Team

Simon works in a voluntary capacity in his National Director role. He has worked for over 30 years as a musician, producer and composer. Co-Founder of music production company, Sitting Duck, his TV credits include: ‘Good Morning Britain’, 'Inside Out’, ‘Lorraine’, ‘Fame Academy', and ‘ITV Football’. He has overseen audio branding for clients such as UEFA, FIFA, Al Jazeera, and Forces TV. He started his career playing drums, becoming one of the top session musicians in the UK, recording and touring with bands including JTQ, Kim Wilde, Pet Shop Boys, Westlife and Steps. He has also employed his playing, production and writing talents with an array of top acts, including S Club 7, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Natasha Bedingfield, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

“I started playing drums at the age of 15. Drumming gave me the confidence and determination to be the best I could be. I am passionate about encouraging, empowering and building confidence in others. This is why I co-founded Community Albums with Rob. I believe that music uniquely has the power to speak to people on an incredibly deep and emotional level. It’s a privilege to have seen so many lives changed through the work of Community Albums in various communities around the world. I’m very excited to see and be part of what happens next.”

Rob works in a voluntary capacity in his International Director role. He is a MOBO award winning musician, producer and composer. He has worked with many top acts including Honeyz, Alisha Dixon, Louise and Lulu. In 2003 he co-founded music production company, Sitting Duck, with Simon Hill. Together they produced Connie Talbot's Platinum selling album, 'Over the Rainbow'. The single ‘Three Little Birds’ reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart. He has composed and produced music for many TV shows including, 'Good Morning Britain', 'This Morning', 'When Jordan met Peter', 'Loose Women', and the BAFTA Award winning, 'It Was Alright in the 70's'. He has overseen audio branding for clients such as UEFA, FIFA, Olympics, Associated Press, Setanta Sports and Guinness.

"In my work, music is often only seen in two ways: it entertains people and it makes money. I know music is much more important. It can empower, unite, heal, inspire and bring about positive change. I've had the privilege to see this happen time and time again through numerous Community Albums' projects, and to be a small part of the process is humbling. I'm looking forward to seeing more lives being changed through the exciting projects we have planned."

Jan has been involved in community projects for over 20 years This, together with her office management experience with various charities, makes her a great asset to the team as our part-time Operations manager.

“After hearing about Community Albums and being impressed by the charity, I decided to join one of their projects to see if it was as inspiring as it sounded. It was and it is! The level of commitment, enthusiasm and excitement surrounding each project is infectious. Community Albums are changing lives in amazing ways. I’m so happy I can use my experience in both office management and community involvement and be part of the team.”

Dave works for Sitting Duck Music and Media as a music composer and producer. TV credits include 'Good Morning Britain', 'Lorraine', 'Inside Out', 'Now You See It', 'Globetrekker', 'Singer Takes It All', 'Omnisport', 'UEFA 2016 Euro Qualifiers', 'Forces TV' and 'FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup'. A multi-talented musician, he has lent his production, keyboard and guitar playing skills to the RyanDan singles, 'High' and 'The Face', Connie Talbot's debut album, 'Over The Rainbow', Shell Perris' 'Have You Heard' and Will Martin's crossover hit, 'Into The West'. He also owns a music recording and production business, working with schools, vocal studios and individual artists in and around the Manchester area.

"It is a real pleasure to be associated with Community Albums and to be involved in projects using multimedia as a vehicle to express the voice of the community. It's remarkable to witness the effects of bringing people together, collaborating and using music and technology creatively with a positive and unique purpose."

Jason Byfield aka Ironfist, now JCB started Dj-ing at the age of 14 within the undergound drum and bass music scene. Playing at key clubs around the UK, Jason has MC-d, hosted and organised events alongside Dope Ammo Records, Nicky Black Market, Grid Recordings, Chase and Status and Ecksman. He currently produces Drum and Bass for record labels and teaches music tech to young people.

"Community albums is great to work for. I believe there is power in music and Community albums proves this to me time and time again. Through Community Albums i have helped many young people achieve their goals, and teach and promote creativity into the next generation of young people. Community albums is very accommodating and open to any type of music. It caters to everybody, young, old and all musical abilities - the team itself has a broad range of musical skills and there is always a worker that can cater to a users musical needs. Community Albums keeps growing and growing, even in todays current climate, the sky is the limit.

