At the end of 2021, our Emerging Artists took to the stage to launch their new Wantsum Music? record label. Our aspiring music journalist, Molly from Canterbury College captured the night in this fab review.

Molly came to us bursting with passion about music and wanting to learn more about music journalism to complement her studies, so we’re working together to develop her experience of interviewing artists, writing and social media content to complement her studies. We love seeing young people grow.

We hope you enjoy her first piece.

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On Thursday 2 December Pie Factory’s Emerging Artists hosted an intimate and energetic night to remember for the launch of their brand-new record label Wantsum Music? At the small-but-perfectly-formed venue of choice, Tom Thumb Theatre in Margate, each artist brought their own individual music style to create an exciting and eclectic evening of live music.

I was lucky enough to arrive at the venue early to interview each performer and listen to them sound check. As soon as I stepped foot in the door, everyone welcomed me with open arms. The vibe that concentrated the room was already buzzing. It was clear that everybody was excited for this night ahead, and its safe to say I was too.

I started off my series of interviews with Maxine Scott and her guitarist Oren Valek, who together create a mix of R&B and Neo Soul music with a little inspiration from jazz. Their music has a raw and authentic feel to it, and really comes to life when performed live. Maxine brings a unique and catchy twist to the neo soul genre, by adding a contemporary mix to her music, which is exciting to watch and groove along with.

Maxine and Oren met at school. They had always wanted to collaborate as they were both into the same music and wanted to produce similar things. For them, lockdown was a blessing in disguise, as in some strange and magical way it brought them back together, to fulfil their school dreams of collaborating. You could tell this on the night– they were ready and raring to go and there was even talk of an EP on the way in the new year, and then releasing music with Wantsum Music? It was great to see that they were both already accomplished artists and seemed one step ahead with the release of an EP coming soon.

I was interested to find out what the most memorable gig Maxine had ever been to was. Her answer was not disappointing.

“The most memorable gig I’ve ever been to must be one of the first ones I ever went to when I was about 17. I was seeing The 1975 and I was so young, like when everyone would wait outside for hours on end and I was in a tiny little mini skirt, freezing cold, and I was just so obsessed with them and obsessed with their lyrics and all their instrumentation.”

Now I am sure many of you reading can relate to this, as I know I certainly can!

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When talking about the record label with Maxine it was obvious that she had a fiery passion and enthusiasm about Wantsum Music? She was really excited about what is to come for the label and even mentioned that in the near future she is going to be releasing a song she has recorded on the Wantsum label. She said it will bring “R&B Soul and acoustic guitar vibes”. Oren was smiling and nodding in agreement, his passion for their partnership evident.

I loved talking to Maxine and Oren, and I was thrilled to see their live performance a little later that day. The mutual connection they shared both on and off stage was inspiring, they seemed to be communicating almost telepathically, and when performing they would just bounce off each other. As Oren would rear off into a soulful guitar solo, Maxine’s energy would seem to bounce off both of them. It was clear to see she was very proud and grateful to be performing next to him. 

Maxine said being a part of Wantsum Music? is a great experience, and that being an artist creating a record label as well as releasing music on it is giving her an opportunity to work with some amazing musicians and share her passion with others. Being in charge of what goes on with the label was another factor of the process which she loves.

Claire described the process of being an artist and creating a record label as “different” she said, “in the past, if I have worked with smallish labels – it’s always them doing admin work and I can focus more on the music side of things whereas with Wantsum we are in control of more or less everything, like how we’ll promote and showcase the music, so it’s really great to be in control of it all.”

I was in awe of Claire’s talent when watching her set that night, her skills when playing guitar and using the loop pedal looked effortless and made me believe that I would be able to do something like that (when really, I know, just how difficult and technical it is to use, and be good at loop pedals!).

