FairTunes: The Launch

Where: The Monarch, Camden, London

When: 21st October 2009

Music lovers united for a good cause at The Monarch in Camden last Wednesday.  The event, hosted by Chandrasonic of Asian Dub Foundation, was the launch party of music charity FairTunes.

Kary Stewart, FairTunes Director, said: “We were very pleased with how the night went.  She explained that her team have been working hard to formalise the charity over the past year. “We felt it was time to let the world know about us,” she said.

FairTunes is a group of music-industry professionals who provide music and radio studios and supply equipment and training to people in developing countries.  They create self-sustaining cycles, teaching participants transferable skills and giving them opportunities to get involved in the music and media industries.

The launch was to raise awareness of their work in the hope that people and organisations would donate funds and equipment. They also need musicians and artists to volunteer their time and skills.

Revellers danced to an array of musical talent. Zashiki Warashi, a one-flute-one-drum South London duo, kicked off the show. Utilising their busking talents they meshed drum and bass to hip-hop, classical remixes to jazz-funk – a real eclectic mix to get the party started.

Crystal Fighters showcased their quirky Spanish-influenced, folk-enthused, new rave and put on a good show. Their energy spun off the walls to the appreciation of the jubilant crowd.

Atomic Hooligan played a brilliant set of hip-hop, breaks and electro mash up. Soul of Man picked up the beat baton in sublime fashion with a break-beat funk extravaganza.

Party goer, Georgina Sobell, said: "I loved the night through and through.” She affirmed: “All in all a reminder that music mobilises the heart of people and is an essential form of self expression.”

FairTunes's pilot project in Columbia built recording facilities in the Semillas Creativas Community Centre Ciudad Bolivar and was a resounding success.  The studios are used by primary school children during the week, who would otherwise have no music education. On weekends there are workshops and budding artists produce demos.

Nicholas Beltran, a FairTunes supporter and Columbian living in London, said: "Colombian people generally don't have the facilities to make music for the whole world to hear." He explains that like most countries in South America, music has a massive influence on Columbian culture.

"FairTunes are recognising the potential of young men and women in Colombia. For people who do not have the opportunity to work or study the project could open many, many doors. It would get people from different backgrounds to realise the potential they hold within."  He added: "The possibilities are endless."

FairTunes recently received confirmation of funding from the Joe Strummer Foundation, Strummerville, and there are plans in the pipeline for a FairTunes festival.

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