Lucy Randell is a confident, versatile, accomplished vocalist and songwriter. Lucy regularly plays sold out gigs at prestigious venues including KOKO, Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Café, and The Elgar rooms at the Albert Hall. She has worked with a several top music producers, including Trevor Horn, The Gorillaz and The Streets. Lucy has written and featured on many Dance & urban music tracks, collaborating with Guy Robin AKA Jonas Blue on the summer House record ‘Only You’, signed to Defected records. Her solo music, Annique has reached festivals across the UK and Europe with notable tours in Austria and Latvia. Her debut album ‘Heads Up” was released with Asphalt Tango Records and her 2nd album, Lady Wonder was released in 2019.

"I am convinced there is more to music than we fully understand. Not only is it inspiring and unifying, it can improve our wellbeing. I believe it’s vital for the human condition and it is one of life's wonders. It’s a absolute pleasure working with Community Albums. Our values and ethos means the work is always unforgettable and I am extremely proud to be part of the team... being able to make a difference in the world with something I love doing is very special"

Corma runs her own Video Production business, creating short online films for business and individuals. She has worked with Community Albums since 2012 and has participated in a number of different projects.

"I love working with children and young people and enjoy teaching them how to film and edit, helping them to use the medium of video to share the things they are passionate about. Through these projects I have seen many young people empowered as their voices are heard. As a result, their lives have been transformed and they in turn have changed the world around them through the power of their message.”

Zimbabwean born Taku is a rapper, spoken word artist and music producer. He moved to the UK in his teens with a dream to work in music as well as to make an impact on young people and communities around the world. After years of study and volunteering in his chosen field, Taku now works with Community Albums delivering various music and media projects. He also leads the 'Beats and Lyrics' music session and co-runs an in-house artist development record label 'Spotlight Sounds' with Ollie at the Spotlight youth space in East London . Taku also works as a sound and lighting engineer, as well as recording and performing his own material.

“I'm humbled to be able to work with an expert team with such vast experience and great shared values , I continue to learn so much more, and feel inspired by the work we do at Community Albums I am literally living the dream by being able to inspire others. I believe that words, music and visuals are powerful enough to bring healing and change and I am now on a platform which enables me to do just that . I recently had the privilege of being able to go to my native homeland with Community Albums on a mission to help create a peace song/ music video with the children of Zimbabwe. It was an amazing experience for everyone involved! I'm excited by the prospect of going back there again and to other places around the world doing work that will build better communities .”

Ollie is a music producer and composer. Founder member of critically acclaimed UK indie band, Switches, he toured Europe, Japan and the USA, playing some of the world's top venues and festivals, memorably Glastonbury's Other Stage in 2007. Signed to Atlantic records, they recorded their debut album, ‘Heart Turned to D.E.A.D’ at the world famous Sunset Sound Studios, LA. In 2009, he formed Flash Fiktion whose 2012 self-titled album received much critical acclaim. The Sunday Times called it, ‘Pop perfection’, the Guardian, ’Riotous debut with a rare spark’. The NME hailed the band ‘Vivacious, modernist, glam crackers’ whilst XFM radio nominated the album for Best British Debut of 2012. Ollie’s TV and film credits include Jumper, Sex Drive, Rimmel London, FIFA 2008, and Gordon's Gin. He currently leads the 'Spotlight Sessions’ music production workshops at the Spotlight Centre, London.

"After seeing the valuable work Community Albums do, I’m proud to be part of the team delivering music and media sessions."

Serena is always creating, music, zines, videos, short films and poems. She's been playing drums since age 12, and teaching for 21 years, dedicating all her time to music and people. She has played in many bands over the years experimenting with styles. She is currently freelancing teaching and playing in a couple of bands, occasionally running percussion classes with all age groups.  .

"Playing Music is like having a superpower, you have the ability to make people move, emote people, connect, and embolden. At the very root of music is a secret language yet it’s universally understood. Working with Community Albums is such an honour to connect with young minds and share the knowledge of this superpower. Playing drums opened up a new world of confidence for myself and the ability to express everything I had struggled to communicate before, and now I’m privileged to watch it unfold with the young people I’m able to work with. Brilliant!"

Glyn has worked for over 20 years as a musician, visual artist and educator. He discovered a passion for working with hard to reach individuals and groups and has since worked in a wide range of institutions including prisons, secure mental health hospitals, homeless hostels, schools and colleges. He has more recently specialised in working with young people with a wide range of needs in the role of ‘Artist and Musician in Residence’ at Witney Early Intervention Hub and Outreach Worker for Abingdon Music Centre. Glyn has always divided his time between art and music since gaining a fine art degree in 1997. He has held solo and group fine art exhibitions across the UK and plays and teachers piano, guitar and drums.

