annual review 2008 | 2009
Urban Development is the home of London’s new urban music talent. We specialise in professional development, live events and education. The UK’s moving... and with almost a decade in the game, we’re right at the forefront.
About Us 4 Professional Development 6 Events 9 Education 12 Finance 14 Partnerships 15 Marketing 16 Interactive 18 Our mission about us Through our three key themes of artist development, live events and education, we aim to: build the Urban Development is a music development capacity of the infrastructure organisation based in Stratford, East London. supporting urban music; and, We stand at the crossroads where the support young artists to prepare for sustainable careers in an industry creativity of underground music meets the where audiences have the appetite, professional music industry, and play an integral and critical faculty, to appreciate the role in the growth of black and urban music best that urban music has to offer. in London, by combining business acumen Our values with an understanding of youth culture. Urban Development focuses on the development of new music for young Programme people.We believe that: Our business plan for the 3-year period from April 2008 sets out • Many talented artists will not the following goals in relation to the programme: achieve public profile or support to develop sustainable careers Professional development without our intervention. Offer the best professional development programme for urban artists in London. • Many talented artists face barriers in accessing public funding and Live events support that Urban Development Promote live events that underpin East London’s reputation as can help demolish. the UK centre for urban music - visible, well reviewed and drawing • Poverty of aspiration, prevalent fanatically loyal audiences. in poorer communities, stunts achievement. Appropriate training Education (for instance, projects outside formal Deliver an education programme that becomes the benchmark in education structures, delivered by its field – not just for young people - but also for prospective speakers, music industry professionals and contributors, partners and funders. positive role models) can help grow aspiration and achievement.
Our vision Our vision for the next 3 years is to become recognised by young people and the music industry alike as the best organisation for nurturing and developing new urban music in London and to challenge for this position nationally.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 Team Urban Development director’s vision: Pamela McCormick, Director a new definition of urban Pamela McCormick is the force behind an urban institution. Drawing For every challenge presented, there is an opportunity for growth. on an extensive knowledge of the Understanding how to respond effectively is what separates industry, she supports the ambitions the good from the great. Success belongs to those who are of young urban music creatives while wiling to adapt. building a winning brand.
Eunice Obianagha, Professional Innovation, quality and dedication are the corner stones upon which Development & Events Urban Development has built its professional development, live events Specialising in live music and youth and education programmes. On the 20th October 2010 we celebrate events, Eunice has developed a our 10th anniversary as a music development organisation. Now, as reputation for efficiency and dedication. new artists such as Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder and MPHO mount their assault on the national charts and new technology transforms the Fusion, Editor & Head of Marketing soundscape, it is more important than ever that we reaffirm our status Resident web meister, PR guru and as market leaders. Weathering the changes has made Urban corporate marketing vanguard, Fusion Development leaner, stronger and better equipped to cater for clients, is the man with the word, web and will participants and audiences in these uncertain times. ‘Re:Definition’, to spread the UD gospel. to us, is more than an Urban Development event; it is our mantra and our response to the challenges we face. Natalie Maddix, Education Coordinator Over the months leading up to the showcase, the team took time A founding member of UD Vocal out to consider the contribution we wanted to make to the urban Collective, Natalie now provides scene that we love. Through copious meetings, studio sessions and a voice for Urban Development’s rehearsals we pushed the envelope and challenged artists to step education programme. outside of their comfort zone. Each embraced the opportunity to Jade Richardson, Professional raise the bar and create something special. Development Consultant As the A&R behind Ms Dynamite and This drive to achieve and bring out the best in others, we hope, MPHO, the founder of ILUVLIVE boasts will become our legacy. Homegrown music needs a champion credentials that speak for themselves. and we are happy to take up the mantle in classrooms, seminars, live music venues and any other place where quality music matters. Sherelle Mckenzie, Vocal Tutor Implementing such initiatives is never an easy undertaking. Seeing the Sherelle is a vocal powerhouse, tutor reaction from artists, audiences and our peers makes it all worthwhile. and one of the founding members of UD Vocal Collective. Pamela McCormick Director Wonder, Lead Music Production Urban Development & Djing Tutor He’s made hits for Kano, toured with Dizzee Rascal and delivered a heavy producer album in the form of ‘Welcome To Wonderland’.
