LAUNCH OF PLATFORM 4 RECORDING PROJECT@ LEIXLIP LIBRARY

The launch of Platform 4 Recording project took place in Leixlip Library on Thursday 11th December 2008. 
The establishment of the Platform4 Recording project @ Leixlip Library is part of the music development programme set out in ‘Making Inroads: An Arts Development Plan for Kildare County Council 2006-2011.  

The programme is supported by the Library Service, through the use of the recording facilities, and also the support of the staff team in the Library.  The Music Programme is funded by the Arts Service of Kildare County Council and the Arts Council. 

The ‘Platform’ Music Development programme has included
•  Songwriting workshops with well known Irish singer/ songwriters The Walls, Mundy, Declan O’Rourke and Ollie Cole;
•  Battle of the Bands competitions for Kildare bands to play at the Oxegen Music Festival in 2007 and 2008 (Miracle Bell and My OK Hotel 2007, Kill City Defectors and Schmackey and the Salads 2008)
• The Platform4 Recording Studio @ Leixlip Library aims to provide mentoring and                                                                            recording facilities, for emerging musicians, in Kildare and beyond.

Speaking at the launch of the Recording project, the Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Senan Griffin complemented the programme for its emphasis on ‘mentoring emerging musicians’, and the ‘process’ of recording, enabling musicians to make the most of their studio time.  This approach sets Platform4 apart from commercial recording studios. 

The emphasis on mentoring emerging musicians is something that attracted House Engineer, Paul Dowling, to the project.  Paul is a freelance recording/mixing engineer, who is well known in the field and has worked on national and international projects including Electric Picnic ’08. 

Addressing the audience, Cathaoirleach for Leixlip Town Council, Colm Purcell, stated that he was delighted that the Platform 4 project was based in Leixlip, which should act as a resource for bands around the Leixlip area.  He noted, however that the studio has broad appeal and is currently being used by Newbridge band Schmackey and the Salads. 

Arts Officer for Kildare County Council, Lucina Russell explained that the Music Development programme sets out to provide opportunities for emerging musicians that would not otherwise exist.

Guest performers at the launch were upcoming Irish band Ham Sandwich who played an acoustic set in the intimate gallery space.  They dedicated the last song of the evening to the success of the studio.

The facilities in the Platform4 Recording Studio @ Leixlip Library are offered at subsidised rates of €300 per day (2008-2009).  This price includes use of recording facilities and a sound engineer.  Profits from the Studio will be use for the Music Development programme 

An annual Bursary Award for recording time will be offered to musicians living in, or from Co Kildare in 2009.  Details of this will be announced early in the new year. 

For further information, contact Kildare County Council Arts Service, 
Tel:  045-448328, Email: arts@kildarecoco.ie Web: www.kildare.ie/artsservice