Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 11:37am

Doggen's left feeling 'blown away' by county's bands

by Kevin McRoberts

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Spiritualized guitarist Tony 'Doggen' Foster (right) was amazed after hearing some of the bands at the Glasshouse Loan Music Project, run by his cousin, saxophonist Kevin Brown.

TONY 'DOGGEN' FOSTER has enjoyed some amazing experiences and performed in some of the most incredible music venues while touring the world with Spiritualized.

So an invitation to visit a council-run music project in Alloa was hardly likely to register as a particularly exciting prospect.

But the lead guitarist admits he was "completely blown away" by Clackmannanshire's Glasshouse Loan Music Project, which encourages young bands, singers and musicians to develop their talents.

Tony was invited to visit the Glasshouse project by his cousin Kevin Brown, a former saxophonist with the Beautiful South who now heads up the highly-successful council-backed initiative.

He says it is so inspiring to see young musical talent being given such fantastic encouragement and opportunities to learn, practice and perform.

And Tony believes this unique project is something councils up and down the country should be replicating as a way of not only providing young people with the chance to make the most of their abilities, but also to help tackle issues such as youth crime and anti-social behaviour.

In an exclusive interview with the Advertiser, Tony said, "I didn't really know what to expect to find when I got here, and I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but it's completely blown me away.

"It is so inspiring. The team Kevin has put together here really know their music and are great people. You can tell they really want to be here, there's a buzz and energy, and the team believe in this project.

"The bands are amazing too. One of the first I heard was Envy and I was immediately struck by their passion. It's great that they are so into their music. They clearly enjoy what they are doing. It's not often young bands get the chance to practice using the best quality equipment, but that's what this project gives them. They get the chance to learn all the things they need to know to be musicians - how to use a PA system, working the amps properly and even socialising with people who have worked in the music industry.

"That's all part of it. I don't know of any other grassroots project offering similar opportunities which are open to all - I mean, they pay £1 an hour to rehearse, it's just fantastic. If they want to practice, then Glasshouse gives them that chance.

"I would have loved a facility like this when I was growing up.

"It's got to make a difference to young people having somewhere like this to go instead of hanging about the streets drinking, smoking pot or kicking in telephone boxes.

"That's the great thing here. I've seen the Glasshouse project for myself but I've also heard about other great initiatives to keep young people occupied at night.

"I've been told about the midnight leagues, getting kids playing football at night, it's brilliant, if we can give young people ways of occupying their time, they're less likely to be causing trouble or being a nuisance.

"More councils up and down the UK should be looking at what's happening here and learning from it."

Tony has a recording studio in Nottingham and is looking to record some of the bands from the Glasshouse project, including Twiice - South African 18-year-old twins Lauren and Olivia Comley, who arrived in Alloa from Johannesburg just a few months ago.

"When I first heard them I was captivated by their music," he said. "I love listening to them. They are a fantastic talent and could become something really big. But I've heard a load of great bands while I've been here. It's been an amazing experience and I'm delighted Kevin persuaded me to come here."

Kevin also paid tribute to the council for continuing to support the Glasshouse Loan Music Project, particularly Mary Fox and Ron Carthy, saying the project would be nothing without their support.

Kevin added, "We've got a great team working here, and they've all doing a great job. I believe some of our bands are really talented and I was delighted to get Tony to come up here to give me his opinions too.

"I just wanted someone else to give me their take on what we're doing. I always thought he would be impressed, but it was nice to hear him say so."

A number of young musicians who have attended the project have gone on to top music colleges in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle, but Kevin admits some were a little short of appalling on first hearing.

"Sometimes we've had bands come in and the noise has been horrendous. They don't know how to work the amps, they don't know what they're doing and the sound is dreadful.

"One of our bands, State of Mind, couldn't even tune their guitars when they first arrived, so I had to send them away. But they've stuck at it, and they've learned a lot. Now they are one of our best bands and I've got great hopes for them.

"That's what the project is all about. We've got great tutors holding workshops for drummers, guitarists, vocalists, working with them to improve their talents.

"It's not about them wanting to be famous. It's about getting the best out of them, being passionate about music and, above all, enjoying it."