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St Pauls Carnival 2023

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St Pauls Carnival 2023

St Pauls Carnival 2023

Raising Legends

St Pauls Carnival 2023, did what it was supposed to do. After 4 years it came back with a bang! We had culture, community, floats, sound systems, and vibes! I think it’s fair to say most had a great experience at this year’s St Pauls Carnival.

St Pauls Carnival 2023

We were honoured to have produced an official stage at this year’s St Pauls Carnival 2023. This year’s Carnival theme was ‘Learning from Legends’, and from consultation with our Youth Board and the Carnival team, ‘Raising Legends Stage’ was born.

Raising Legends was designed to support Bristol’s emerging artists while providing positive experiences. Artists, DJs, hosts, media teams, and more, all gained a positive experience and were able to immerse themselves into their crafts on the day. One artist said, “I’m very happy to have been a part of it and to be the opening performer to what turned out to be one of the best places in the Carnival to listen to local artists.”

 

The ACE takeover on the Raising Legends Stage was filled with young people who access our services of all experiences coming together for a moment they should all be proud of. From the studio to rehearsals, to the performance on the day, you would not believe this was some of their first time on stage. And that can not be said without giving a big thank you and well done to the ACE staff that support these young people every week and that worked extra hard getting them ready for the day. The need for positive role models in our community can not go overlooked, as this is how we ensure we raise legends.

 

We were joined on the day by Jazz, who created a wonderful piece of art. looking at this piece you are introduced to the slogan “Forever Young”, which pays tribute to some young people we lost too soon. If you immerse yourself into the details each letter takes you on a journey through some key elements you may see within the Afro-Caribbean community, Bristol Community all while still honouring, all in Jazz’s signature style. This was accompanied by an equally wonderful poem/song, by Creative Power Town. It is descriptive and honest about the sorrow and pollution that knife crime and the death of a young person leaves upon our community. It then dives into the things that make our culture desirable globally. It finishes with the names of young people lost too soon due to health, knife crime, or heroic acts, and a call for us to be better.

 

WOW! … that is how I am summing up St Pauls Carnival 2023, Young people witnessing Carnival as we saw it many years ago. After not having a Carnival for 4 years, this was a great way to learn from legends and pass the mantel – we are raising legends.

 

We would like to thank: St Pauls Carnival, Safer Options, ACE Youth Board, Jasmine Thompson, Creative Power Town, Bridging Histories, Team Love for their lovely volunteers, our amazing hosts: Kado, DaBoothe and Maxx, and Unkle Mykel, and all of the amazingly talented artists and DJs.

 

St Pauls Carnival 2023
St Pauls Carnival 2023
St Pauls Carnival 2023
St Pauls Carnival 2023
St Pauls Carnival 2023
St Pauls Carnival 2023
Javeon McCarthy - Aspiration Creation Elevation

An appreciation for his art – Javeon McCarthy.

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Javeon McCarthy, 33, is a singer/songwriter, a youth worker and a recent father from Bristol. He is a mentally-strong individual who after discussing his love for Frank Ocean’s music and watching SiFi production’s, shared with us how he got to where he is today, what he loves about the ACE community, and where he is heading in the future. 

McCarthy’s music career began at an event up in Sheffield – where he met with a PMR artist, which after touring a few shows together, led to the artists’ manager signing McCarthy to the label. Without that significant evening, things may not have ended up how it is now for the artist. 

(Image taken from Javeon’s Instagram page. @javeonmusic)

McCarthy explained that music and song writing have always been his main passion, but then due to lockdown, he has been able to explore the practice of beer-making. “I am interested in the thought progress of how to make beer. I really like it. So I don’t think I am most passionate about the actual song writing, I now think it is to do with the process. It is about understanding that moment of what something is and what is good about it and then doing it over and over again. You can dismantle that and make it better.” 

He described that it is important for artists to appreciate what level they need to get to, and how far you need to push yourself to get there – showing his effort to continue enhancing his work and performance within the industry. 

