Our first in-person music project since the pandemic, in July 2021 we brought together 15 young musicians from across the North West to work with PINS.
Together they learnt about the band’s artistic process - from initial ideas to onstage transformation - wrote and recorded an EP of new songs, and performed live at award-winning music venue The Met in Bury.
About the project
On day one this talented group of artists, all aged between 16-21, met for the first time. With the support of PINS they began to collaborate, creating 7 original tracks inspired by the theme 'Transformation'.
Alongside the music making, the group took part in workshops about press, publishing, band management and artist wellbeing. This gave them a valuable insight into different aspects of the music industry. Bassist Lala found the talk about mental health particularly helpful. “It’s given me a larger awareness of what to expect as a musician,” she said. Bradley added “I didn’t know anything about sync tracks before. I now feel far more confident about finding a manager and getting my music out there.”
On day three the group quite literally 'transformed' with the help (and wardrobe) of sustainable fashion company Manchester Fashion Movement, as they took part in a photoshoot with music photographer Debbie Ellis. This helped them to think about artist image in a way that felt authentic. Multi-instrumentalist Trees.R.Good said “I have a clearer idea of who I want to be portrayed as, as an artist. The press shots helped cement this vision!”
After laying down their tracks in the studio, on day five the group took to the stage to perform to a packed audience of invited guests, even adding their own artistic flair to PINS' own tunes. For some, this was their first time performing live. “It was incredible, I won’t forget it. Playing live has given me a new perspective on performing for others”, said guitarist Etienne.
“It was genuinely a life changing experience. I feel so much more confident, motivated and sure of who I am as a person.”
Maisie
Want to hear more?
Press play on the music from A Week With PINS.
Credits
A huge thanks and congratulations to the artists:
Ambrose, Benedicte, Bradley, Etienne, Imi, K.Czupkowski, Lala, Maddie, Maisie, Matt, Mia, Oliver, Sam, Sonny and Trees.R.Good.
With thanks to:
Faith, Lois, Kyoko, Ailis, Abbi and Elisa (PINS)
Mary Davenport (Ninja Tune/Just Isn’t Music)
Rachel Jepson (Counselling for Musicians)
Edwin Street Recording Studio
Photoshoot photos by Asupremeshot (Debbie Ellis). Styling by Manchester Fashion Movement.
Project and performance photos by Rachel Bywater. Film by TripleDotMakers.
A Week With PINS was kindly supported by The Met, Manchester City Council, GMCA and Youth Music.
Credits
A huge thanks and congratulations to the artists:
Ambrose, Benedicte, Bradley, Etienne, Imi, K.Czupkowski, Lala, Maddie, Maisie, Matt, Mia, Oliver, Sam, Sonny and Trees.R.Good.
With thanks to:
Faith, Lois, Kyoko, Ailis, Abbi and Elisa (PINS)
Mary Davenport (Ninja Tune/Just Isn’t Music)
Rachel Jepson (Counselling for Musicians)
Edwin Street Recording Studio
Photoshoot photos by Asupremeshot (Debbie Ellis). Styling by Manchester Fashion Movement.
Project and performance photos by Rachel Bywater. Film by TripleDotMakers.
A Week With PINS was kindly supported by The Met, Manchester City Council, GMCA and Youth Music.