Call out for 16-25’s: Electric Storm

Create your own ‘Electric Storm’ on this 5-day residency for adventurous music creators, producers, sound designers and digital artists.

Aimed at women and non-binary people as part of our gender equality programme Both Sides Now, this is a unique opportunity to push your creative boundaries, develop your technical skills and collaborate with like-minded artists. 

This project marks the 50th anniversary of an album called ‘An Electric Storm’ by White Noise, a group which featured Delia Derbyshire, an early pioneer of electronic music. Best known for her iconic realisation of the Dr Who theme tune, Delia produced music way ahead of her time, even after being told by Decca Records in 1957 that the recording studio was “no place for a woman”.

We’re pleased to be working on this project with Delia Derbyshire Day – a Manchester based charity set up to honour Delia’s work and influence on the music landscape. 

What’s involved

Electric Storm will take place between Mon 20-Fri 24 Jan 2020 at Spirit Studios in Manchester.

As part of the project you will:

• Work collaboratively to create a bold new audio visual work 
• Learn more about how ‘An Electric Storm’ was produced and delve into the Delia Derbyshire Archive held at The John Rylands Library 
• Work alongside professional artists Bishi, Caro C and Andrea Pazos
• Use sound-making technologies to sample, distort and experiment with acoustic instruments
• Develop skills in using Ableton software and the Push Controller
• Perform or record your creation – together you’ll decide the best way to showcase your brand new work

Who it’s for

We want to hear from artists from a range of genres, backgrounds and disciplines spanning music, sound and digital art. Your method of creation can be acoustic or electronic, conventional or unconventional, using any form of instrument or gear.

To apply for this particular opportunity you should:

• Identify as female or non-binary
• Be aged between 16-25
• Be based in Greater Manchester or the surrounding areas

“I was introduced to the music of Delia Derbyshire by the radical performance art group Minty, founded by Leigh Bowery, as a teen. Her music has inspired my journey as an artist and I can’t wait to bring elements of my multi-faceted practice into this project.” – Bishi, lead artist

“We are so excited to bring together a collective of bold creative womxn to create a modern electric storm. This is your chance to be bold and daring, and to create something expressive and collaborative inspired by one of the key pioneers of electronic music in the UK. Delia consistently inspires and encourages artists to go beyond their usual ways of working, so we can’t wait to see how her work inspires this time.” – Caro C, lead artist

How to apply

If you’re interested in taking part please complete a short online form* telling us a bit about yourself and why you would like to take part by Mon 16 Dec, 10am.

APPLY HERE

For more information or questions please contact Lucy Scott at lucys@brightersound.com or 0161 830 3899.

*We’re committed to supporting and meeting the needs of people with learning difficulties or disabilities. If you require the form in a different format or have difficulty completing the form online, please call us to discuss alternative options on 0161 830 3899.

This project is made possible by the National Lottery via Arts Council England. With thanks to our funders Help Musicians UK, PRS Foundation, Manchester City Council and GMCA. 

Thank you to Spirit Studios for their support-in-kind on this project.