“It is about realising how many things can branch off your original idea. It doesn’t always end up that way, but to appreciate that even a small idea can blow up to be a great thing. It is exciting and really fun.”  

Within the music industry, it is vital to look after your mental wellbeing. When discussing this with McCarthy, he paused to think, then expressed; “This is a difficult one because everyone is wired differently. But I would say to try not to get stressed, and to allow yourself to feel those negative emotions if they arise. Understanding that those are natural feelings, and they shouldn’t be suppressed.”

In life, you will have satisfaction and you will have dissatisfaction, but it is about taking on that situation in a different mind-set, and figuring out how to deal with it differently in the future. 

It is necessary to give yourself self-reassurance and self-love. It is normal for individuals to sometimes push themselves too hard to be the best version of who they want to be. For McCarthy, he explained that “It is important to not wait around for someone else to say well done for what you have achieved, to tell yourself that you have done great and know your importance.”

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McCarthy grew up in the same community as ACE’s three directors and therefore wanted to get involved with the amazing services it provides for young people. He started his journey with the team at the ‘More Than Music’ sessions at The Station, which led to the opportunity of mentoring young participants and getting more involved with the team.  “There are a lot of people that have similar experiences to me but just haven’t given back to the youth. I think there is a lot of key information that young people need to know right now and I want to keep giving that support.” 

“The team is great, the people I work with are great, and the work we are doing is really great. This is one of the best jobs I have ever had.” 

ACE provides support to young participants within the community suited to their individual needs. When McCarthy explained what he believes ACE brings to the community it serves, you witness his passion and energy for making a difference within society for young people. “It is providing young people with options. Digging in to try to help them with what they want to do and support them in ways they may not have had otherwise.” 

McCarthy stated: “It could be seen that there is a progressive cycle for young people not knowing where to go or know what is on offer. Children are the future. If we can challenge these ideas, open up conversations, they may go into a situation with a different frame of mind. It is important for that intervention.” 

There are instances where McCarthy has witnessed young people grow and develop self-belief during their conversations. “It is also essential to me to let them know that what I am saying is just an opinion, they do not have to listen if they do not find it useful, but if they do – then take that on board and implement in their own way. Getting them to use their initiative because they knew it all along.” 

From developing his skills and relationships within the mentoring services, it has made McCarthy realise that is he a helpful person, that he is not just doing it for a job, and he likes the person he has become over this time. 

McCarthy is now in a place where he is creating a new sound and new music. Perfecting what he does and what he wants to do in the future. He clarified that he wants to focus more on his message and his character, rather than the sonics that are within the tune. I witnessed the delight on his face when explaining his new path and change in genre, but mostly he is excited about spending time with his daughter – “Everything is going to be about her now. I am 100% in the baby bubble.” 

Thank you Javeon McCarthy for having this interview with ACE. 

Handles –

Instagram – @javeonmusic

Twitter – @Javeon

Article Written by Lucy Caswell.

Young artist Xyzelle at St Pauls Carnival for Aspiration Creation Elevation

Cherishing the Little Moments.

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Young artist Xyzelle began her singing/songwriting journey at the age of 10 when she moved from the Philippines to Bristol. Attending ACE’s “More Than Music Sessions” from 2016, she showed she had a striking passion for music and intention to learn new skills within the industry.

As a result of her dedication she’s achieved an Arts award, released her work on different platforms, and been booked for numerous paid performances. Whilst developing her skills and gaining experience as an artist her future is looking brighter than ever. She caught up with us at ACE over Zoom, on 23rd June 2020, just before her most recent single “Pretty Mary” was released on all major platforms. 

(Image from Xyzelle’s Instagram.)

Her music brings a fresh vibe of soul, trap, and hip-hop to the scene. With a strong passion for songwriting, she has a desire to present pureness and emotion through her lyrics. She told us, “If I’m to be remembered for anything I want it to be that I am a singer who has written with vulnerability to the point where it helps people. I put emotion in my songs – and I want to be remembered for how I portray myself in these songs.” 

