Studio-Live Local

In 2012, Sandblast launched the Studio-Live project at the Roundhouse Sahara Nights event, to help facilitate the creation of a professional music-making scene in the Saharawi refugee camps, in SW Algeria. Over two years, Sandblast provided sound equipment and trained young adult Saharawis in sound-engineering skills in regular workshops delivered by Sara McGuinness from London College of Music. In this period, we set up a Studio-Live pilot space in the Boujdour refugee camp (one of five refugee camps ) to run the training programme and provide our trainees experience in independent, responsible and collective management.

Since late 2014, Sandblast has been working with the graduated sound-engineer trainees on the ground to set up locally-run and sustainably managed recording studios.  To assist in this transition, we are raising funds to provide additional sound equipment resources and offer top-up/refresher training workshops, music mentoring and long-distance technical assistance over the next 18 months.

So far we have received some wonderful music material donations from various sources to assist us in our mission. These have included Imacs, sound cards, keyboards from London College of Music; mics and other sound equipment from Rasha Shaheen; an amazing Tascam 24-track mobile recording studio, midi key-boards and amps from Ayesha and more recently a beautiful Gibson electric guitar from an anonymous donor. This very valuable Gibson guitar donation has inspired Sandblast to launch the PASS IT ON campaign. It aims to get 20 further acoustic or electric guitars donated by May 2017. These will be taken to the camps and awarded to musicians through talent competitions in each of the camps. The remaining guitars will be donated to the locally-run studios and Stave House centres. We have received 2 donations already! Please spread the word and help us reach our target.

Next Step:
Our challenge now will be to transport all the donated equipment to the camps. Our aim is to either obtain a donated transit van or get an affordable second-hand vehicle. Ideally we are looking for one of the following: Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagon Crafter or 7 seater Landrover Defender. If you have any ideas or can help with sourcing a vehicle please be in touch. We are also looking for additional amps for electric guitars, professional recording mics and mic stands. info@sandblast-arts.org