As one of the world’s most famous cultural hotspots and a UNESCO world music city, we feel it is vital to celebrate the rich heritage of Liverpool and educate the next generation of aspiring creatives on the defining musical moments that have allowed the city to thrive. With Sound City’s new 14-week ‘Hidden Music Histories’ programme, attendees will be guided through the city’s key cultural histories via exclusive tours around famous local venues and recording studios and insightful discussions with our expert guest tutors.
From the cultural impact Merseyside musicians have had on the world from to the importance of queer pioneers and rave culture, we will leave no stone unturned in the city’s cultural timeline. We will explore how the Shebeens helped support Black and Mixed families, learn the city’s hidden queer histories and the involvement of the Fab Four, look into some of the key artists who have shaped Liverpool’s modern music scene and together, formulate an idea of how you can help shape the cultural trajectory of Merseyside and all play a key part in the region's creative future.
Open to ages 16-24. Apply now here.
Schedule:
Week 1
14 January - Overview of Liverpool music heritage - British Music Experience
Guest speaker: Kev McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music Liverpool
Week 2
21 January - Contemporary Black music and spaces - Elevator Studios
Guest speaker: Kofi Owusu – Musician, producer, filmmaker, mentor
Week 3
28 January - Exploring and researching music history and heritage - Museum of Liverpool
Guest Speaker: Karen O’Rourke, Curator of Sport, Music and performance, National Museums Liverpool
Week 4
4 February - Electronic/ Dance and spaces - 24 Kitchen Street
Guest Speaker: Saad Shaffi, Venue owner and director
Week 5
11 February - Spaces and musical history - Walking tour
Guest Speaker: Peter Hooton, Musician, writer and broadcaster, music specialist, Chair of Beatles Legacy Group
Week 6
18 February - LGBTQ+ Beatles - Epstein Theatre
Guest Speaker: Dr Mike Jones, Reader in Music Industry, Institute of Popular Music, and Beatles Legacy Group
Week 7
25 February - Black music – overview - BME
Guest Speaker: Yaw Owusu – LIMF Music Director and Black music specialist
Week 8
4 March - Spaces – rehearsal rooms, studios, venues, record shop, music instrument shops circa 1978
Walking tour – Mathew Street area - Andy McCluskey - OMD
Week 9
11 March - Exploring and researching music history and heritage - SAE
Guest Speaker: Dr Marion Leonard, Senior lecturer in Music, Institute of Popular Music
The End Fanzine exhibition and Zine making workshop with COMIC YOUTH
Week 10
18 March - Electronic/Dance – The State, Quadrant park, Cream Bootle area, Lock & Quay and site visit
Guest Speaker: Mike Knowler, DJ entrepreneur
Week 11
25 March - LGBTQ+ Beatles - City centre walking tour
Guest Speaker: Dr Holly Tessler, Senior Lecturer, Music Industries (head of MA Beatles, Music Industry and Heritage programme), Institute of Popular Music, and Beatles Legacy Group
Week 12
1 April - Black music - historic - Toxteth walking tour
Guest Speaker: Curtis Watt, Performer, poet, author, musician
Week 13
8 April - LGBTQ+ and dance - 24 Kitchen Street
Guest Speaker: Shaun Duggan, Sonic Yootha
Week 14
15 April - Spaces -venues, studios - Future Yard
Guest Speaker: Cath Hurley, Director Music skills and development, manager, mentor