Xyzelle gets inspired by beautiful things. Those little moments that sometimes get unnoticed. She cherishes those moments and sees the beauty in everything. “So if I see something pretty and I feel something on the inside I can go and write creatively. Of course, beauty is subjective – but say I am with my friends enjoying life then these moments spark my inspiration. Seeing beauty in pure moments.” She may go through difficult situations and experience different things throughout her life but she intends to not to go through them in vain and try to turn those moments into something good and to allow her audience to witness the healing process. 

(Click here to listen to Pretty Mary!)

“Pretty Mary”, created by Xyzelle and Mr. W.O.T was released on 25th June 2020. The project had been in motion since 2019 meaning the music video that was released to accompany the track is an accumulation of clips filmed throughout the year. “As an independent artist sometimes things do not go your way, which has meant I have had to adapt to different situations. But the single is now finally ready to be released!” She explained to ACE before the drop. 

Her inspiration for Pretty Mary was down to one of her mantras in life which is that young people should chase their dreams before chasing any form of relationship. “I would like my audience to listen to the track and relate to it in some way, whilst having fun. I feel the young should chase their dreams before chasing any kind of relationship which could potentially distract them from their dream.”

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Javeon McCarthy, one of our Creative Guidance Mentors, has been working with Xyzelle within the Pushing Talent programme run by ACE. He told us “When I first started working with Xyzelle she had a very good idea of the things she wanted but just needed a little assistance achieving her goals. One thing I’ve learned about Xyzelle, especially over lockdown, is her drive, she soaks up information given to her or demonstrated and makes it her own.”

If she keeps up this momentum, Javeon believes that we can all expect to see some big improvements in the way of traffic, opportunity, quality in sound, and visual representation. He tells us “I am proud of how she has been developing as an artist outside of our sessions and I look forward to seeing where she takes things next.” 

ACE provides young people within the community support and guidance in a safe environment. Xyzelle believes, “ACE gives really good advice which greatly benefits the community. It is a choice for people to go and get that support. It has definitely helped me, and I know a lot of other people it has also helped. As a young artist, I don’t have the finances to pay for studio equipment and space each week which ACE provides. Nowhere else offers this to the youth of Bristol”.

Her best memories from whilst being with ACE consists of being part of the St Paul’s Carnival Youth Anthem and performing at the BBC Music Introducing Live. She says… “It was so beneficial to me. To be able to perform in front of that many people, and learn so much.” 

(Click here to see Xyzelle at the BBC Introducing Live event!)

BBC Introducing held a music industry event in London in October 2019, which as part of the Making Tracks Partnership and ACE was able to get involved. A fantastic opportunity for young people to network and share experiences within the UK music scene.  “I wasn’t even meant to perform but I just ended up with the mic! It was such an amazing experience.” Said Xyzelle.

Xyzelle’s drive and passion for progress within the music industry shine through when speaking with her. Her end goal is to be able to do what she loves and enjoys most in life. Asking her what she is most looking forward to once lockdown is over she said,

“I can’t wait to go to a proper studio – and record all the songs that I have been creating whilst being at home. I just love songwriting – so that is how I have been keeping myself busy and that is the first thing I want to do when this is all over”.

Written by Lucy Caswell, the Marketing Assistant at ACE.

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Protest advice

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A message from our Managing Director, Darren Alexander:

On behalf of the ACE family, I would like to share how saddened, hurt and angered we are by the institutional racial oppression that continues to breed in the world. The brutality that has taken place recently, and historically, adversely affects us all as members of the human race and needs to be addressed for the betterment of humanity.

I believe I speak for the young people and communities we serve when I recite the words: injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere, and we will not sit back and allow the evils of this world to out-shadow the right for each and every one of us to live safe, purposeful and happy lives.

From adversity comes opportunity, and together we will prevail.

Bless

Building Bridges

Building Bridges

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At ACE, our Creative Guidance Mentors are skilled, supportive, and embody the relevant life-experiences to be positive role-models within the communities we serve. We believe it is important to offer services that are set to meet the individual needs of young people, to help them overcome challenges and reach their potential. Their hard work and dedication to ACE are appreciated. With our growing team, we want to thank everyone involved!

