Celebrating Small Charity Week: The Soundroom

This week is Small Charity Week. To celebrate, each day we're going to feature a small charity and tell you about the amazing work that they do. Today's small but wonderful charity is...

The Soundroom: A Community Music and Arts Charity

Enriching Lives Through Music and Creativity

The Soundroom is a thriving community music and arts Charity located in the Bridges ward, adjacent to Teams and Bensham and based in the former Redheugh Library.

With its origins dating back to the 1980s, The Soundroom has been part of the community landscape for nearly 40 years and offers an array of arts activities and opportunities for people in Gateshead and beyond. Whatever Your Sound might be!

A History Rooted in Creativity

The Soundroom began in the 1980s as part of the Deckham Music Collective (DMC) with donated recording equipment from ArtCare Arts Project and the dispanded Gateshead Music Collective (GMC). Volunteer sound engineer Garry and a fellow DMC member set up the studio in a cupboard at the back of Deckham village hall, marking its inception. The Soundroom later moved to the Elgin Centre, supporting another community project called Route 26, where it evolved into a full community music recording studio. Supported by the council during its early years , part of the community music education services, it provided training opportunities for both young people and adults, as well as affordable recording and rehearsal facilities for community use. The Soundroom has always maintained its founding ethos as an affordable, volunteer-led organisation.

Due to its success, in the year 2000, the project moved to bigger premises at the Old Redheugh Libary , allowing for the installation of comprehensive music making facilities, including a full recording studio, live room, venue space, and several rehearsal rooms to cater to musicians and performers.

In 2014, The Soundroom reached a pivotal moment by becoming an independent charity. This change enabled it to help run and finance its charitable musicmaking projects through private hires, music recording services, and other creative ventures.

In 2019, the charity took on the responsibility for the building and maintenance with a 35-year lease through Gateshead Council.

Facilities, Services and Archives

Today The Soundroom’s facilities are not just spaces for hire; they act as a local hub for creative community engagement. The recording studio continues to offer  affordable services to individuals and groups seeking professional-quality recordings. From aspiring local bands to solo artists and community choirs, the studio has been a witness to countless creative endeavours over the years. The project holds the archives to 1000’s of community recordings from the late 1980’s to present day which the charity are busy archiving part of a Heritage project called 'Collective Sounds'.

The Live Room , Venue Space and Rehearsal Rooms

The Live Room is designed for live performance recordings, workshops, and group sessions, the Venue Space, a larger room is a versatile area that brings people together to share and celebrate music. It hosts many weekly community music groups and has accommodated everything from intimate acoustic gigs, WordBank events to vibrant community showcases. The five rehearsal spaces provide a full backline for musicians to practice and experiment. These rooms are designed to be accessible and affordable, ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage with music, regardless of their financial situation.

Community Music Sessions

At the heart of The Soundroom’s mission is its commitment to making music accessible to all. The charity runs several community-focused music sessions aimed at encouraging participation, fostering creativity, and enhancing well-being. These sessions are designed to for diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity.

•   The Soundroom Music Café’s

The weekly volunteer led Music Café is a welcoming space where participants can enjoy and perform music in a relaxed and supportive environment. While sessions are open to everyone, they are particularly popular among visitors with learning disabilities. The café serves as a testament to The Soundroom’s dedication to inclusivity and its belief in the power of music to lift your day. 

• Gateshead Youth Music Nights

These weekly sessions have run for nearly 25 years now, always providing a platform for aspiring young bands and musicians to hone their musical skills. By supporting original music through songwriting and musical development. Young people are encouraged to learn, express themselves, and share their talents with the wider community through organised gig events.

• Music and Dance Group

This afterschool session is tailored for young musicians and performers eager to explore the world of electroinc music and street dance. Through guided sessions, participants develop essential skills in music, dance and stage performance.

• Guitar Socials

For those who have always wanted to play the guitar but didn’t know where to start, Wednesday Guitar Socials offer a relaxed and welcoming setting. These sessions are ideal for beginners, providing them with the guidance and encouragement needed to embark on their musical journey.