A Soundcastle workshop

Meet Rachael Perrin from Soundcastle

Soundcastle is a Hastings-based creative music-making social enterprise which supports the development of wellbeing, confidence and resilience in communities. On Friday 20 March Soundcastle will be running an “Innovation through Improvisation” workshop at the AltPitch festival’s The Platform one-day conference. HOT’s Erica Smith asked director Rachael Perrin to tell us more about what Soundcastle offers.

Who does Soundcastle work with?
We offer training in creative music-making to arts facilitators, educators and practitioners and coaching to creative start-ups seeking to increase their social impact. We specialise in working with families in challenging circumstances and adults on a journey of mental health recovery.

How long have you been working in this area?
The Soundcastle team have been working together since 2009 and individually since around 2005. We met doing our Masters in Music Leadership at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and now have hubs in East London, Bristol and Sussex.

What will happen during your workshop at The Platform?
Business and creative music-making both depend on innovation and improvisation. Entrepreneurs and musicians must be agile, with the ability to innovate and create new ideas in order to thrive. At our workshop you will have the chance to connect through sound creation and explore essential collaborative skills from a totally new perspective!

What are you looking forward to most in connection with the AltPitch Festival?
Meeting other artists, creatives and entrepreneurs and hearing their thoughts on how we can explore positive use of digital tech to connect communities and make positive social change.

What role does digital technology play in your life?
In my personal life, it is how I stay in touch with friends who live in other parts of the country and also arrange local meet-ups. Professionally, it is essential for Soundcastle because we have hubs in East London, Bristol and the South-East. We use it for all planning/project management and company development meetings.

What are the most important advantages digital technology bring to people’s lives?
The first thing that comes to my mind is communication. I think there are also challenges with digital communication, however this is an incredible asset in many ways.

What are the most dangerous aspects of digital technology?
I think that some people use it to create a false reality. To be unkind or to spread negativity. It can be manipulated and controlled to create stories for political gain. I am aware that it can also be physically damaging to our bodies and minds.

Are you more excited or more worried about the development of the digital technology? Why?
I would say that I’m more excited because of the possibilities it can have to connect us and improve access and inclusivity for all.

How long have you been based in Hastings – and what are your favourite/least favourite things about the area?
I have lived in Hastings for four years, having moved from Pevensey (via 10 years in London!). I love the energy of the people that I meet. It’s a creative and open town and I constantly feel inspired and challenged by the community here. I also adore seeing the sea every day and being able to walk everywhere! I dislike seeing people struggling and this provides further motivation to grow Soundcastle and support people to find their creative voice and personal possibilities.

If you would like to attend the Soundcastle workshop at The Platform on 20 March, booking in advance is recommended – have a look at the programme for the day and book your tickets here.

You can  find out more about Soundcastle on their website.

Also in: Music & Sound