Andre Currie, a Creative Guidance Mentor, wants to be remembered for being the one that made people enjoy life. To laugh and appreciate everything. Moving to Bristol at a young age, Andre has a lot of life-experiences under his belt, which he teaches the young people at ACE. Showing how to overcome certain challenges, and grow confidence within themselves and their future.

Andre doesn’t believe as though working at ACE is like the usual job environment. Starting back in 2013, Andre gets excited by the nice studio space, good vibes and worthy sessions provided throughout the day. He can tailor his destiny, and work with the young people he believes he can connect with.

“What inspires me are the aspirations of young people. Every day they show me something new. The start of 2013, I went on a residential trip with ACE, and I saw all these young people doing music every day – and then I was like, wow this is what I want to do. Music is what I want to do. I have been here ever since.”

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Andrew Gall, one of our other Creative Guidance Mentors, spends his time youth facilitating and recording music. Judging success from happiness, Andrew is most proud of becoming an educator. Being able to relate to situations and lead the youth within the community to drive success from within them. He will be remembered for putting in the extra effort to support people. Leaving an impact for a lot of individuals, that will then progress to the next generation.

“What inspires me is when people attempt to be better than what they are. Growth is a massive key to life.”

Andrew believes that the worst things within life, shape you to be the person you are today.  The extreme experiences have made you as you are. If everything is too easy, then you don’t use the high level of yourself.

“You don’t know what the light is if you haven’t seen the dark.”

Andrew Gall

Andre explains to me that – “It is about describing what the community wants, and how organisations will fit that. I think right now, the community is struggling for generational communication. What we offer is that bridge of communications, due to our work styles. We know different techniques, and we are actively adapting to change what that certain outcome is.”

The biggest value of ACE is breaking down the barriers that are stopping young people achieving their best potential. We want to be able to communicate to both the younger generation, and the older generation, about how to build those connections between them and break down challenging divides that are set in place.

Andrew feels as though, “ACE offers a different level of support. Everyone can connect with young people a lot better and stronger. The approach is different and I don’t think organisations can be on ACE’s level.”

“If your young people are a bit off the edge, it can then keep rolling on. That side of society needs to be adapted. The current state of our society I think is because of a lack of education to young people, and if that doesn’t develop then things will never change. That is why ACE offers amazing services, tackling that un-development within society.”

It is the guidance, and support from mature elders that can put positive seeds into the young people that come here. Interacting with ACE allows young people to come for support from people who know what it is like, and have experienced similar things.

“Teachers can sometimes be so different to the student, and then that is difficult to relate to- whereas if you can see a role model in someone then its more likely that things can change for the better.”

Some of our Young Participants

We love seeing the difference in individuals after joining us at ACE.

Andre: “A lot of the young people are more confident in themselves. I think we always put on young people the “big ideal circumstances”. Like, young people are expected to do all these big things, but I mainly look at the little things. Like self-confidence.”

“I like to see where this confidence has come from, I have seen a big change in a few of them. With their skills and development in the music aspect too. Now they’re popping tracks off and it is great to see. I like to see growth. Coming out of their shell. And just how they handle themselves. I have seen some young people outside of work, still dealing with situations accordingly, that they may not have done previously.”

Andrew agrees, in that –

 “I have seen a lot of development. I can see where some young people might go off in some troublesome ways, but I think that is changing to become more mature. Some troubles might still arise, yet they deal with those issued with a level of maturity with that.”

The main highlight for us at ACE is seeing the developments within young people rising. Understanding the certain direction that young people may be following, and lead them onto better paths. It is a big success to see how our young people grow, but also how our Creative Guidance Mentors grow with them. It is about building that bridge between the two and enjoying every minute of it.

Thank you for all the work and dedication our two Creative Guidance Mentors provide to us, and the young people of Bristol.

Written by Lucy Caswell. (Marketing Assistant.)

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End of Year Blog!

