Kendra Inman visits a project in south London where a project is helping young people create a CD showcasing their own performance and production talents.

While the producers of Fame Academy and Pop Idol were auditioning the nation’s wannabes this summer, over in Lewisham, south London, young people were getting a taste of what life in the music business is like for the industry’s many foot soldiers.

Twenty-four people aged from 14 to 18 had the opportunity to write, compose and produce music as part of a music production programme funded by the Positive Activities for Young People programme via the London East Connexions partnership. The youngsters on the scheme have been in contact with the youth justice system or have been disadvantaged in some other way.

The project is organised by 2 Deep Love Unlimited, described by co-ordinator Michelle Gibb as "a social enterprise with a commercial arm" that includes a record label. Over the summer the youngsters tried out all aspects of music production with the aim of producing a finished CD.

They came from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Gibb says: "What they had in common was their commitment to the scheme. They worked hard and stayed consistent and focused."

It may sound like fun but there is lots of hard work involved, says Gibb. "They have to think about what they’re doing after they’ve left the studio. They have to talk to each other, plan what they’re going to do and learn to work in teams."

Gibb says 2 Deep Love Unlimited set out to develop young talent and give troubled youngsters a means of self-expression, but at the same time offer careers advice. The music production course covered audio engineering, DJ mixing, voice building and vocal techniques, lyric writing and recording sessions.

"Many people have hopes and dreams of making it in the music industry. But not everyone is going to get to the top. Only a tiny number do." For the rest there are other opportunities. "There are many roles in the music business. Everything from being a DJ, to promoting gigs, booking acts for shows and being an agent. As well as the production side," she says.

"But for those who are serious about working, the scheme is a way of getting them really focused. They have to learn to consider other people’s talents and find out what they themselves lean towards," she adds.

Youth music is often criticised for the glorification of violence and gun culture. And although 2 Deep Love Unlimited specialises in urban and dance music, when it comes to writing lyrics these topics are out. The group took this aspect of the project one step further and produced a track called Stop the Wars. "The track is really good and by producing it we encouraged them to think about their lives from a different perspective," says Gibb.

The finished CD complete with pictures and credits may be put on release to the wider community if funding can be found.

Connexions sent young people to interview the participants about whether they gained anything useful from the scheme. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. With this in mind the team hopes to take the summer programme a step further and is talking to Connexions about the possibility of setting up a modern apprenticeship scheme and further programmes so that more young people can find similar inspiration in music.