Developing New/Young Talent

Subject: DEVELOPING NEW/YOUNG TALENT
From: Soldier boy
Date: 12 May 06 - 03:03 PM

At The Holmfirth Festival of Folk this weekend I met many young people who played musical instruments and/or enjoyed singing.

They really appreciated the encouragement and tuition given by fellow folkies over the weekend and loved to join in. You could visibly see them gain in confidence and lose their inhibitions.

I and many others were very impressed at the talent and obvious potential of these young people. Many of whom were new to the folk scene but are now true converts to it.

These people are our (Mudcatters!) future and many could be topping the bill at folk festivals in the future or just injecting new blood and new life into musician sessions and singarounds in the years to come.

The problem is however that once these young people had caught the bug and were keen to do more they did not know where to go.
I pointed out various local folk clubs and acoustic sessions etc but they were nervous about having a go as raw new talent because they said such gatherings tended to be rather formal.
They said they seemed to be full of already talented musicians
and singers and they would feel intimidated and would be scared to do their bit.

So what's the solution ??

More clubs and gatherings are obviously needed that can specifically cater for young people and new beginners in an informal and encouraging atmosphere.
The folk world as a whole must be losing oodles of future talent because not enough effort is being made to develop, encourage and harvest this vast area of potential.

So what can we do ?
Do you know of any successful initiatives that have been introduced specifically for young people/new talent?
Do you have any ideas or good examples near to where you live.
Lets' start a crusade now to bring young people on board and secure the future of the wonderful Folk experience!!

P.S When I say "Young people" (everyone seems young to me!) I mean teenagers and early twenties people rather that very young people.
The youthful ones I was speaking to last weekend were sort of 16 - 23 years old and they absolutely loved the Folk Festival.

Subject: RE: DEVELOPING NEW/YOUNG TALENT
From: MMario
Date: 12 May 06 - 03:09 PM

good question. One I have no idea how to answer since I was in my 40's before I started participating.

Subject: RE: DEVELOPING NEW/YOUNG TALENT
From: Vixen
Date: 12 May 06 - 03:20 PM

Well, interesting that this should appear today...

I'm in the process, right now, of helping community college students set up for their first coffeehouse. This is an event that dates back to at least the mid-eighties, and it's popularity has waxed and waned through the years. However, it's the venue where I first performed in front of an audience at age 39, and where we've seen performers as young as ten and certainly older than 50. What they had in common was that their music was at all stages of development, but they were all relative "beginners" at performance in front of an audience, and what they needed was a friendly, open, small venue in which to take their first public steps.

Providing that kind of venue is one thing we can do to develop new talent--the odds of going directly from the living room to winning American Idol are just too slim. Talent needs a venue to develop its confidence in front of an audience.

Just my $0.02, fwiw.

V

Subject: RE: DEVELOPING NEW/YOUNG TALENT
From: breezy
Date: 12 May 06 - 03:50 PM

They are intimidated by the standard

Does this mean they have to strive to improve?

England does not have the Welsh tradition of 'Performing' as Eisteddfods as such do not exist. these platforms provide a basis for standing and singing, reciting in front of others from a very young age. Scotland and Ireland have this advantge too.

So

Start modestly and perform after rehearsing well.

I remember my leg having the shakes once!!!

It takes 'balls' as well.

I would like to think most 'clubs' will encourage. sessions are O K but its not a true 'performing' environment I dont think.

Pick on small clubs.

Be patient

Subject: RE: DEVELOPING NEW/YOUNG TALENT
From: fi_in_nz
Date: 12 May 06 - 05:11 PM

Hmmmmm, I'm a relative newcomer to performing floorspots in clubs (2-3 years) and I'm definitely still learning..... anyone at the Barnsley folk club at HFofF, I'm the one who seriously fluffed the Hunting of the Hare (blush blush). Anyway, I've found folk clubs to be great places to start performing and very forgiving to new performers. In our area Soldierboy, I've been greatly encouraged by the crew at the Crossed Keys. I'm 40 though, and I do wonder if the young people are doing less performing of any kind in school. I know when I was at school I did public speaking and performed in various choirs and 4 part harmony groups. Do the young here get the same opportunities. In NZ we have some great young performers and my perception is that they are more confident than those of the same age here and perhaps more importantly, less bothered about being perfect or embarrassing themselves. Why might that be I wonder? I don't have any answers, but I don't think it's necessarily a problem specific to the folk genre. F

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Louisey
Date: 13 May 06 - 03:26 AM

I was brought up with the whole folk thing, but only in the last couple of years (I am 21 now) have I started showing a genuine interest. I have sung in a few sessions and had a good reception, with people even asking me to go and sing at their folk club. I don't have a huge amount of confidence with my singing/playing, and I find younger 'stars' such as Kate Rusby/Cara Dillon great to identify with, even though I do not want their sort of fame from it!!