Extended Family Urban Development also works with a team of experienced music industry professionals as artist tutors including Audley Anderson, Daniel Thomas, Darren Martyn, Don-E, Randolph Matthews and Shola Ama.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 Participants commented: professional development I rated it 10 out of 10! I really enjoyed the Real talent needs back up, and we’re the show at the end. best people to provide it. Our programme of mentoring, seminars and youth initiatives shows Industry Takeover our commitment to supporting homegrown talent taught me that it takes and helping emerging professionals to navigate time and a lot of hard the highly competitive music industry. work to get famous. Wendy Zadigue We offer… Music industry seminars It was a once in a UDiscuss seminar attendees learn the business behind the music from key players from the industry. lifetime opportunity to get helpful advice Documented record label and ask one-on-one Documented is Urban Development’s very own imprint, dedicated to established artists who require an open-minded A&R policy for questions with some their work and the resources to record, release, rehearse and tour of the biggest names exceptional music. in the industry. Work experience William O Our work-based learning programme includes internships providing successful applications opportunities to become apprentice tutors on our education programme, volunteer for live events and work from the This is exactly what office on administration, projects and marketing. is needed for our Street Symphony urban industry – This innovative programme provides young people with a unique knowledge, inspiration opportunity to take control of their own youth showcase. and aspiration. Mentoring by music industry professionals Naomi E Our team of professional mentors provide industry support to cater for the specific needs of artists.
Industry Takeover – seminar & showcase Our essential all-day seminar and showcase offers edutainment and networking opportunities to hundreds of music industry-minded youth from across the capital.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 Industry commented: Signs of Success
The next generation Urban Music Bursary spoke to us and In 2008/09 we secured a contract to deliver the mentoring strand of the national Urban Music Bursary scheme on behalf of the BBC challenged the Performing Arts Fund. 17 emerging entrepreneurs were supported status quo... through between 14 - 28 hours of mentoring by industry professionals. Jasmine Dotiwala Industry professionals engaged as mentors included leading UK MC Senior Producer Kano, Twin B (BBC 1Xtra DJ), music journalist Chantelle Fiddy, Felix MTV Base Howard (Head of A&R EMI Music Publishing) and Sasha Nixon (Head of Music Partizan Entertainment). Participants included thecocknbullkid who has signed to Island Records and Adetokunbo ‘T’ Odeyola, co-founder of Black Grape Productions, whose artist Yolanda Brown won a MOBO in the Best Jazz category in 2008.