“Through many of the projects I have been involved in, I have been lucky enough to see the positive effect that the arts and particularly music can have on individuals, groups and communities. Being part of Community Albums allows me to work with a like minded team helping people to change their lives for the better.”

Jamie has been freelancing in the TV and film industry since 2011 as a cameraman, editor and visual effects artist. Credits include 'Dr Strange', 'Monsters Inside Me' and 'Mermaids', 'Dogsquad' and 'Starfall'. Assistant Director and Editor for Virgin Media short film 'The Lonely Assassin', his other film credits include 'Tale of the Kite’, 'Black Ice', 'A Curious Soul' and 'Peace Week'. During downtime he teaches camerawork and post-production skills across various Community Albums projects.

“I love having the opportunity to pass on my skills to those around me so that they can use media as a means of expression. It’s great being able to work with people of all ages and to see them realise the power behind music and media. The change that has happened within individuals and across communities already is amazing, and I hope the future holds more opportunities for Community Albums to enrich and empower even more people across the UK and across the world.”

Ben is an accomplished and versatile musician and has appeared playing keys for contemporary, jazz and blues bands, choirs and vocalists in various venues around London, Dubai and the Cotswolds, - jazz@Pizza Express, The Groucho Club, The Alleycat, The Kindred Club and The Big Feastival. He has a real passion for jazz, blues, gospel and classical music and loves to compose and create – including a recently published production music album ‘Panoramic Piano Stories’ He has also written and recorded numerous songs, collaborating with Indian artist Zeffereen, New York based gospel singer Ptah Brown, the London Homeless Charity Tutus House and the Mildmay Mission Hospital. He also teaches piano, guitar, drums and music production.

“When I first met Simon and Rob I realized that our values were entirely aligned with respect to the power of music in reaching and empowering young people. It is a real privilege to work alongside the very talented team in providing these sessions. I have learnt a lot from them too!”

Clare has many years of experience in the music industry as a vocalist, artist & songwriter. A solo artist in the club scene, she has featured on many compilations whilst also being part of 10 piece funk band Wonderlush. Some of the artists, labels and brands Clare has worked with include Ministry of Sound, HedKandi, GutRecords, AATW/, The Wideboys, KissFM, George Clinton & Parliament, Radio One, 1Xtra, Craig Charles & Radio 6. The last few years Clare has been committed to working with children and young people in music all over the country in various schools and settings, creating pop choirs, running workshops and one to one vocal sessions. Now a therapeutic mentor with a passion for using music as a tool to encourage, empower and inspire children in many different ways.

“I absolutely love the work Community Albums do and the people they reach. I am so honoured to be able to work with them. The projects I’ve been involved with at the hospital school have been incredible, giving children an opportunity to express themselves through music, to be encouraged and achieve something special. There is nothing more rewarding, and through the projects CA run, lives are genuinely impacted and changed! (including my own because of it!).”

Psyona is a CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) certified drone operator a current member of 'Drone Safe Register', as well as being a Brand Ambassador and Video Editor for Women Who Drone. She is an important part of the Community Albums filming team, shooting and editing for many projects.

“Community Albums offer a wide range of media outlets to young people to help them express themselves through a variety of different ways and turn it into something they are proud of. The projects I have been involved with so far have been amazing, the young people enjoy every aspect of what goes into a film and are always proud of what they create. I am honoured to be a part of Community Albums and it has been the most rewarding job to encourage, empower and inspire young people”

I've loved music since a very young age and I believe music is an extremely important part of every day life. You're happy...play music! Sad....play music! Angry... ..play music! It just has a way of making you feel better, happy or chilled. Music can bring back memories and one song can bring a whole room of people together. Community Albums came into my life when they took over running Vocal Band at my local community centre where I was a member of the choir, and have been for about 12 years now. Since then we have gone from strength to strength and have even been lucky enough to record some songs. I'm so excited to be part of the team and watch the choir grow even more. Watching people come along who are quiet and shy but then grab a microphone and become a completely different person Is my favourite part of what we do.

My name is Kai. I am a transmasc nonbinary (he/they) musician. I studied psychology at Bangor University, but my true passion is music. I am a vocalist, and play the keyboard/piano, guitar and am currently learning the drums. My hair is likely to be a different colour every time you see me. Community albums has allowed me to connect with people in my community through music. I believe music has a way of breaking down barriers between people, allowing us to look past our differences and form connections and friendships. .”

Donna is an important part of the Community Albums team. She helps with the Vocal Band Choir at The Hill in Banbury .”