Calderdale College’s music students have released a single after taking part in a unique masterclass with multi-platinum-selling American musician and producer Erik “Blu2th” Griggs as part of The Piece Hall Academy.
Erik has worked with a variety of artists across different genres, from being bass and keys player for Aretha Franklin to collaborations with Eminem as part of Dr Dre’s Aftermath production team. The masterclass was made possible through a partnership between Calderdale College and iconic live music venue, The Piece Hall.
Students aged 16-18 with a passion for making music were given a remarkable insight from Erik into how the music industry works today. Through interactive and practical sessions, the class learned the process from creating a track to getting a mix ready to share with a record label or artist.
The final piece, City Lights, is an energetic rock-pop track which was unveiled at a special Listening Party held at the Piece Hall on Friday 28 February. The event also included live performances from rising band The Caymans, a group of talented musicians from Calderdale College who contributed to the production.
A member of The Caymans and vocalist on the track, Alistair Bentley, said: “This has been a truly memorable experience, working with and learning from an iconic international musician. Erik had so many stories and secrets to share, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to be part of the masterclass.”
Erik “Blu2th” Griggs, said: “Don’t tell me there are no songwriters in Halifax! Hats off to my students and fellow writers of City Lights. It was a pleasure writing it with you and producing it.”
The week-long masterclass took place at Calderdale College’s on-campus state-of-the-art recording studio in Halifax. In addition to releasing a track, the students have walked away with valuable experience that they can take with them after leaving College.
David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they’ve put into creating City Lights. This project showcases not only their talent, but also the real-world experience they’ve gained through collaboration with an industry legend. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when passion and education come together.”
Profits from City Lights will be donated to provide aspiring professionals with training and access to studio time. The funds will also contribute to the full production of music projects, from recording, mixing and mastering, to packaging and multimedia development.
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL said: “This is what it sounds like when Halifax meets LA! What a moment for The Piece Hall Academy and the young people lucky enough to spend time learning from, and with, a master producer.
“It was a real pinch me moment when we welcomed Erik to run our first free masterclasses last year and give these students a taste of real-world artistic practice. This project is testament to what can happen when we work together and my deepest thanks to Calderdale College, Calderdale Music, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and of course to the man himself – Blu2th.
“The track is truly fantastic, and I hope they’re all as proud as we are seeing it on full release on the world’s biggest streaming platforms.”
Calderdale College is the largest provider of further education in Calderdale, engaging around 5,000 learners. It is currently ranked the best college in West Yorkshire for achievement of students of all ages.