Saying that, I see very few other young performers, most seem to be around my parents' age.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: GUEST,cardboard cutout
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:46 AM

Well, Loiusey, when you go to some festivals later in the summer, The bigger ones like Towersey anyway, you'll find young performers in profusion.
I would estimate they make up about 50% of the performers these days.....
Best of luck with your singing.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: breezy
Date: 13 May 06 - 05:21 PM

The more you do it, the confidence will grow.

Do yer own thing

who wants fame anyway, its the applause you work for!!!!

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Louisey
Date: 14 May 06 - 04:28 AM

Thanks, we're going to Towersey for the first time this summer, so I'll be looking forward to an abundance of young performers!

I'm writing this hazy eyed from a long night singing in a bar, and will definitely agree with breezy, it's the applause we work for!! :)

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Hopfolk
Date: 14 May 06 - 04:45 AM

The young'uns are interested as evidenced by new groups like "Circulus", who play a blend of 70's psychadelia - medieval dance tunes and a dash of electronica. (They're a bit like Gryphon but not so dedicatedly medieval). I saw them in High Wycombe on Friday and the majority of audience was teen-early 20's. Cool.
I know i'm too old to be considered young, but actually finding out about local folk events isn't as easy for the outsider as one might imagine. If you imagine yourself as a young would-be-folkie, you have no transport, you're not particularly wealthy (understatement), and you probably don't visit the mudcat.
It would be nice if school music emphasised folk a little more, and indeed if music lessons extended as long as compulsory games/pe, but I guess that's not going to happen.

So all I can say is be very very welcoming (first name terms etc.) to those young'uns that make it into your clubs and hopefully they'll tell their friends, after all, young people often have huge social networks.

Camojohn

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 May 06 - 03:18 PM

Our folk club is taking a break for the summer (I got outvoted!) but our format consists of five sets- three of them before intermission (interval) and two after.

I figure placement is important: We need someone with fans to open so people will come early; we need someone strong to close, so people will stay. In between, each placement is important in its own right.

The Number Two spot is really the only one that I can play with, and that's where I sandwich the young between better known or seasoned performers. These youngsters play all kinds of music, they can be a single or a group, vocal or instrumental. The only limitation we impose is that it is all acoustic.

For our season opener in August I have already booked a 16-year-old kid who, if he keeps going on the way he is, will be fantastic some day. He picks a lot of blues but is branching out in alll directions.

In the 8 months that Gold Street Music has been in existence the community has gotten to hear some wonderful new talent and about 15 youngsters (aged 11 to 16) have had their first taste of performing for an audience.

At this point I have a pool of about 65 performers to draw from- and that will only grow larger as we get better known.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Rasener
Date: 14 May 06 - 04:51 PM

Great news Ebbie :-)

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 16 May 06 - 02:39 PM

That sounds brilliant Ebbie. A very good example/role-model for others to emulate!

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 May 06 - 04:40 PM

Thanks, guys. It's been great fun and I'm looking forward to the new season.

We ended up with a kitty of about $2500 - we were talking of bringing in a guest artist from out of town or alternatively, (although board member Buddy Tabor suggested that he needed another Brazilian Rosewood guitar *G*) were discussing donating the money to them to upgrade our venue- it needed new carpeting, new chairs, an upgraded kitchen, etc.

However, in March our hosting facility burnt to rubble (an aggrieved arsonist set fire to the boat and building next door and we were in the line of fire, so to speak. You can go to www.trinityjuneau.org and by clicking on the link you can see it burn. Horrendous.) and we ended up donating the entire amount to the Restoration Fund. We feel good about it, but it does mean that we're starting from square one. In fact, we'll have to dip into our own pockets to pay the rent on the space we've reserved. *G*

Another day, another dollar!

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 May 06 - 02:57 PM

I am very impressed with the work of mudcatter "The Villan" and Market Rasen Folk Club in developing new talent. Does anyone know of other Folk Clubs etc that go out of there way to encourage and develop new/young talent?

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Rasener
Date: 17 May 06 - 03:03 PM

Thats kind of you Soldier Boy.

May I say that Lincolnshire Folk and Gainsborough Folk Club are also very keen on encouraging young performers.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: fi_in_nz
Date: 17 May 06 - 03:40 PM

Auckland Folk Festival has a young performers award and a concert for the young uns. It's often better than some of the other concerts. The MC of the club over there is welcoming to anyone who turns up, regardless of age. I think it's as much about being welcoming to everybody as anything else. I've been to clubs where I've felt I'd have to have lived in the club for 20 years before I'd be welcome to perform!!! Anywhere that is not cliquey and has a good MC should be good for new young talent. I think sometimes though an old audience can also put people off...... so how can we encourage younger audiences - I think this is a bit of a catch 22. F

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Rasener
Date: 17 May 06 - 03:53 PM

It works both ways fi in nz

The main thing is to make sure everybody is welcome. Its all about inclusion.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 May 06 - 06:59 PM

Many thanks for your comments fi in nz and The Villan. It is all about making sure everyone is made welcome, about inclusion and making sure sessions are definately not Cliquey.

