A group of young men from Salisbury have been working with professional rap artist Isaiah Dreads over the past months as part of a project led by Wiltshire Creative
Following the success of rap workshops led as part of The Tempest in 2023, a group of local young men were keen to keep developing their skills. Monthly workshops at Salisbury Arts Centre supported the group in learning more about writing, performing and recording their own music. Participants really appreciated the chance to work with a professional musician "I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with an established music artist and being able to collaborate and share ideas with Isaiah and other attendees".
The project also aimed to create a safe space to explore the groups’ mental health and wellbeing, which is why the project was targeted at young men specifically. They really bonded through the process of making music and felt the benefit of working as a team: "I feel as though I’ve been able to come out of my shell and feel less anxious".
The group worked together on a final piece that was premiered at Salisbury International Arts Festival as part of City Encounters in May 2024.
City Beats is comprised of 4 tracks performed by Josh, Aidan, Tyler and Gav. Thank you to Isaiah Dreads for recording and producing this track.
