At the start of March 2024 , More Music celebrated International Women’s Day with the Spring edition of our Girls Can series.

Championing women in music to create a more equal music industry, Girls Can supports an ever-growing group of girls and non-binary people.

Through the project, young people have the opportunity to form bands, develop as artists, network, build skills in sound, lighting and studio engineering as well as develop confidence and music industry knowledge.

The weekend saw the return of Dead Sheep, Inc Yellow and Pedros Paella, bands who have formed over the past year as part of Girls Can and are now established and building a following.

Hot off the back of performing at a sell-out gig supporting Loose Articles at Lancaster Music Festival, the bands spent the weekend focusing on honing their songwriting skills and writing new material for the summer season.

We also welcomed new participants at the start of their musical journeys, who explored themes patriarchy and the gender pay gap to write their first original song!

The heart of Girls Can is rooted in inspiration and possibility. Exploring how we can support more young women and non-binary people to take up space in the industry is key and this includes working with inspirational artists and industry professionals.

As part of the March weekend, we were joined by very special guest mentor Lily Carassik. Composer and session trumpet player, Lily has recorded and played artists such as Rita Ora, George Ezra, Brain May, Soul II Soul, and Becky Hill. She has played in some of the biggest venues around the world like Wembley Stadium, The Pyramid Stage – Glastonbury and the O2 arena.

The group had the opportunity to chat with Lily about her career and life experiences.  From growing up in Lancaster and coming to More Music as a participant through the performing at Glastonbury and working with Brian May from Queen!

Lily had lots of great tips and advice for aspiring musicians that included:

Taking opportunities when they arise
Practice and play all the time!
Play as many gigs as possible
Network
Be Kind
Develop a portfolio career so that you can play the music you enjoy

At the end of the weekend we welcomed friends and family back for a performance of the new material that had been written over the weekend.

The young people who took part in the weekend told us:
I have a lot more confidence with playing in front of others and have made a number of very good friends. The overall vibe is very positive

I made new friends and have had lots of fun

Got to work on new songs

Deed Sheep created a new composition – we discussed women in music which helped improve my understanding of patriarchy

It has improved my creative side and adapt and create music with my friends and have something to look forward to in my week

I liked the freedom we had over what we created

Maybe a bit longer!!!

We are now looking forward to the summer edition of Girls Can where bands will have the opportunity to record their material and continue to work towards gigs and festivals.