I've been to too many sessions where it is like a private party and you feel like you are trespassing or gatecrashing on an in-breds convention.

I know what you mean fi in nz when you say that you feel that you would have to live in some club for 20 years before you would feel welcome to perform. There is a local term where I live in the Colne valley near Huddersfield which calls a newcomer a "comer-inner" until they have lived in the valley for about 20 years, so it feels kind of similar.

I,m not sure fi in nz what you mean when you say "...I think this is a bit of a catch 22" Please explain.
By the way do I know you? The nz would seem to indicate New Zealand but you seem to be very active over here e.g the Holmfirth Festival of Folk thread. Do you know Panarus Biaricus ( or whatever he calls himself) i.e Duggs. PM me if you wish.
Chris

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: muppitz
Date: 18 May 06 - 11:58 AM

I'm very interested in this thread, being one of these 'young people' who is up and coming!

I have been going to fetivals since being in the womb, singing for as long as I could talk and first picked up a guitar in my teens.
When I turned 18 I got into pub work and there I stuck for 4 1/2 years, I'm now 24 and have had a sensible job for over a year and a half which has enabled me to have more free time to pursure my musical interests. Last year I won a singers competition at Bromyard Folk Festival, I have 2 festival bookings as my prize and another on the back of my success, as it were!

I would say to these people who don't know where to go next, the only person that can motivate you into action is you.
No matter the formality of the folk clubs, go anyway, but also, go and discover others, go to festivals and enter competitions, play at singarounds, late night sessions in the beer/food tent, in the middle of the campsite with a few friends (At a sensible hour though for that one, you're not going to get anywhere if you annoy people!), just play/sing whatever it is that you do, do it lots and remember to always carry with you a big bag of patience.

If you have the time/money/capeability to record a demo of maybe 4/5 songs, this can also work in your favour but don't just randomly send it out, festival/club organisers don't really like going in blind, visit their clubs/festivals, get to know who they are, talk to them, if they're around make sure they hear you perform.

Also, never turn down a gig, unless you really genuinely can't make it, whether it be an unpaid 2 song spot, or a full night of your glorious talents for a generous fee (If you turn down a paid one can you get in touch with me so I can have it!?).

Lastly, believe in yourself, but don't eminate arrogance.

Basically just get the hell out there and do it!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: BTMP
Date: 18 May 06 - 01:26 PM

In Florida, the NFBA (North Fla. Bluegrass Assn.) promotes young talent by paying for their lessons with area instructors. These 'scholarships' are limited in number, but are a great way to get a young musician started and pointed in the right direction. There is also a youth band that is sponsored and mentored by experienced club members. The NFBA also has 'Slo Jam' sessions for musicians young and not-so-young who are just starting out.
-btmp

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 18 May 06 - 08:16 PM

Thanks very much muppitz and BTMP.

Muppitz, I loved your contribution to this thread. You speak purely from the heart and I found your words to be inspirational to any young singer/musician.

What you have said here should be copied and passed to every young and up-and-coming potential talent to join the folk scene.
You make so much sense and you express yourself so very well.

In fact you express yourself so well and are so enthusiastic and creative in the way that you express yourself that I am willing to bet on my reputation that you can and will write your own songs/music.
You may be doing this already, but if not, trust me and go for it!
I know you can do it. I have faith in you. God bless.

BTMP. The idea of 'scholarships' or 'acadamies' really appeals to me. But it does mean that you need sponsors who are willing to put their hands in their pockets. In the U.K these are few and far between but can we emulate examples from the U.S of A?

If you know, let me know and let's do our bit to secure the future of the folk scene in the U.K for generations to come.

For this is my crusade and the reason why I started this thread.

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Sooz
Date: 19 May 06 - 02:41 AM

Local competitions bring the young performers together.The Lincolnshire Young Folk Musician of the Year Competition and a similar one in Rotherham to mention two. The winners of the former have spots at the Gainsborough Folk Festival in October and of the latter at Cleethorpes next week. Lincoln Folk Festival also has fundraising activities to send young musicians to "Folkworks". Perhaps some sort of data base would be a good project, Soldier Boy?

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 19 May 06 - 10:53 AM

How would you see this working Sooz?

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 May 06 - 09:00 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Developing New/Young Talent
From: Sooz
Date: 20 May 06 - 12:29 PM

It might be interesting to start by compiling a list - if it was widely circulated it might inspire similar initiatives in other areas.