2019 is coming to an end, the encouragement and progress over this year has been incredible and the ACE team want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us and been involved! We have achievements from all of our young participants, awards that have been won, expanded our team, and strengthen partnerships around the city. Together, we are making a difference and building a brighter future with the youth of Bristol.

 Timeline over this year!! –

January 2019-

Thank you RUN DNB, who gave us a very generous donation! Our young participants had the choice of what they would like the money to be spent on-

New microphones! This has been greatly appreciated during our weekly sessions in the studio.

Enjoying the new microphones!

February 2019-

Being nominated for The Partnership Award 2019 by Voscur! The award recognises excellence in partnerships working and celebrating leadership in the sector! ACE got put forward for the “Bristol Youth Partnership”, with many other amazing organisations that support young people, and try help tackle issues that they are facing.  Well done the Changetheseen for winning!

March 2019-

In March, one of our young participants said…

.“ACE is a brilliant organisation within the community.  They have helped me in many different ways, such as; my inner-confidence to perform and express myself around different people. They’ve helped me to expand and progress on my musical skills. They’ve introduced me to people that’s succeeded in the music industry, and I’ve had the chance to work with them, which I am grateful for.” 

Thank you! We love hearing feedback for the young participants who work with us!

April 2019-

We had an opportunity to take a couple of our young people to Bristronica, for a “Festival of Knobs, Buttons, and Discussions over 4 warehouse rooms in the heart of Bristol.” A full day and evening of performances, workshops, panel talks and an Escher music connection showcase! We are grateful to give these new and exciting experiences to those individuals and see such passion and interest from them.

May 2019-

We had an amazing time at Love Saves The Day Festival! Some of our young people worked with the events management team, through our new Team Love partnership.

Statement from Dave Harvey, at Team Love- “It is worth mentioning none of this would have been possible without the help you guys at ACE did by linking us. Showing people who would shine with the opportunity so a big thanks to you. Look forward to the next stage.”

Working at Love Saves The Day!

June 2019-

Quartet Community Foundation created a video ACE, and what we do for the community.  We had an opportunity through music and mentoring to feed that back into young people and the community. This video is showing that, so thank you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DK_qEnxDYw&feature=youtu.be

July 2019-

Shout out to St Pauls Carnival and the partners who made it happen! An incredible day celebrating our area, as a community. All the performers set up an incredible vibe. We were at Unity Stage shutting it down! We are already excited for next year.

Unity Stage at St Pauls Carnival

August 2019-

We had a few trips during the summer for our young participants! Going to the cinema to see Fast and Furious, a snowboarding & skiing trip out, and to Thorpe Park! The programme was to provide free trips and activities so that young people can enjoy different activities throughout their summer off school! We all enjoyed it a lot.

September 2019-

We had our studio redecorated and updated with artwork taken on by one of our young participants, and @olas.art, who came in for workshop at our studio! 

New art-work in the studio!

October 2019-

Our young people had the opportunity to attend the MMG Regional Awards 2019.  Thank you to Mogul Minded Group for an inspirational evening. We had the opportunity to meet hard-working individuals, see them be rewarded for their hard work, all whilst being wined and dined for the evening!

Enjoying MMG Regional Awards.

November 2019-

ACE won a Rise Award for the “Outstanding Community Contribution 2019” We are so grateful to of won this award based on the public vote. It was a lovely evening honouring and recognising those who are also helping towards a better future in the city!

Darren Alexander with the winning award!

December 2019-

Four of the young participants have passed their Arts Bronze Award 2019! A way of celebrating their involvement, learning and accomplishments. They have allowed their arts award engagement to improve their creativity and aspirations.

Shout out to those amazing young artists for what they have achieved.

We are very pleased with how many amazing achievements have happened over this year, the future of ACE is looking extremely bright. We hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Get ready for a big one with ACE in 2020!

Written by Lucy Caswell. (Marketing Assistant.)

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Interview with Ambassador Devonta Ngozi

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Flying out the Nest.