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The host Elz introduced Claire’s music as ‘beautiful’ and ‘dreamy’. I have never heard two words that described something so perfectly, as that really was Claire’s set summed up. She seemed to have the whole audience in the palm of her hand and the room seemed to fall silent in absolute awe during each song then break out in an explosive round of applause after. Claire played a song called “Dreaming” which was very personal to her, it was about a friend who had passed away, and the emotions and energy that Claire was feeling seemed to be lined through everybody standing in the room, it was emotional yet beautiful and very inspiring to see.

After a well-deserved dinner break (an enormous spread of pizza and cheesy garlic bread) where we all relaxed, laughed and chatted a little more, we all got straight back on with the task at hand. Sound check being a prominent ‘mission’ to complete for all the artists. In some ways I might even go as far as to say that this was one of my personal highlights of the evening, I loved seeing how all the artists came together and shared a real mutual respect and appreciation for one another.

I continued with my interviews upstairs speaking to Zico, who informed me that he goes by the name ‘Zkay’ in the music world (catchy – I like it!). It was obvious that Zico is very passionate about music and has been influenced by his family members from a young age – his grandad was a drummer, his mum is a jazz singer and his grandma was part of Motown. He creates a wide range of music and doesn’t like to restrict himself with genres. He refers to his tracks as ‘vibey’ and says he produces different music depending on what he’s writing about and how he’s feeling.

I asked Zico how it felt to be an artist and creating a record label at the same time. He said

“It’s amazing really, as we get to decide where and what happens with our music, instead of someone using us as a by-product. We’re using everyone’s collective knowledge to build something bigger than us.”

Zico’s smile throughout our chat suggested that he was very excited and passionate about Wantsum Music? He is clearly enjoying the whole process.

“The best thing is that everyone is passionate, they all have a goal which will always be achievable with a group of people with the same mindsets.”

Zico is hoping that the next steps for him with Wantsum Music? will be recording and releasing a new music video so everyone should “Keep watching for new updates”.

Listening to his set in the evening, I could definitely agree with the description of his music being ‘vibey’. I could see the audience felt the same too as they were swaying and bopping along to each track, with the occasional ‘wooo’ and ‘oh yeahhh’ from people at the back. This was amazing to see, and I know it must have felt great for Zico too. Although the crowd didn’t know the words to his music, they still created this amazing, bubbly atmosphere that could have easily filled out an arena full of people.

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Zico and I wrapped up the interview as it was now time for his soundcheck. He was performing upstairs, so I made my way back downstairs, to have a chat with Connor Beerling.

Connor is another solo artist who sings and accompanies his vocals with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. Speaking with him, he told me that his biggest influences were; Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Leonard Cohen. Hearing him perform after, I could definitely hear each of his musical influences peeping through his own unique music.

Connor had said that his music was about Peace, Protest, Love and Progress which was very inspiring and warming. When he performed, these four words transformed into music and it made the hairs on my arms prick up and even made my eyes water a little (no of course I wasn’t crying, but even if I was, it would’ve been in a cool way).

One of the songs Connor wrote and performed that evening was about the working class. I’m not sure what was more emotional about this song, the meaningful, powerful lyrics, or the reaction of every single body in that room.

Bringing an end to the interviews, I finally managed to grab Malpractice for a chat before people began to arrive for the evening ahead. Malpractice are a four-piece post-punk band from Whitstable. I loved the energy the four of them radiated, so I didn’t hold back with the questions. They spoke to me about ‘happiness drowned’ – “It’s a great song. It is about life over the last year and a half as you know, Covid, it’s not specifically mentioned but that’s the theme”

Malpractice headlined the launch event and ensured the night went out with a bang. The heavy drumbeats rippled through your body, to the deep soulful lyrics. They topped the bill in a fantastic way and meant people left with feet tapping, heads still bopping and hearts still racing. What a great way to end a great day!

The crowd were amazing, they were cheering after each song, going up to the artists after every set to congratulate them and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. It was beautiful for me to see, as someone who is also so passionate about music, an intimate venue brimming with other music producers, enthusiasts and people just wanting to have a good time all bought together through these young artists striving for the ‘unsigned to be heard’.