UDiscuss music industry seminars We delivered six UDiscuss music industry seminars at The Roundhouse Urban Development as part of the Association of Independent Music’s London Connected has proved friendly, programmed, funded by the London Development Agency. dependable, Industry professionals engaged as seminar speakers included Trevor imaginative and Nelson, Jasmine Dotiwala (Senior Producer MTV Base) and Ray Paul dedicated, helping us (Executive Producer BBC 1Xtra) 198 emerging industry professionals were supported across to shape and deliver the six seminars a clear and practical The demographic breakdown of participants was 80% BAME, scheme using their 75% 14 – 25 year olds wide connections Industry Takeover and knowledge of the We were invited to be part of the Hackney Music Cluster urban music seminar project. We delivered a day-long market place, seminar and urban music sector. showcase at Stratford Circus on Jan 31st 2009. Miriam O’Keeffe Project Manager Industry professionals engaged as seminar speakers included BBC Performing Arts Fund Ras Kwame (BBC 1Xtra DJ), Hattie Collins (Editor RWD), Justin Stennett (Executive Producer Channel 4’s interactive TV show Dubplate Drama) and Kehinde Olarinmoye (Warner Chappell Music). 261 emerging industry professionals were supported through workshops, seminars and showcasing. The demographic breakdown of participants was 70% BAME, 75% 14-25 year olds.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 Case study: Future plans MPHO Documented MPHO is one of Urban We are currently working with our industry advisory team on a new Development’s success stories. model for supporting black and urban artists via Documented as Recently signed to EMI/Parlophone, a digital record label, publishing company and mentoring, as well she is a genre-defying singer, as providing support to local emerging music practitioners for the songwriter and producer with development of a music hub in Newham. enormous global pop potential. We plan to… “I couldn’t define myself via all the Release one compilation album per annum that showcases the other genre options available; I’m cream of emerging talent not hip hop, rock or R&B, and I don’t make grime or garage or break- Publish 6 singles beat,” stated MPHO in a recent RWD interview. “When you’re an artist, you want as many people as possible to Industry Takeover / new London 2012 hear what you do and have access Skills Fund programme to the thoughts that you put into your songs, and I guess pop music Work experience does that.” We will offer eight 12-week internships in administration, projects and marketing to support the progression of young people to employment Urban Development‘s support as well as volunteering opportunities on events, youth steering group during her critical early stages and as apprentice tutors. of development gave MPHO the space and confidence to fend Industry Takeover off preconceptions and dip into Due to popular demand, Industry Takeover will return with a series a variety of soundscapes. of events designed to empower the next generation of music industry leaders. “Urban Development signed me and we did the Documented EP and then Industry Takeover – Seminar & Open Mic they helped me move onto Wall Of These sessions are designed by our youth events team to provide Sound,” says of the Stratford, London essential industry information for those who want to take music based set-up. “Urban Development business aspirations to the next level. helps people to see the bigger picture, with workshops, seminars We plan to… and courses and all for free.” Provide industry advice and networking opportunities Today, MPHO’s forthcoming Open mic for artists ready to show and prove skills ‘Pop Art’ album is one of the most exciting releases of 2009. Industry Takeover – Showcase This event is organised and run entirely by young promoters and event managers.
We plan to… Provide a platform for emerging artists Invite guest headliners Profile open mic winners
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 ILUVLIVE is one of the events cutting edge showcase nights for new UK urban We produce a regular programme of showcases, music. If you’re trying to festivals and live events, including Re:Definition break a newcomer, it’s and Unplugged Sessions. We aim to help develop essential to get them on a vibrant UK music scene and ensure that fans of this night. Commercial urban music have access to the best and most diverse live entertainment. pop industry people look to ILUVLIVE for Our events include… tip-offs and take it Re:Definition very seriously. Catch homegrown heroes collaborating with artists from the other side of the genre divide. Rich Castillo, A&R Manager (26 Ent) Unplugged Sessions ILUVLIVE is a crucial Find respected artists performing alongside hot new rising talent in stripped down sessions that highlight the true strength of good night as it covers an songwriting and vocals. area of music which Youth Showcases is underrepresented, Discover the best new talent from the next generation of MCs, ILUVLIVE will continue singers, musicians and creative performers. to be a conspicuously ILUVLIVE well attended and One of the UK’s premier homegrown live music events, ILUVLIVE helps performers present their artistry to music industry virtuosos, appreciated evening. journos and fans alike. Partnership project with Jade Inc, Impact Joseph Kentish, A&R Universal Ventures and Ras Kwame.