A FOUR-track EP featuring a prison choir has raised over £3,000 for housing and homelessness charity, Shelter Scotland.
The Changing Key project features prisoners from Addiewell Prison, West Lothian, and members of SoundRoutes choirs from Central Scotland.
It is understood to be the first time in the UK that a prison choir has released a record. The project was conceived and produced by flautist and former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Shona Brown, who runs SoundRoutes.
The four-track EP includes a haunting rendition of The Who’s ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, uplifting versions of Movin’ On Up (Primal Scream), Hard Road to Travel (Jimmy Cliff) and a House of the Rising Sun/Amazing Grace medley.
Shona Brown said: “When we started the project none of us really knew what to expect and could never have dreamed that Changing Key would be so successful and sell so many copies.
“The first day of recording at the prison was an apprehensive time for all involved but the one thing that united us was that we were doing it for charity. During the project we built a real sense of team spirit and we’re all very proud of everything we’ve achieved. The prisoners and SoundRoutes choir are delighted to make the donation of £3,000 to Shelter Scotland, a very worthy cause.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland: “This is a truly transformative project that brought together people on very different sides of the track and united them in a common purpose – singing for pleasure and raising money for charity.
“Times are hard right now with funding for our vital services constantly under threat, meaning that every penny we receive is absolutely vital. I thank everyone involved in Changing Key – the SoundRoutes choirs, the prisoners from Addiewell and, in particular, Shona Brown, for her vision, drive and commitment to make this happen.
“Every penny of this donation will go towards helping us to end Scotland’s housing crisis for good.”
The EP is available for download from iTunes and Amazon and all proceeds go to Shelter Scotland.
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Notes to Editors:
- Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit www.shelterscotland.org or call 0808 800 4444.
- Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
- Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Shelter Scotland
Email: mediascotland@shelter.org.uk
Website: http://www.shelterscotland.org