Young Ambassador Devonta Ngozi has been involved with ACE since 2014. During that period, he studied Music Business at Birmingham University and recently dropped new EP “Miss Me”. In summer 2019, Devonta worked as part of the new Big Team Placement Programme with Team Love, in Bristol. Devonta spoke with us about the experience, and what the future entails for him.

Devonta helped manage the delivery of the emerging talent showcase for the St Paul’s Adventure Playground fundraiser, having direct contact with all the artists, and advancing the show alongside the team. His contributions were also shining at Love Saves the Day and The Downs festival during the summer months.

“My favourite part was probably networking. Meeting new people and putting faces to the name. Also, being able to see it all happen and come together. Everyone has one little job, and that was able to become something bigger. I was able to perform sometimes too, which was a nice experience.” 

The programme taught him the tricks of the trade. Whilst in the office with Team Love, he had the opportunity to experience the marketing and admin aspect of the job. Dave Harvey, organiser of the placement programme stated that “He hit the ground running, showed initiative and a desire to get on as soon as he came to us, it was great to see.” Devonta has a dream of setting up a record label for his own, creating music events around the city. With the business knowledge in the bag from his degree and the skills and networks he is developing across different platforms, the future is looking very bright for the artist. He is inclined to organising his own event in the coming months, and with the support of Team Love, he is getting some guidelines to help him through the process.

“Focusing on next year, I am doing the artist research. Getting to know peoples vibe in Bristol, seeing what is about. I know what is popping at the moment. So that is what I am focusing on. Using my platforms to reach out to people, and keeping an ear out for what is on the scene. As time goes by I’ll get a lot more responsibility and get more involved within the organisation.” 

Devonta has now become a young ambassador at ACE, where he was able to share his skills and experience with the next generation. “I know how to mix, and help out the kids, its pretty fun. I understand how they want it. Don’t need to think about it, I just know. And then yeah, I can give them any advice they might need from me. It’s chill man.”

Coming to ACE over the last 5 years has given Devonta confidence whilst producing music. “When I came to ACE and made my first song, it helped me get it on the Radio, and things like this have given me the confidence to keep going. I am now dropping two EP’s a year. Videos and all of that so, it has given me that opportunity, showing the possibility and the support that can be given to you, to get to your highest potential. It gives kids that extra push and offers you so much. Showing the standard of like, flying out of the nest sort of thing.”

Finishing the chat we had with Devonta, he expressed that whilst doing the placement for Team Love, he felt as though his voice was heard and felt appreciated for what he brought to the table.

Statement from Dave Harvey, at Team Love “He’s a top lad and it’s a pleasure to have him working with us – it’s worth mentioning none of this would have been possible without the help of you guys at ACE to link us, and to link someone you knew would shine with this opportunity so big thanks to you as well, look forward to the next stage.”

We are proud of what Devonta has achieved in his career and excited to see what the future holds for him and his music. 

Devonta’s social media accounts– 

Thank you.

Written By Lucy Caswell (Marketing Assistant at ACE.)

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An ACE interview with volunteer Trevon Layne

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Everyone has so much potential it’s just about what you’re doing with it”.

Volunteer Trevon Layne started his journey with ACE when he was just 14 years old. Returning early last year, he now has an infant son, an apprenticeship under his belt and is releasing new music regularly thanks to the ACE Docklands studio. Trevon spoke about his passion for music and why he decided to return to ACE as a volunteer.

Check out his freestyle (and his YouTube channel) here:

He said: “I’ve always been into music, but back then it [ACE] was just about socialising and what not. And then, it’s quite funny actually, about 2 years ago I started recording at a studio in Bristol, but, it just wasn’t… The quality wasn’t there; the people were just in it for money. Well that’s what I felt like anyway. Me and my missus were having a chat about it and she was like ‘go Docklands, go Docklands’, so I finally got the courage to come down. And yeah, I guess it’s been history since then, I always come, I just love it.”