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 Case study: Signs of success Roachford & Guests @ Unplugged Sessions Core programme at Stratford Circus We delivered 3 Unplugged Sessions with a total audience of 603 Excerpts taken from a review of The (65% capacity)’ and 4 youth showcases with a total audience Unplugged Sessions by respected of 1,138 (74% capacity) music writer Matilda Egere-Cooper Artists included: Roachford, Bryn Christopher, Ghetts, Kerry Leatham, (The Independent): Ms Dynamite, Donaeo and Bashy “Tonight’s starring cast of Urban Demographic breakdown of artists and audience: Artists 81% BAME. Development’s Unplugged Sessions Audience average 76% BAME, 67% 14 – 25 years are rightly unique and exciting, especially main player Andrew ILUVLIVE Roachford… he’s in outstanding In 2008/09, we presented an expanded live events programme, form, rollicking around the stage including a regular series of industry-friendly showcase events. to the funky chords of ‘River of Love’, We delivered 7 regular ILUVLIVE music industry showcase events at egged on by the cheers of this Favela Chic and 3 ‘specials’ at Cargo, with a total audience of 1,772 300-strong crowd... it’s hard to deny exceeding projections by 77% Roachford has once again done the UK soul scene some justice.” Artists included: Taio Cruz, Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder, Sway, Ms Dynamite, DJ Ironik We showcased 75 emerging artists Demographics of artists and audience: Artists 78% BAME, Audience 70% BAME All events were filmed and broadcast on The Lick on MTV Base Several ILUVLIVE performers have subsequently signed major label deals including Tinchy Stryder (Island), Chipmunk (Sony) and Mz Bratt (Universal)
Emerging Proms at Roundhouse We were commissioned by The Roundhouse to programme a showcase to reach a young urban demographic as part of their new Emerging Proms project. The night featured Shola Ama, Donaeo, Faith SFX, Andreya Triana, Wretch 32 and UD Vocal Collective.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 10 Such an enlightening Future plans show of great British ILUVLIVE music industry showcase events. talent. All support acts We will programme a regular monthly showcase. were high class, and Stratford Circus live music programme the whole night was We will produce youth showcases events in partnership with DV8 a joy to behold. Training and Rinse FM and will offer programme for festivals such as London Jazz Festival, East and Create, including a series of acoustic ‘Unplugged Sessions’ featuring the cream of UK talent. I discovered new acts to Google – will be Additional programme Special events as part of the London Jazz Festival, Create and East buying a couple of such as Re:Definition on 23 July 2009 new albums next year! MOBO showcase tour in partnership with the MOBO Organisation and the PRS Foundation is currently in development Artists and performers We are planning a special event to celebrate Urban Development‘s of British urban origin 10th birthday on 20/10/2010. need to be given a chance to show the extent of their talents. Very high standard and great host! Good value for money. I discovered three talented raw acts, who have yet to be fully discovered. We need to show more support to acts like these... Audience members at Unplugged Sessions
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 11 Case study: Shemika Abraham education
16-year-old Shemika Abraham first Urban Development is committed to developing came to Urban Development as innovative courses for young singers, songwriters, a student on the Lister Live Record Label Project, taught by Audley producers and musicians. Catering for beginner Anderson and Tony Nwachukwu. to advanced level learners, we provide access to professional tuition and industry-standard She had previously participated in several theatre productions but saw equipment to compose, perform, and record the record company project as a quality urban music. good opportunity to improve her vocal technique, performance skills We offer… and gain an understanding of the music industry. As one of the CEOs UDevelop: Production & DJ & Vocals for Lister School Records Shemika Rolling programme of Bronze and Silver Youth Arts Award accredited has had the opportunity to showcase short courses bridging the gap between the streets and the industry. her talent as a singer, host and group leader. UProgress: Record Label Project for Schools Out of school hours curriculum enhancement project, accredited Shemika is also an original member to Bronze Youth Arts Award standard, providing participants with an of the UD Vocal Collective. This has led understanding of making and promoting music in the current industry. to more opportunities to perform and Designed to complement delivery of the Creative & Media Diploma. improve as a singer songwriter. She returned for the second season as a UD Vocal Collective junior mentor, offering guidance and Offers singers an opportunity to meet and collaborate with support to less experienced vocalists. like-minded vocalists, record in a professional studio environment; develop songwriting, vocal and performance skills, work with a range Based on her experience of of exciting producers, perform new material at high profile live events working with music industry and receive mentoring and tuition from respected industry figures. professionals, Shemika’s motto is simply – aspire to inspire. Special Projects Partnership projects combining music, dance and film in fresh and “It is great to have people to look exciting ways. up to that have experience in the industry,” says Shemika. “It inspires me to be better.”
