Stourbridge set to host euro-rock project (From Stourbridge News)

Stourbridge set to host euro-rock project

5:17pm Thursday 4th February 2010

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STOURBRIDGE is to be the centre of a project which will bring together musicians from around the continent.

Europe Through Rock is designed to give young artists from the Midlands a chance to work with bands from Holland and Belgium on writing and performing new songs.

Pop starlet Eliza Doolittle will headline a gig at in the town to round off a week of events aimed at encouraging musicians to share their passion for performance.

Fred Mallinson, advanced skills treacher for Worcetershire, said: “Our vision is to bring young musicians together from the European Union to learn skills, culture and composition from each other.

“I am delighted to say that from humble beginnings more countries have now got involved and we have some funding from the Youth In Action programme. This means that we can expand our experiences for our young musicians.”

Music promoters from Belgium and Holland are in Stourbridge to pave the way for the arrival of Dutch rockers The Methods and Belgian bands Faith in Fate and Oswald.

Dutch music promoter, Maarje Meessen, said: “In Maarstrict there hasn’t been a proper rock venue for 30 years, there is a lot of interest but it is hard to convince local government that they need to create that again.

“This project is good for us to show our local government that things are going on in other countries.”

Europe Through Rock will be hosting a Rock Masterclass Workshop for students from schools and colleges around the region at the Base Studios, Rufford Road, on Wednesday February 24.

Students will be working with European artists to compose tunes which they will be performing at a free gig in the studio’s live room from 7pm on the same day.

Eliza Doolittle, who is signed to Parlophone Records, plays bright and breezy commercial pop and has been compared to singer Lily Allen.

The London-born singer is set to join artists involved in the project for the finale of the event at The River Rooms, Mill Race Lane, on Thursday February 25, the show starts at 7pm and is also free.

Fred Mallinson said: “It is vital that our young bands get the chances they deserve and keep the British Music scene alive.

“After all they are the ones which will be buying all the gear, getting on the circuit and maybe producing the next big thing.”

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