Youngsters in Acton have found a way to remain upbeat during  lockdown by focusing on music production. And they are planning to release an EP later this month. 

Bollo Brook Youth Centre has been keeping very busy since lockdown was called in March. Earlier this year we reported how the centre was working with the local community to deliver food parcels to vulnerable residents, but that is not all the young adults have been focusing on. 

Many of the young people would use the centre when it is open to learn how to produce music and the centre’s head music engineer, Reuben Griffiths, has been continuing one-to-one tuition online, mainly through Zoom. He said: “I think the main thing for me is to make sure that the young people felt and try to keep up as much support as we could really. It has been interesting seeing some of the young people really thrive.” 

Many of those who attend Bollo Brook are using this opportunity to learn as much as they can and focus on their music career. Kenny, who already has a couple of songs on Spotify and YouTube said: “I wouldn’t be producing these beats as heavy, because I never really had the time to go out and focus on it, but now I can’t go out, there is no excuse to be honest.” 

Godwin, who also makes music at Bollo Brook, said: “Music, it’s fun to do, it’s creative and it helps me to like express what I felt, through the music in a way. And it just brings people together, that’s why I enjoy it so much.  

“If I wasn’t doing the one-to-one (tuition) I would most likely just probably be doing something useless. Or just making, like, one beat, every two or three weeks or something.” 

Situated in the heart of Acton, Bollo Brook Youth Centre is a place for young adults to hang out with friends, take part in fun activities, including music productions, arts and crafts, sports, cooking and gardening, and get general support and advice. Recently some of the young adults put on an art exhibition at the Tate.

There is plenty of information available about the centre including information on events and opening times on its website.