TALENTED teen musician in Winsford are getting ready to give the performances of their lives – so far.

Thanks to a ground-breaking new music programme from Edsential and The Hive Music Centre, four young bands are putting on a fantastic day of live music in December, dubbed Live@The Hive.

Since September, Edsential has been running free workshops and tuition sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays for 13 to 16-year-olds, covering all aspects of playing in a band including instrumental technique, song writing, stage management, effective communication, and even dealing with pre-performance nerves.

Northwich Guardian: Soon-to-be WInsford drum legend, Riley HayesSoon-to-be WInsford drum legend, Riley Hayes (Image: Edsential)

Live@The Hive is a chance to show off their new skills to a live audience, under the lights of a real music venue, and what’s more, it’s free to attend, and the whole town is invited.

Lead tutor on the project, Jake Barnabas, is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and teacher, and there’s not much he doesn’t know about the life of a professional musician.

Jake’s band, The Luka State, has recorded two albums, with one reaching the top 20, toured all over the world, and has appeared often of national TV.

Northwich Guardian: Back row (L to R) Georgia Atkin-Nash; Keira McGuinness; Edsential tutor, Mat Gray; Front row (L to R): Mai Lloyd-Jones; Macsen Baghurst Back row (L to R) Georgia Atkin-Nash; Keira McGuinness; Edsential tutor, Mat Gray; Front row (L to R): Mai Lloyd-Jones; Macsen Baghurst (Image: Edsential)

He’s passionate about music and its power to transform young lives for the better.

He said: “It’s so special to part of a project where the kids aren’t charged for their tuition, and results in a free celebration of local music for the whole community.

“Our sessions with the bands are really relaxed, and just like any rehearsal would be.

Northwich Guardian: King of Cool, Bobby Rawlinson (left) and would-be axe-legend, Ella ScottKing of Cool, Bobby Rawlinson (left) and would-be axe-legend, Ella Scott (Image: Edsential)

“We’ve chosen the songs and starting to deal with things like stage presence, and how the kids want to look on stage.

“You can really feel the excitement building as things are moving on.

“I’m seeing the kids learning how to take the lead in new situations. They didn’t necessarily know each other before, but they’re communicating now on a whole new level.

Northwich Guardian: Cian Riley Green has a rider in his contract stating only his head can be showCian Riley Green has a rider in his contract stating only his head can be show (Image: Edsential)

“They’re starting to critique each other, but not in a disrespectful way. It’s properly constructive, which is great for their self-confidence.”

As well as the project’s own four bands, Live@The Hive will be showcasing other fantastic local performers, all at different stages in their music careers.

The event kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, December 2, at the Hive on Market Place.   

Jake added: “We’re combining the kids’ performances with music from three great local bands who'll soon be getting booked in the big cities.  

“Finally, we’ve got my fellow band member, Conrad Ellis, lead singer of The Luka State, playing acoustic. We’ve released two albums together and toured the whole world.

“We’re trying to capture the whole journey of a musician within the acts."

Hive trustee and committee member, Damon Horrill, said: “What a joy it’s been to see and hear the young musicians busily honing their craft every week in The Hive Music Centre.

“This venue was saved from redevelopment in the hope that projects such as these might be realised.

“As the young musicians become bands, the future looks brighter for the local music scene.

“We can't wait to see them perform.”