So, last Friday was big fun. Spent the day at the fantastic Graeae Theatre in That There London for Drake Music's Laboratory Day. It was a big meet-up and jam session for disabled musicians from all over the UK. Drake Music invited around 15 artists that they keep in contact with (including me, obvs) to see what could happen when we're all in the same room. It was ace. One of those proper Aren't-I-A-Lucky-Boy days.
For those unaware, Drake Music is a fantastic charity that works to remove the obstacles that disabled musicians face. They're a seriously forward-thinking bunch. Drake aim to make light work of unravelling the problems disabled musicians face. From technology to accessibility to furthering creativity, these guys really know the issues affecting disabled musicians.
Perhaps not surprisingly, iPads were everywhere. Y'all know how much I love all things Apple. I've talked about my enthusiasm for the iPad as a music making tool before, but the Lab showed the device being used at a whole other level. The iPad is a musical instrument for many of these guys. Garageband especially is a beautifully accessible tool. Musicians with very limited use of there hands are able to play, really play, chord sequences and riffs with the Smart Instruments.
The iPad as all in one music making device is a hell of a thing. I couldn't help but think how different these musician's lives would be without the device. I've honestly no idea whether anyone at Apple honestly understands what the iPad means to people with disability. Properly revolutionary stuff.
We made much music. Aross iPads, percussion, vocals, loopers; nothing was off limits. It was massively good fun, and I really REALLY hope Drake Music are able to run more projects like this. If you were there, you know how much fun it was. And of course, it was awesome to meet y'all... :)
