To be around like-minded people is so important.”
Connor Beerling, Emerging Artist 2020-21
Emerging Artist alumni, Elijah says:
“I didn’t just gain confidence and make music at Pie Factory Music, they taught me life skills, like how to collaborate with people, networking skills, how to set up my own gigs and how to approach others in the industry. Zoë was a big inspiration, she showed me how to market myself, and be professional but most of all she helped shape who I am today. I’ve since recorded my first album, performed at gigs in Kent and London, and Pie Factory Music introduced me to another music hub that has offered me funding for a new project.”
Posted on: February 5th, 2026 by pfm_master_us No Comments
We did it!Pie Factory Music is now the proud owner of Ramsgate Youth Centre.
With the sale complete, we have secured the freehold of the site, and our beloved home for the past 13 years, ensuring its future as a youth centre for generations to come.
We are hugely grateful to the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board and Thanet District Council for the capital grant of £535k from the national Pride in Place programme for making this purchase possible. Their commitment safeguards this vital community asset and everything it means to young people locally and beyond.
Brian Horton, Interim Chair of the Board says “The Board is making a clear statement: we are committed to providing safe, positive spaces for the next generations to thrive. The vision for Ramsgate is clear – ‘Not striving but thriving’ – and you cannot thrive if your young people feel left behind.”
As we’ve said from the start of our #SaveOurYouthCentre campaign – young people deserve better, and we wouldn’t stand for the loss of the last dedicated youth centre in our district.
THANK YOU!
Saving Ramsgate Youth Centre has been a truly collective effort. “We did it” means everyone who has backed our 16-month long campaign – our community, supporters, followers, partners, local politicians from all parties, journalists and importantly, our incredible young people, team, and Board of Trustees.
A huge thank you also goes out to everyone who donated to our #SaveOurYouthCentre crowdfunder – you raised £25k for vital repairs and renovations to the building. This milestone is just the beginning. Our campaign continues to secure ongoing funding for our universal youth services and music and creative arts programmes.
What our young people say:
“I can escape here. Without this security I wouldn’t have a place to just be myself. It’s helped me with my mental health, my confidence. Saving Pie means a lot, they’ve helped me so, so much. Thank you” Rachel
“I love Pie so much. There’s nothing else like this. Before I was doing nothing, but my friend introduced me. It got me out. It makes me happy that they [Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board and the community] see pride in young people, that they believe in us.” Crystal
“Knowing our future in the building is secure fills us with hope and relief. We are deeply grateful to the Pride in Place programme and everyone who has helped us. A huge thank you also goes out to everyone who donated to our #SaveOurYouthCentre crowdfunder – you raised £25k for vital repairs and renovations to the building. This milestone is just the beginning. Our campaign continues to secure ongoing funding for our universal youth services and music and creative arts programmes.
Now, we call on the Government to fulfil its National Youth Strategy promise to invest an initial £500m to rebuild youth services after 15 years of decline.
“Youth Matters” must be more than a strategy slogan – young people deserve real investment, not just words.
We should never have had to campaign to Save Ramsgate Youth Centre, the last dedicated youth centre in the area, in the first place. Our determination to advocate for open access youth services is stronger than ever – this must not happen again. Youth provision should not depend on charities like us alone. That’s why we urge local MPs and the Communities Minister to go further in strengthening statutory protections for youth services and review councils’ statutory duty to provide youth services. We want to work alongside our local authority partners to ensure that inspiring, high-quality, and accessible youth services are available for every young person in our area.
For now, let’s savour thejoy and celebrate that our youth centre is here to stay.”
What Thanet District Council says:
Councillor Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “This purchase is great news for Ramsgate and young people in the district. By stepping in to provide the funding for Pie Factory Music to secure the building, we have ensured that a vital community asset remains in the hands of the people who depend on it.
The Pride in Place Programme is about making real changes in Ramsgate and improving the lives of the people that live there. It goes beyond aspirations; it’s about delivering visible, concrete results. Securing the Ramsgate Youth Centre building for Pie Factory Music directly delivers on the ten-year vision which aims to ensure Ramsgate is a place where young people can thrive. The vision is built on the belief that with the right support and investment there could be immense opportunity for young people in Ramsgate.”
Brian Horton, Interim Chair of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, said: “The Board is making a clear statement: we are committed to providing safe, positive spaces for the next generations to thrive. The vision for Ramsgate is clear – ‘Not striving but thriving’ – and you cannot thrive if your young people feel left behind.”
Help us spread the joy
You can follow Pie’s progress by:
Joining their free youth sessions if you’re a young person (8 – 18 years) Sign up for their newsletter for regular news and updates Follow and share our social media @piefactorymusic Become a donor to support our ongoing work at www.piefactorymusic.com/donate
Headline news
We’re on the front page of Ramsgate Recorder. Read the article to hear what our young people feel about the news, what Pie means to them and the love they’ve felt from their local community. Copies are available from Pie, and local cafes, restaurants and visitor attractions across the town.
Posted on: December 16th, 2025 by pfm_master_us No Comments
We are delighted to share that after 15 months of campaigning, the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board has agreed a capital grant of £535,000 from the Pride in Place Programme for Pie to secure freehold ownership of our beloved Ramsgate Youth Centre.
This decision demonstrates a huge commitment by the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board to the safeguarding of this vital community asset, and what it represents for young people in Ramsgate and beyond – and we couldn’t be more grateful.
There is more work to do – the terms of the grant need to be formally agreed by our Board of Trustees, and the decision needs to be ratified by Thanet District Council’s Cabinet. So we’re not quite there yet. But this is a hugely hopeful moment for Ramsgate Youth Centre and Pie Factory Music.
We will keep you all posted with subsequent developments, and we look forward to celebrating with you all as soon as we can! Keep your eyes on our socials and our newsletter for updates in January 👀