Initially, Trevon returned to the Docklands studios to record his new music in a place he trusted, as well as developing his production skills. But soon, MD Darren Alexander encouraged him to get more involved and become a permanent part of the ACE team. “I had been coming here, Since around September last year, making music and sort of hanging out. After that, as I was coming more and more, I started learning how to do more production work and also how to record myself fully, more tricks and what not. And then from there I started recording for other people too. It’s just nice to see that what you’re doing is helping others, and gets appreciated.”

Speaking from his own experience, Trevon explained why he was so keen to use his music skills and get involved with ACE’s More Than Music project: “I was interested because you know young black boys basically are in such a terrible state mentally. In the sense that there is a lot of criminal activity, and a-lot of the time that whole behaviour is pushed to them. For me, I’m someone that grew up around that and I was around all the people that are in jail now and for me, I never saw that as something I wanted. I never wanted to go to jail. You know what I mean? I’m not saying that anyone wants to go to jail but I never saw myself into any of that sort of stuff even though I was around it. I guess the main reason why I started at ACE was just to help, not just the young black boys but the young kids in general. I just want to teach them what I know about music, tell them and show them that they can make something of their lives.”

 

In the short time Trevon has been volunteering, he’s developed a real connection with the young people coming to ACE on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. He said: “A lot of them are so polite, you wouldn’t think it because of the area but they’re well mannered and lovely kids. They’re smart as well. A lot of them are so intelligent, a lot more intelligent than they let on or than they think as well.”

Trevon is passionate not only about helping disadvantaged young people, but also about music and how it helped him. “Everyone has so much potential. It’s just about what you’re doing with it. I see so many people on a regular basis, and I was in their position a couple of years ago, didn’t really have a job, and didn’t really have friends. When I say friends they weren’t really friends, they were just people I used to hang around with in the wrong circles. One day I just said to myself ‘I’ve just had enough’ and I made that choice. As well, I was getting a bit of a kick up my arse from my mum. I sat down and thought ‘What is it that I actually want to do?’ I realised how much I love music and I love working with my hands so plumbing and music just comes hand in hand.”

When balancing work, home, and music, Trevon keeps music at the forefront. “I love it! Music is like my number one hobby. In the past 6 months, I’ve actually put out like 4 tracks professionally. I’m not really in it for the money kind of thing, it’s just a hobby that I really like. If I was to make money then I wouldn’t be complaining you know? It’s just something that I love to do really.”

“In terms of my overall professional goal, I think long term I’ve always wanted to have my own business, whether that’s in music or construction. Ideally, I’d love to have my own construction firm. Just doing all jobs and then get younger kids doing apprenticeships, teach them the skills so they can come into the company or start their own company. That would be my ideal end goal.”

A huge thanks to Trevon for sharing his experience with us.

 

Like what you hear? Check him out on Instagram – @_TrevOfficial and YouTube – TrevOfficial for more!

Want to volunteer with us? We’d love to get to know you! CLICK HERE to drop us an email.

Written by Lucy Caswell. (Marketing Assistant.)

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St Paul’s Carnival 2019 Gallery

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WHAT AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!! 🔥 Thank you to everyone who came to support our incredible young people perform on the #UnityStage at #StPaulsCarnival St Pauls Carnival! We had a seriously wicked time and we are so happy to be able to share some pictures with you too!

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ACE Brings you St. Pauls Carnival Unity Stage right now!

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ACE young people shutting down St. Pauls Carnival Unity Stage

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20180519 - Diversity Awards Mercure by @JonCraig_Photos 07778606070

A new nomination! Bristol Diversity Awards

Here at ACE, we have been so incredibly grateful for all of the recognition we have received through nominations and awards over the last few months. Things don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon!

The nominations shortlist for this year’s Bristol Diversity Awards, the city’s celebration of inclusivity, have been announced and we are so happy to say that we have been nominated for a Business Award for Age! 

The Business Award recognise any small or large business who have made an outstanding contribution to Bristol in the field of equality and diversity.

The third annual awards ceremony will be taking place on May 18 at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Bristol, which we will post from LIVE! So keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed for us!

The Bristol Diversity Awards started in 2017 by our friends over at BCfm Radio, and is now organised by E-Com Media. Over 30 awards covering all aspects of diversity in Bristol will be given out and winners will be voted by a specially selected panel of judges.