With Urban Development’s assistance, Shemika gained work experience at Streetlife FM and has since landed a much coveted breakfast show slot on community radio station Rinse FM.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 12 This doesn’t feel like Signs of success school because you Achievements 2008/09 programme are not treated in the Core education programme in LB Newham same ways – the Delivered 194 music workshops, training and participatory sessions tutors give you 269 participants attended music workshops and participatory sessions independence. You Number of participants aged 14 – 25: 100%; from BAME groups: are given freedom at 85%; with access needs: 0.05% UD but a lot of help. Average participant retention rate across all projects of 74% Number of new works produced: 110; performed: 26; published/ UProgress Students recorded: 110; manufactured: 2 5 youth showcases with a total audience of 1,138 Industry professionals engaged as tutors included DJ Wonder, Shola Ama, Don-E and Sherelle McKenzie Number of accredited outcomes: 41 Bronze Arts Awards (Level 1) Future plans UD Vocal Collective
Over the last three years the collective has headlined The Remix Choir; Creative & Media Diploma provided vocals for Bashy, Wretch 32 and Sincere, rocked festivals Urban Development is now working from Rise to The Mayor’s Show in Newham and performed alongside in partnerships with schools in East Donaeo, Chipmunk and Natty. London on the Creative & Media Diploma. A pilot project is scheduled 172 participants, 100% 14 – 25 year olds, 70% BAME, 5% with access needs to start in Jan 2010. 163 workshop sessions 80% of participants registered complete the project Opportunities for education Minimum of 50% of participants registered achieve accredited outcomes providers to buy our services 50 new works created, 10 new works performed The above projects constitute our core education programme in Portrait of a Nation the LB Newham and can also be Urban Development was the music partner for This Is Who We Think purchased for roll-out in other areas We Are, a groundbreaking project that combined music, dance and of London. We can also design a media to explore the history of Caribbean and African culture and bespoke project to meet the needs its impact on the UK. The project was part of Portrait of a Nation, a of providers and participant groups. nationwide initiative that explored notions of identity. Backed by a HLF grant, 50 young people aged 14-19 were recruited to research the post-World War Two migration of Caribbean and African people to East London. The project culminated in a live performance at Stratford Circus 23rd August 2008. The students also played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebration in December 2008 and were featured on BBC’s Culture Show.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 13 2008/09 income (as % of turnover) Earned income 19% finance Arts Council of England 38% Our business plan for the 3-year period from April 2008 Trusts & foundations 8% sets out the following objectives in relation to finance: Local authority 19% Other public grants 16% Ensure sustainability of the organisation through partnerships Total income 100% with our subsidy-funders Achieve growth in turnover through increasing earned income from our activities
Signs of success
In 2008/09, we…
Achieved an estimated turnover of £329,592, representing an increase of £65,904 from £263,888 in 2007/08 (24.99% increase). Generated earned income of £54,289, representing 16.47% of total income. This represents a growth of £34,617 (175.98%) from the previous year. Raised £34,748 in contributed income, £62,882 from LB Newham and £52,599 from other subsidy, making a total of £150,229 in development funding and 45.58% of turnover. This figure represents a very small increase of £889 on last year. 2008/09 expenditure The Arts Council RFO grant of £104,519 represents 31.71% of turnover. (as % of turnover) It continues to be fundamental to the sustainability of the organisation and its ability to generate and raise the additional 68.29%. The total Project staff 21% Arts Council funding, including managed funds and Grants for the Admin staff 19% Arts, is £125,074, 37.95% of turnover. Professional development 10% Live events 19% We expanded the base of our subsidy funders through successful Education programme 14% applications to Youth Music, Heritage Lottery Fund via LB Newham Marketing 4% and East Potential / East Thames Housing Group. Overheads 12% Other 2% Total expenditure 100%
