Coming together for shared musical experiences has been one of the things so many of us have missed during the pandemic. But The Sound Lab, have kept the music playing by delivering free music, media and arts tuition to young people and disadvantaged groups in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. In this conversation, originally published in Issue 2 of the magazine, Lauren Tighe from The Sound Lab caught up two of the tutors, DJ/Producers Oliver Melling (from We Should Hang Out More) and Rebecca Vasmant to chat music, and about what they’ve learned from the experience.

Oliver Melling | Photo by Big Bad Llama, Rebecca Vasmant | Photo by Steven McLaren

First things first, can you describe your record collection in three words?

Oliver: Not For Karaoke.

Rebecca: Jazz, warmth and love.

You’re established names in the Glasgow DJ scene. What was your route in?

Oliver: I guess for me it was a case of playing a lot of house parties and bar gigs, buying loads of records and going to loads of nights. I watched a documentary the other night that referred to Glasgow as ‘the world's biggest village’ which is certainly true of its music scene. Once enough people realise you’re not bad at what you’re doing, word spreads!

So how have you coped without live gigs during the pandemic?

Rebecca: I’ve really missed live gigs, togetherness and being able to share live music experiences with my friends and family. I’ve coped by doing things like working with Sound Lab and teaching young people on Zoom, and that’s helped us to feel closer together, just doing what we can.

Oliver: If the pandemic had been more competently managed by people with even the vaguest understanding of the creative sector, it would have been a lot easier. As working professionals in the music industry we’ve been the last priority, and that’s been a really unsettling experience. On the positive side, there has been a really amazing collective response from our scene. Community radio, like Radio Buena Vida in Govanhill, has been a huge outlet. Radio stations are essentially venues at the minute!

And how did you get involved with The Sound Lab?

O: About two and a half years ago after having released a few records with We Should Hang Out More, I got talking to Paul from Sound Lab, about running a sound production course around sampling. I’ve since been involved with so many incredible. I’m often humbled by our participants and the way they’ve navigated life’s challenges, constantly drawing inspiration from them.

How are you finding working on Musicares; the first national music programme exclusively for care experienced young people?

R: I try to work on the practical aspects of learning skills, but also things that I think are important and that would help young people in the current climate, like using social media with mental health in mind, staying safe online, positivity towards their achievements and recognising when they have done well. I have taught a few female-only programmes, which have led to some amazing, talented young people producing tracks, and also playing sets for their peers and on the radio.

Tell us about the Beats Without Borders programme you’re working on.

O: It’s about bringing people from all over the world together to share, learn, discuss and enjoy music. We aim to make it accessible across multiple languages and locations, breaking down as many barriers to access as we can. We’re focusing on displaced and marginalised groups, in order to create as welcoming and as international a space as we can.

How have you found delivering sessions during the pandemic – for you and the participants?

R: It has been both wonderful and challenging. The tech side of things has made things a lot harder, but after some persistence and patience from the young people, we have got to a point where we have found a good way of working. It has helped us feel like we are moving forward and achieving something despite of all the limitations, and above all, looking forward to the lessons has hugely helped, mental health wise.

What would you say to anyone keen to get involved with The Sound Lab?

O: Do it, do it, do it! Sound Lab constantly shows me how much we all stand to grow from sharing our knowledge and experiences. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you want to learn or what you think you’re capable of, give yourself a chance and get involved. I guarantee you’ll be teaching me a thing or two before long!