The energy in the venue that night was uplifting, I left feeling very positive and excited to see what’s to come for the future of Wantsum Music? Throughout my conversations I had with each artist I was consistently asking what their most memorable concert was, and if after that night someone was to ask me the same, this would definitely be at the top of my list. Each element of that inspirational evening made it one that will stick with me forever.

Find Wantsum Music? at www.wantsummusic.bandcamp.com and follow them on Instagram @Wantsum_Music

• Get in touch with Wantsum Music? – email wantsummusiclabel@gmail.com
• Join Pie Factory Music’s Emerging Artists programme – email zoe@piefactorymusic.com

Photos – Steve Kreeger @monkeysbrother_

2021 – what can we say…

We came up for air after holding our breaths and power-paddling through the murky depths of 2020, when momentarily the live music stopped.

We clung on to our raft, made up of strength, tenacity and experience, clinging on through whirlpools, tidal waves and strong currents, that had us – frankly – with our noses just above the water. But land ahoy! We continued to hope, and our young people continued to thrive through it all – despite it all. And we’re here, stronger than before.

The music never died for us, we just had to find a new way to play, to retune, to equalise.

There have been some incredible moments of light, like bright yellow buoys bobbing on top of the dark water…

A.C.T! – our own RNLI of youth-led community social action, scoped the coast for worthy causes to raise up and extend a helping hand like a buoyancy aid.

Sirens – our 2021 girls programme group – sang out a chorus of hope.

Lighting up our screens at the opening of the POW! Thanet arts festival in March, they proved that you can create a gig at home, that the music keeps going and musical talent keeps growing, with expert help from musician Daisy Beau.

There was no stopping their creativity as they worked with songwriter Francesca Ter-Berg to write their own song together – Chocolate Box Full of Swordfish – recorded it at Palm Bay Music then performed it live at The Art 31 BounceBack festival at the Gulbenkian in June. Watch their journey.

Our Emerging Artists’ channelled their energy and talent into a musical shakedown.

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They refused to let restrictions restrict their opportunity to perform by showcasing a live-streamed post-lockdown gig Revival from Margate’s Tom Thumb Theatre in May. The shifting sands of the pandemic and mentoring by music industry professionals became a catalyst for creating a platform for fellow young musicians, from which their new Wantsum Music? record label emerged. The channel into the sound of young Kent is making waves and making music in 2022 – follow @wantsum_music on Instagram to hear and see more.

A Summer of Fun and Opportunity

The journey young people go on can be unexpected and amazing. Coming to Pie through a love of music, Bunni then joined our Bike Project, led by our team member Luis, to learn bike maintenance, gaining a qualification that has since led to them becoming a bike mechanic at a local sports shop. Watch what they have to say about the experience.

As we saw families get hit by the pandemic tidal waves, we created our own lifeboat of support.

In the summer, we gave over 270 food and uniform vouchers for those with a low income in the Thanet and Dover districts, so that they could enjoy eating out and stave off rising costs ahead of the new school year.

Soundcheck, our flagship pastoral project that offers free professional counselling for young people, has provided an anchor for those struggling with their mental health.

So far, we’ve helped 63 11 – 18 years in East Kent access support and creative sessions to soothe their minds. All thanks to the generous support you gave our Crowdfunding campaign last year.

You rose again this winter to raise a further £1500 to fund support for an additional 30 young people, and provide a lifejacket for them as the pandemic continues to rage, referral numbers rise even higher and we take on our duty to try and plug the gap locally. Thank you!

We have the most incredible and skilled counsellors on board who are not only able to support the many young people who are recovering from an incredibly traumatic couple of years but also have the skills and experience to help young people navigate racial trauma, issues of identity and sexuality. 

We’re continuing to put all donations towards Soundcheck throughout December. If you can, details of how to support are here > 

We continued to learn and to grow, to think about us, our team, and the culture we build.