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 14 Core funders partnerships Urban Development was Project funders constituted as a company limited by guarantee in October 2000. Urban Development works with a number of organisiations across Since then, we have grown to a the industry to insure that we continue to offer the highest quality projected turnover of £400k for of education for young people. 2009/10, become a Regular Funded Organisation of Arts East Foundation Council England and the PRS East Foundation was launched in January 2007 at the House of Lords. Foundation and have won the It is a charitable organisation with its own board of trustees. tender for NB Newham’s music www.east-foundation.org.uk commissioning funding. East Potential Arts Council East Potential provides accommodation, training and employment op- Arts Council England is the national portunities for young people age 16-24. We also deliver a range development agency for the arts of neighbourhood projects. www.east-potential.org.uk in England, distributing public money from Government and Newceys the National Lottery. Newham Community Education & Youth Service (Newceys) is the main www.artscouncil.org.uk provider of part-time adult education and youth services for the London Borough of Newham. www.newham.gov.uk PRS Foundation The PRS Foundation is the UK’s largest Merchant Taylor independent funder purely for new The Merchant Taylors’ Company took some major educational music of any genre. initiatives in the 16th and early 17th centuries and since then www.prsfoundation.co.uk education has been and remains a major interest of the company. www.merchanttaylors.co.uk Newham Council Newham offers enormous potential Youth Music as a place to live and work. It is a Youth Music is the UK’s largest children’s music charity, we fund music thriving area, which is undergoing a projects for children aged 0 - 18. www.youthmusic.org.uk remarkable transformation – rapidly emerging as a centre of commerce and culture. www.newham.gov.uk For delivery of the 2008/09 programme, we:
Included a wide range of industry professionals as panellists and mentors in our professional development projects and developed relationships with commercial publishers and record labels for public and private sector partnership on artist development deals Delivered the professional development mentoring programme of the Urban Music Bursary scheme on behalf of the BBC Performing Arts Fund We continue to be part of the Delivered a programme of music industry seminars as part of the partnership that programmes Stratford Association of Independent Music’s London Connected programme Circus, a National Lottery built multi-purpose funded by the London Development Agency performing arts centre in Stratford, London Borough of Newham. Through this Developed a partnership with East Potential on the UDevelop music partnership, UD participates in the Stratford production outreach project in LB Newham Cultural Forum, a network of regeneration agencies, education providers and cultural Worked with Serious on inclusion of our programme within the London organisations advocating for culture at Jazz Festival 2008 and East 2009. the heart of the regeneration of Stratford.
We continue to build links with colleague organisations such as Bigga Fish, Rising Tide and Music Matrix.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 15 Key progress in 2008/2009: marketing UD Creatives Our business plan for the 3-year period from April 2008 sets We began the recruitment process out the following objectives in relation to marketing: to build an Urban Development youth team capable of supporting Increase UD’s recognition with our key audiences the advancement of our live events, professional development and Make our online presence a first-choice destination for information education initiatives. about the UK’s best urban music and become a first-choice destination for opinion about urban music and youth culture TheUpDown in the local and national press An editorial team was recruited and developed to generate content for Work closely and follow the lead of a youth steering group to www.urbandevelopment.co.uk. develop our online, mobile presence and viral marketing strategy Social interaction and a fresher, youth appeal were central themes around the relaunched website.
