Team
Rob 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."
Simon 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.”
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."
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.
“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.”
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.”
Liberty is in her first year at Oxford Brookes University studying Social Work. She spent last year volunteering for Community Albums in Uganda. She has been involved with CA since her work experience in 2011.
"I have always loved children's enthusiasm for the things they are passionate about. Being surrounded by so many vulnerable young people left me aware of the struggles they face, desperately wanting to help but not having the skills or means to do it. Community Albums came along, taught me the skills and helped me to empower children to take control and channel their enthusiasm into productively making a difference in their own lives and the lives of the people around them - all in a really fun and creative way, through the wonderful healing tool: music and media."
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."
Ashton Mills is a socially engaged music practitioner, composer and fiddle player. His community practice focuses on developing innovative methods of creative participation in the arts, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable people. Ashton is the lead fiddle player in Tribe of Tinkers and Saedly Dorus and the Hollie Band. He composed the music for the BAFTA award winning game, 'Among The Stones'. He has a Music Masters degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a BMus in composition from Canterbury Christ Church University.
"Music and the arts are powerful ways to spread a positive approach to being human: the world is a place that everybody has a role in moulding to how they want to look, to sound and to treat them. When a person learns that they can make real music and art they learn that they have agency, despite all that might be weighing them down in life. This is why I do what I do. Community Albums form long-standing, meaningful partnerships. The first time I came to see what they do I was instantly taken aback by how much impact it was having on the participants: making music was what got these young people out of bed in the morning, what kept them going through the week, no question about it. I knew straightaway I had to be part of it, and I haven't looked back since."
Lucy Randell is a confident, versatile, accomplished vocalist and songwriter. Lucy regularly performs live around London, recently having played 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. She also had the privilege to collaborate 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. Earlier in the year she travelled to Africa with Community Albums to work with young people across Kenya. They produced a song and documentary to promote peace ahead of the election, which was shared globally. Her debut album ‘Heads Up” was released with Asphalt Tango Records and her 2nd album, Lady Wonder is in the making and due for release in 2018.
"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"
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.”
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.
“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 .”
Jo has 12 years’ experience in fundraising roles at Oxfam GB and Viva – where she was first introduced to Community Albums. She now runs a copywriting and editing business called Nightingale Ink in the belief that ‘sometimes words can sing’, and is responsible for securing funding for Community Albums programmes in the UK and internationally. .
"I’ve long been an admirer of Community Albums’ work to bring communities together, give people a voice and see talent nurtured in places where it is often overlooked. These young people’s voices matter and they need to be heard. As a writer, I get excited about what happens when people are invited to identify and express what’s deep inside them. It’s wonderful to be sharing this high quality, sustainable, transforming work with funders looking for ways to make change happen in communities."