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Everyday Racism brought us together to learn, and challenge our societal and subconscious biases. We called on Mermaids to help us be, talk and act more inclusive and welcoming of members of the LGBTQ+ community. This work continues as we take our role in fighting for social justice and equality seriously. 

Thank you

From all of us at Pie Factory Music, a huge THANK YOU.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of everyone who champions us – our funders, followers, partners and collaborators. You help us to be more and do more and for that we thank you. We’re excited for 2022, our 20^th anniversary year, when we know there will be more rays of light and we will continue to celebrate and champion our young people.

The music keeps on playing…

At Pie, we’re offering the opportunity for young people aged 14-25 years to work towards achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Award.

DofE and the process of achieving the Award is a great way to build your confidence, communication, productivity, skills and it looks great on your CV (win-win!). Whether you’re looking at applying to college/university or applying for a job, DofE is another way to show people what amazing things you can do, and achieve. Pie can help you to train for the Expedition part of the award in particular, but also gives support across all
Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

To sign up, email Luis at luis@piefactorymusic.com

Here are some stories from young people who have taken part in DofE…

Help Pie level the score for young minds

Last year we launched our campaign to support young people’s mental health. We’ve helped 63 11 – 18 years in East Kent access instant, free professional counselling and creative sessions and 1-2-1s thanks to your generosity. Yet the surge in referrals isn’t letting up and health service waiting lists are getting longer.

One year on, we want to do even more, we can do more – with your help. 

We’ve reopened the fundraiser – in 30 days we hope to raise £1,500 to give a further 30 young people counselling and creative sessions. 

Play your part

• 🎧 Donate – choose an amount or buy one of our fundraiser tees designed by Paul Camo or Rob Flowers for £20 or a Pie sketchbook for £5
• 🎧 Be a Soundcheck champion by telling the young people you know, schools and community groups about what we’re offering
• 🎧 Share our social posts and sign up to our newsletter

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This is why we are taking action – to ensure that no young person in the most deprived wards in Kent – Thanet and Dover – is left behind.

Pastoral care is a core part of what we do at Pie and has grown in the last 18 months, from food and self-care packages and vouchers for low-income families, to sessions in schools and our counselling stream.

We’ve reacted to what our young people need because they come first. 

The true impact of the pandemic is being felt now. The reality of fewer employment opportunities, rising living costs and dealing with collective and individual trauma and grief is all too real. By offering more counselling and mental health support, we aim to give young people the tools they need now to help them get through this difficult time and prevent years of struggle. They’re not alone.

The tees

Talented local artists Paul Camo and Rob Flowers created two exclusive, limited edition T-shirts for us. They represent Pie – who we are, what we do and what we stand for – equality and access for all and enhancing lives through music.

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Rob Flowers a slice of the pie tee is a visual explosion of the words and objects our young people use to define who we are and what we do. 

With the systemic devaluing and dismantling of arts education and opportunities, organisations like Pie Factory Music are a vital resource, providing young people in East Kent with access to tools that build creative lives. When the guys from Pie Factory asked me to get involved with the fundraising campaign, I jumped at the chance to support the cause

Paul Camo’s anti-racism slogan-tee references protest T-shirts and placards, taking cues from the past to inspire action now as the fight for racial justice continues. The font is a unique typeface, inspired by signs from a 1963 protest march, adapted from an old badge, which states ‘STOP RACIST ATTACKS’.

When Pie Factory Music approached me to create a T-shirt to raise funds, there was absolutely no question for me about getting involved in this very important project and worthwhile cause

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Activate your support

Every donation will help us bridge the gap in services in East Kent, enabling young people to improve their mental wellbeing and helping to give them a greater chance to thrive as the long-term impact of the pandemic takes full force. 

Buy a tee

shop.piefactorymusic.com

Donate without a tee

piefactorymusic.com/donate

All donations Pie receives from 5 November to 4 December 2021 will go towards the Soundcheck fundraiser.

Please help spread the word to help us raise the volume for young people.

