Soma Skool
Soma Skool is a profoundly inspirational educational event encompassing the music industry and outlying creative sector. The aims of Soma Skool are to educate, motivate and inspire young people in an innovative, creative and dynamic way. The event seeks to promote the vibrancy of the Scottish creative industries in a compelling and pro-active manner. The event aspires to attract young people who have an interest in the creative industries, demonstrating to them that there are numerous exciting and viable career options available in the creative industries in Scotland.
Featured Artists-
Dave Clarke is one of the most respected and idiosyncratic techno DJs and producers of the modern era, with a brand of straightahead techno with the ferocity of hardcore yet the sublime feelings of classic Detroit techno.
Anja Schneider has four jobs: She’s a label head (Mobilee Records), a DJ, a producer and a radio personality all rolled into one. Despite its short history, Mobilee has grown into one of Berlin’s most closely watched and stimulating outfits.
DJ Sneak is one of the second wave of influential Chicago house producers and a legendary member of the vanguard of late-'90s American house producers.
Sneak's new sound revolutionized house music with inspirational sounds and rhythms never before heard.
The Black Dog don't really need an introduction. Highly regarded as one of the most influential figures in the British electronica scene, they are synonymous with the rise of electronic music in the UK. Their rhythmic inventiveness coupled with their deep and innovative approach to music in general made them pioneers of UK techno, heralding a new breed of music entirely.
Vector Lovers Martin Wheeler’s lovingly crafted output engages the listener with an attention to detail and emotional resonance seldom found in purely synthetic music. From derelict neon soundscapes to future robot funk, Wheeler’s fusion of deep, quirky electro and precise melodic intuition has won popularity beyond the confines of any genre.
Octogen is the pseudonym of acclaimed Glasgow producer Marco Bernardi- he has made a name for himself through his association with Rotterdams pioneering Clone label. Prior to his association with Clone he released on Tom Churchill’s Emoticon imprint and with Claude Young on former Glasgow label Under The Counter cementing his credentials as part of the new breed of electro-tech manipulators. He is also an established studio engineer and has worked with Percy X on his recent ‘The Separatists’ project on Soma.
Soma Skool has a prestigious history of success and innovation and has been functioning since 2003. Event organisers Soma Records have a wealth of experience, operating for 17 years dealing with an international roster of artists including Slam, Silicone Soul, Funk D’Void, My Robot Friend and Vector Lovers amongst many others. To date the label has put together eight highly successful daylong Soma Skool events totalling over 3500 attendees. While targetting 16-25 year olds, the event often attracts a diverse range of age groups due to its diverse range of activities and demonstrations.
The event is designed primarily to educate and to demystify the creative process in a compelling, exciting and unique way. Structured around the process of producing a finished piece of music, from ‘demo to finished product’ Soma Skool encompasses an invigorating step-by-step explanation of how an original track is created including the design and impact of visual and graphic artwork, the filming and editing of a video utilising cutting-edge software and the delineation of marketing and business plans. In order to enhance the ‘busine ss awareness’ of its attendees the programme includes presentations, panel discussion and Q+A sessions with leading figures from within the music and creative industries. These presentations have significant educational value and embody Soma Skool’s spirit of positivity, excitement and enthusiasm.
One of Scotland’s leading dance labels Soma Records will be hosting a day of music and software demos, Q&A sessions and panel discussions with industry professionals next month, providing young people from across Scotland with an insight into the workings of the music industry.
Commenting on this year’s Soma Skool, David McDonald, Youth Music Manager at the Scottish Arts Council said: ‘The Scottish Arts Council’s Youth Music Initiative is delighted to support this year’s Soma Skool event which will provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to engage with the professional music industry and support their progression in independent music making.’
The Scottish Arts Council is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) which was established by Royal Charter in 1994 and is also a Lottery distributor. The organisation serves the people of Scotland by fostering arts of excellence through investment, development, research and advocacy. Our corporate aims are: to support artists to fulfil their creative and business potential; to increase participation in the arts; and to place the arts, culture and creativity at the heart of learning. We invest £60m each year, including £15 million of National Lottery funding. For more information visit: www.scottisharts.org.uk
Endorsed and Supported by
Scottish Arts Council Sound Performance
Scottish Enterprise Careers Scotland
Glasgow Science Centre 4Talent (Channel 4)
Glasgow City Council
Soma Skool
Date: 25th April 2008
Venue: The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL
Cost: £5 / £2 for Students, Unemployed and £1 for School Children.