Industry Takeover By expanding our promotional campaign and developing a pan-London approach to marketing, we were able to register new users and reach a demographic that was previously unaware of our brand.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 16 Case study: Signs of success William Okobi Due to high demand, Industry Takeover has expanded to include a Discovered after blogging about regular Seminar & Open Mic session, as well as an Industry Showcase, an Urban Development event, this profiling the finest homegrown talent with a live band. 18-year old scribe quickly went from attending shows to forming Make our online presence a first-choice destination for information a core part of the editorial team. and opinion about youth culture and the UK’s best urban music... His fresh writing style and unique Original news stories take on culture and music is Exclusive audio and video content indicative of our new breed of In-depth features and industry profiles online collaborators. Competitions, debates and event listings
We have built an online community of users hubbed around the “The past six months have been website. The steady increase in web traffic takes us closer to our goal awash with great opportunities and of becoming ‘the choice destination for London’s best urban talent’ experiences presented to me by with over 5,000 unique visitors per month. Urban Development. I’ve had chances to interview countless The pan-London UD Creatives team has performed advocacy duties UK artists and had my reviews for the brand at press launches, live events and the House of Lords. published online. It has really aided in developing my writing Rebranding of social networks to a professional standard. The marketing team has taken a holistic approach to our online offerings. Through intelligent integration, consistent design and a keen I’ve been given priceless experiences understanding of the ever-evolving world of social networking, we have whilst working with the team, from managed to cultivate a strong presence on platforms such as YouTube, various, eye-opening press launches Facebook, Myspace and Twitter. to seating a debate in the House Of Lords, which has opened my mind to Bulk Mailer, SMS, newsletter and an enhanced website now provide the wealth of prospects available to additional planks to our marketing campaign. me as a writer and the work behind Respected journalists Hattie Collins and Chantelle Fiddy have engaged screens and lenses, which keeps the our audiences at key seminars, while The Independent writer, Matilda urban music industry buzzing with Egere-Cooper has provided unique content for the website. fresh and exciting new things.”
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 17 urban development interactive Time to press play with Urban Development’s double disc offering Re:Definition DVD ‘Urban’ is far more than just a convenient catchall for cool. This short film, commissioned for the Re:Definition project, delves beneath the surface and unearths a world of meaning behind the simplest of words. The piece also explores the roots of Urban Development and its steady ascension in the heart of East London. Re:Definition Promo EP Boxes: great for storage, terrible for musicians who defy genre. Enter Urban Development with Re:Definition, a project that celebrates what really matters to music lovers – talent, originality and creativity. As part of Young London: Into Music for Create09’, we invited a selection of groundbreaking homegrown artists to share their passion for musical creativity through collaboration. This ‘Re:Definition’ promo EP is what happens when expressions are re:fixed, re:mixed and re:freshed. (Big thank you to all the artists, producers, engineers, managers, labels and lawyers who make this project possible.)
1. ‘UK’s Moving’ – UD Vocal Collective feat. Shezar & Ghetts UD’s vocal powerhouse Shezar leads the charge on this homegrown anthem. With UD Vocal Collective bringing up the rear and Ghetts spitting poignant bars about the UK scene, this banger is a worthy homage to the urban artists who have helped to make Britain great.
2. ‘East End Blues’ remix – Leon Jean-Marie feat. Triple Threat Leon Jean-Marie slides to the grimier side of town for this re-rub of ‘East End Blues’. This time around, Triple Threat rides the two-tone groove with tales from the belly of the East.
3. ‘Bring It Back’ – 3,2,1 UK funky goes back to the future with a refreshing take on the dance craze. ‘Bring It Back’ is set to sweep the nation, as the retro-minded get ready to dust off legendary old skool dances from the 80’s and 90’s.
4. ‘Good For Me’ remix – Roachford (Crazy Cousinz Remix) UK soul pioneer connects with UK funky’s La Familia for a dance floor filler that exudes class and club appeal. visit us online... For more information check out www.urbandevelopment.co.uk for news, course details, event listings and all Urban Development projects. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to speed on the latest.
urban development annual review 2008 | 2009 18 www.urbandevelopment.co.uk
Photography: Alexis Maryon | Adeyinka Adepitan Design: Chris the Designer Limited