A group of young people from Redcar and Cleveland took the opportunity to show their music talents on an album with the support of council youth workers and professional artists.
As part of one of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Youth Clubs run by Youth Worker James Lilly, the group teamed up with Skimstone Arts Charity and Reality Boots band to write and record their very own original song.
Skimstone Arts Charity had a mission to support diverse artists, communities and those at risk of social isolation to create work with, for, and about the world that matters to them. Their band, Reality Boots, was run by their young people’s Leadership Team to write and produce original music based on what they want to say about the world.
In July 2025, Skimstone Arts Charity began their sessions with a group of 15 young people, aged between 11 and 18 years from the Tuned In! 2 Music programme. These sessions were held every fortnight over a six-week period, offering them an opportunity to develop their skills and gain industry experience.
The young people enthusiastically embraced every stage of the project, from developing lyrics and creative concepts to gaining hands-on experience in the recording studio. Through the initiative, participants built valuable new skills, boosted their confidence, and successfully created an original song set for release. The collaboration brought a vibrant energy to the club, fostering creativity, teamwork, and a shared sense of achievement among everyone involved.
This programme is part of the Council’s Youth Service provisions, with the project focusing on creativity, teamwork, wellbeing, and building confidence through artistic expression.
James Lilly, Youth Music, Media and Arts Co-ordinator said: “We are incredibly proud of what these young people have achieved. Recording their own song for a professional album is a significant accomplishment that recognises their hard work, talent, and the strength of creative youth programmes in our community.”
Bryn said: “I have never experienced anything so enjoyable, it was unbelievable.”
During the recording sessions, the group brainstormed ideas around environment, identity and their connection to their hometowns in Redcar and East Cleveland. The idea behind the song ‘One Road Back’ came from Caleb and references the high street and ‘one road back’ from the seafront, ‘Dancing on the morning dunes’ with a ‘Bucket and spade, trying to find shade’.
Caleb, one of the young people, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity I had to work with such inspirational and talented people. I am thrilled to have been mentioned in the credits. Thank you to everyone who made this happen for me.”
Six young people from the group travelled to Newcastle in October to record their original song at Blank Studios, marking a significant milestone in the project. The track has been released on the physical copies of the Reality Boots album and serve as a fitting finale for Skimstone Arts as the organisation prepares to close after 15 years of inspiring creative work.
The project gave the young people a professional recording experience, provided them with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and explore their creative potential.
Looking to the future, the group is participating in a new ‘Breakthrough Music’ project, they have received £51.301 in funding from National Lottery Reaching Communities. It will deliver an inclusive, co-designed music programme for young people across Redcar & Cleveland youth centres over the next two years. The project will provide group sessions, instrument tuition, DJ and music production workshops, band mentoring, and performance opportunities linking in with the RCBC events and the wider community.
One key feature of this project is the youth-led “Big Music Project” that will enable participants to plan and deliver a community music event, building creative and leadership skills. The programme will also train youth workers to incorporate music into ongoing provision, creating lasting opportunities for young people to engage with music and express their creativity.
The young musicians, alongside Youth Worker James Lilly, would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the teams at Skimstone Arts and Blank Studios for their support throughout the project.
James said: “Their support, expertise and encouragement provided the young people with a unique opportunity to develop their skills, gain valuable experience and bring their creative ideas to life through a professional recording experience.
“I am excited to continue giving our young people even more music-making opportunities over the next two years. Thanks to the support of The National Lottery Community Fund's Reaching Communities programme, we can build on the fantastic work we've already achieved and reach even more young people.”
Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This project has given our young people a fantastic opportunity to express themselves creatively, learn new skills and experience the excitement of recording in a professional studio. The finished song is a testament to their talent, hard work and determination.
“Opportunities like this demonstrate the positive impact that high-quality youth and arts provision can have, helping young people to build confidence, develop new skills and realise their potential. I would like to congratulate everyone involved and thank our youth workers for helping to create such a memorable and inspiring experience for our young musicians.”
The music group meets every Friday during term time from 6pm to 8pm at Skelton Youth Centre. Young people from across the area are encouraged to get involved, with sessions offering the chance to make music, learn new skills, boost confidence and have fun in a supportive environment.
To find more information about the group please contact James Lilly directly at James.Lilly@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or call at 07976865275