Thank you

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We will use the details provided to update your record and to process your donations to us. Please note: we can only claim Gift Aid if you provide your first name, surname and home address.

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I am a UK taxpayer and would like Pie Factory Music to reclaim the tax on all donations I have made in the last four years and for all future gifts of money that I make to be Gift Aid donations.

Pie’s 2021 Emerging Artists are launching their own record label, Wantsum Music?

After a year of developing their own talents with the help of local music industry mentors, the collective has come together to create the label to give fellow aspiring young musicians in East Kent a platform to promote and distribute their music.

Photo: Steve Kreeger

Connor Beerling, Zico Briki, Claire Pitt Wigmore, Adam Pullman and Conor Stanfield are focussed on helping emerging artists across Thanet, East Kent and beyond find their voice and footing in the music scene.

“We want to give local young musicians similar opportunities and support we received as part of the Emerging Artists programme. It was clear to all of us that Thanet is a booming area for the creative arts, and we believe that young musicians need and deserve a way to showcase their talents too. Being signed up to a huge record label is daunting, and we’d been really inspired by what our Mentor from Moshi Moshi Music had achieved – they fully supported our ambition and so we’ve taken the initiative.”

The Wantsum Music? collective

Do you Wantsum Music?

Launch party: Thursday 2 December, 7pm at Tom Thumb Theatre.
Tickets – £3 for under 18s, £5 for over 18s, pay on the door.

One of the unique aspects WM? is that there is no set genre or type of music – all genres are welcome – “it’s about giving an opportunity to young home-grown talent, whatever the genre. We’re a collective made up of musicians creating a plethora of sounds. We want to represent that in the artists we support. WM? is a channel to get them into the sea of music, successfully and supportively” says Claire.

Adam, who has recently become Programme Assistant at Pie, says that “being a part of a community of musicians is an important aspect of the label”.

The label is supported by Pie Factory Music through generous funding from Youth Music and Thanet-based global record label Moshi Moshi Music.

Emerging Artists began in 2018 in response to requests to learn more about the music industry:

“I was being approached by more and more young musicians in our youth club sessions about how to get gigs, how to release music, how to ‘get signed’, and I realised there was a real need for a programme for young musicians dedicated to learning this stuff” says Pie’s Programme Manager Zoe Carassik-Lord

The programme pairs a group of up to 10 young people with a local music industry mentor over the course of a year, nurturing their talent and giving them essential know-how about the music industry, as well as opportunities to perform live, host gigs, attend masterclasses and meet and connect with fellow young musicians.

This year’s mentors have included Michael McClatchey of Moshi Moshi records, Beth Clayton from Boom Shakalaka Productions, Harriet Jordan-Wrench from Secret Sessions, Bianca Rose and Loretta Andrews from I Am Independent, and Kimberly Ann, Creative Director of Palm Bay Records.

Michael from Moshi Moshi says:

“Having worked in music for a number of years it’s easy to lose sight of what first drew you to running a record label. Working with the group on Wantsum Music? has served as a reminder of that and their enthusiasm and ambition has been a tonic for me.”

The programme has provided unparalleled opportunities for folk singer and WM? founder Connor Beerling

“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 likeminded people is so important.”

After the most challenging of times for young people, Pie’s Managing Director Steph Dickinson reflects that

“To see a group of Pie’s young people come together to create an innovative new venture for fellow young people is astounding. We couldn’t be more proud or excited about Wantsum Music? In a time when young people face unprecedented challenges, the Emerging Artists are leading us into 2022 full of hope and inspiration. We urge everyone to support the group and the label – listen, like, share, join!”

Find Wantsum Music? at www.wantsummusic.bandcamp.com and follow them on Instagram @Wantsum_Music

• Get in touch with Wantsum Music? – email wantsummusiclabel@gmail.com

Left to right: Adam Pullman, Conor Stanfield, Connor Beerling, Claire Pitt Wigmore, Zico Briki. Photos: Steve Kreeger