A GROUP of Solihull and Coventry students has released an original single aided by a professional songwriter to raise money for a mental health charity.
Students from Grace Academy schools worked in the studio with Mark Vallance from award-winning music label Phrased Differently.
Mr Vallance helped them produce an original song called You’re Not Alone in aid of national charity, Mind.
Mr Vallance has worked with artists including R&B artist Laura Mvula, Indie pop singer Tom Walker, and Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren.
But in his collaboration with the students, he enabled them to decide which songs and lyrics would match the sentiments of their mental health charity effort.
He said: “The young people at Grace Academy are incredibly talented and professional, they’ve worked so hard and we’ve ended up with a very special song.
“I was amazed by the standard of vocalists – all of them sing exceptionally well.
“I was so impressed by their ability to write melody, lyrics, and to collaborate with each other.
“Sharing ideas can sometimes be difficult but they had no problem with it, and that’s another reason why I feel the song has turned out so well.
“The young people have written an amazing song that I hope raises awareness and lots of money for the charity Mind.”
Solihull student Notaya Grant, year eight, said: “It was a good experience. I learned more about mental health issues, and we want to inspire other people through the song.
“Taking part to make a difference in peoples’ lives and raise awareness, has made me feel good about myself.
“The song is up-beat, not depressing, and explains the positive message that people need to talk about the issue and not feel alone. It was really fun to be involved in.”
Coventry student Lucy Anstee said: “We all worked in a team to produce the song, the younger children were creative and put the song together.
“The song ‘You’re Not Alone’ stands for positive mental health and makes people aware that it affects a lot of people and that they are not alone.”
Laura Wadley, youth and community coordinator at Grace Academy, said: “The professionalism and talent the students have shown is mind-blowing. The single they have made is incredible and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
“We know that mental health touches everyone in some way, so we hope this single will be a real encouragement and show we are standing alongside these people during difficult times.
The track will be available to buy tomorrow on May 25 via iTunes, Spotify and Amazon, and is available to pre-order now by following the link: www.itunes.apple.com/gb/album/youre-not-alone-single/1387357156