For the full list of nominations, visit: http://www.bristoldiversityawards.co.uk/shortlist.php

Arts Award

Our Bronze Art Award-Winning Young People

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Last Tuesday, we were so proud to watch FIVE of our young people accept their Trinity College Art Awards at the Making Tracks End of Year Showcase in Bristol! They’ve worked very hard at our Positive Paths & Pushing Talent sessions to receive this achievement. Each young person improved their music making in ways that were most engaging to them, including writing lyrics, recording songs, making a music video, making an EP and performing to a live audience. Each young person also researched an artist that inspires them, visited an event/exhibition and taught one of their a skills to someone else.

Arts Award’s unique qualifications support young people to develop as artists and arts leaders, so we are very pleased our young people engaged so well with this programme and made the most out of this experience. We see a very bright future for these young people, thanks for representing ACE so brilliantly.

ACE’s Positive Paths & Pushing Talent young people receiving their Arts Awards

 

The young people wanted to give an especially huge thank you to Darren, who helped them through this journey with his constant and genuine support. 

This work has been done as part of Making Tracks (partnership project with Basement Studios & Trinity Community Arts – funded by Youth Music). For more info about the Art Awards and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.artsaward.org.uk/site/?id=64

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YO Arts Fest: ACE performers take the stage

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On Thursday 15th November 2018, ACE was excited to announce that we had a couple of our young people perform at Paper Arts YO Fest at the Docklands, St. Paul’s. What a turn out! The hallway and performance area was packed, the atmosphere was vibing and artists were on fire!

It was a privilege to be a part of this great event, bringing together and highlighting all of the youth opportunities from across the city, hosted by young people for young people.

The one-of-a-kind evening was opened by inspiring speech from the Lord Mayor, an artist herself, who told the crowd to believe in themselves and that: “there’s no such thing as instant success. It’s a long road, there are highs and there are lows but don’t give up!”

This was quickly followed by a handful of amazing performers, including our very own Xyzelle and Delocx. We were very proud, and even made into the local news! You can read their review of the evening here: https://www.bristol247.com/festivals/features-festivals/review-yo-arts-fest/

For more about the event, have a look through our slideshow and videos that we captured on the night. For more about our talented young artists, drop us an email or a comment below! Thanks to everyone who came and support our insanely talented young people, we can’t wait to see you at the next one!

 

ace performance 3rd space third space bristol docklands youth centre st pauls full circle

Winning the St Pauls Carnival Pride Award

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If you haven’t heard already… ACE won a St Pauls Carnival Pride award last night at the PCC Awards for our work over the summer!

Darren Alexander collecting the award for ACE
Darren Alexander collecting the award for ACE

It was a team effort, so first and foremost we’d like to thank everyone who got involved and stuck it out through the record-beating, melting hot weather! We’d like to give an especially big thank you to all the young people who came and performed and supported us, without you none of this would have happened. It was really inspiring to see your hard work and dedication and we’re so pleased it has paid off.

The PCC Awards were at City Hall to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of St Pauls Carnival. It was held by Mayor Marvin Rees, the first elected black mayor in Europe! Bristol born-and-bred, he said: “St Pauls Carnival is a rightful path of passage for kids growing up in Bristol,” and we couldn’t agree more.

This year was a celebration like no other. Managing Director Darren Alexander, who collected the award, said: “Contributing to such an historical and cultural event was an amazing experience for our organisation. We were able to show the true value of the work we do with young people through this amazing project, which has created a legacy for our Carnival and our City.”

As well, we were so proud to record and produce the ACE Anthem of the Carnival called Colours of the City with our amazing young people. It was even played at the beginning of the awards which was awesome, and you can watch it here:

Thanks again to everyone who came, who danced and who supported us. We’re onto big things, we can’t wait to share it all with you.

Visit our Twitter and Instagram to see our live updates from the night too!

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Moving onwards and upwards!

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“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.”  Nelson Mandela

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