Explore CUT Music
Empowering young voices through music and creativity.
CUT MUSIC - Creating an understanding of gangs / knife crime through music
Aim:
Educate and create an understanding about knife crime and gangs through music and creative writing.
Objective:
A RAP / Song to be written and recorded.
Produce a music video to promote the song and share on different social media platforms, communities & youth groups.
Purpose:
To discourage young people from joining gangs / carrying knives.
Outcome
Our young people will have learnt about the risks, dangers and consequences surrounding gangs / knife crime
They will have developed skills in:
- Song / RAP writing (Rhythm, rhyme & meaning)
- Vocal recording
- Music videos
- Communicating
- Confidence
- Interpersonal skills
- Lyricism
- Role play
- Creativity
- Performing
- Collaborating
- Patience
- Self worth
What We Do at CUT MUSIC
At CUT MUSIC, we use the power of rap and music to educate, inspire, and empower young people. Our engaging workshops provide a safe and creative space to explore important topics such as gang culture, county lines, and cuckooing, helping young people make informed choices and express themselves through music.
- Introduction & Awareness:
We kick off with short clips from our documentary CUT SHORT, facilitating open discussions and providing educational insights around gang language, exploitation, and real-life challenges.
- Freestyle Challenge:
Rob, our experienced rapper, engages the group by selecting 12 topic-related words. With an energetic beat, he freestyles live, grabbing attention and showing how powerful words can be.
- Creative Collaboration:
Young people split into groups and, using Rob’s Creative Tool, begin crafting their own rap lyrics. They collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and prepare to bring their messages to life. - Crafting the Chorus:
Working with professional artists Cherie and Mel, the group creates a catchy and meaningful chorus that ties their message together.
- Building the Track:
With beats selected, participants rehearse and fine-tune their lyrics, preparing for recording.
- Pop-Up Studio Experience:
Participants get the chance to record their lyrics in our pop-up studio, experiencing what it’s like to be in a professional recording session.
- Filming the Journey:
Throughout the workshop, we capture behind-the-scenes footage while discussing creative ideas for an impactful music video.
- Bringing It All Together:
The CUT MUSIC team takes the recordings and footage to professionally edit and produce the final music video, bringing their masterpiece to life.
- The Big Reveal & Celebration:
The journey culminates with a premiere of their music video, celebrating their hard work and creativity. Each participant receives a special goodie bag, including:
- A notebook with an inspiring message from the team
- A pen
- A small treat to celebrate their achievement
At CUT MUSIC, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire change and give young people a voice. Our workshops leave participants with newfound confidence, valuable insights, and a piece of work they can be proud of.
Voices of Change: The Transformative Impact of CUT MUSIC
Over the past few months, we’ve successfully run these workshops with various groups and the impact has been profound:
The YP have been absolutely incredible, we could never have dreamed how well they would adapt to this type of project having never rapped, sung or probably ever had this opportunity before.
Caroline Foster Police Sargent from Early Action West Yorkshire Police says,
‘The Cut Music programme is fantastic – to see how Melody and her team engage the kids, build their confidence in writing and recording a rap and video alongside educating them and having serious conversations about such an important topic (knife crime) is inspiring and commendable. The final result once again is brilliant and sends a really positive message to not only the young people involved, but their wider peer group’.
Caroline has been an amazing support for CUT MUSIC because she believes in what we are doing as much as we do so it’s great to hear how pleased she is with the project.
These projects have not only provided young people with an outlet for expression but have also opened up conversations that might not have happened otherwise.
All the feedback from our projects has been really positive. Young participants have shared how these workshops gave them a new perspective on their choices and the consequences of knife crime. Educators and community leaders have also praised the project for its fresh creative approach and tangible impact.
The work we do at CUT MUSIC is challenging, but the rewards are amazing. Every RAP written, every song recorded, and every video produced is a step towards a safer community.
We believe in the power of education through music and the difference it can make.
Our Misson
Our mission is to give young people hope for their futures. Through music and creative expression, we provide them with new tools to navigate life with confidence and a positive mindset. By addressing critical issues like knife crime, gang culture, and mental health, we empower them to see their value, explore new opportunities, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Our Vision
A future where young people are free to express themselves creatively, live without fear, and use their voices to build safer, more inclusive communities through the power of music and collaboration.
We Value
- Creativity: Encouraging artistic expression and innovation in every project.
- Inclusion: Providing a safe and supportive environment for young people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Empowerment: Helping individuals realise their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
- Collaboration: Working together with schools, communities, and local organisations to create impactful change.
- Education: Using music as a tool to teach important life skills, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
- Respect: Promoting understanding, empathy, and mutual respect among young people.
Our Promise
We promise to provide a nurturing space where young people can learn, grow, and express themselves while developing the skills and confidence to create positive change in their communities. We are committed to delivering impactful, creative experiences that leave a lasting impression
How We Do This
- Delivering interactive music workshops focused on rap, songwriting, and performance.
- Partnering with schools, police, and community organisations to address key social challenges like knife crime, violence against women and girls and bullying.
- Offering a platform for young people to share their voices through music videos, recordings, and live performances.
- Creating an engaging and relatable curriculum tailored to the interests and experiences of participants.
- Using real-life stories, education, and music as a way to inspire reflection and dialogue about critical issues.
- Building strong mentor-student relationships to guide participants in their creative and personal development.
