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JAM Foundation Dream

posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 07:27 PM

Beginning with nothing, it is difficult to outline what it is exactly that we would like to offer to those who come seeking our help.

When I first had the idea of the JAM Foundation, I was at Jake’s funeral, and while everybody else seemed to be a part of some group – his friends, his family, I was on the outskirts of everything and didn’t seem to fit anywhere. I decided then that I never wanted anybody to feel as alone and unsure as I did at that moment and that I wanted to keep his memory alive in my own way, whilst giving back something at the same time.

I myself have been dabbling in music for a while now, since I was about 16 and used to go up to London for auditions; but coming from a non- musical background and having no formal training (and in my instance, not even playing an instrument!!) it has been extremely difficult to achieve anything.

Music is so widely accessible these days, people have made no.1 singles in their bedrooms using commercially bought equipment and it is easy enough to get tracks onto itunes ready for download, without the intervention of record companies. There is no need for anybody to struggle anymore, and yet there are so many who are still finding it tough - the aim in my heart is to be there and be able to offer guidance and support to anybody who wants it.

To make someone’s dreams come true, no matter how big or small they are, is an amazing achievement and truly heartwarming.

Jake loved music, especially live music and festivals, and his face would light up with glee upon discovering a new band that was relatively unheard of - he liked being ahead of the pack; in everything, music, fashion, trends. And needless to say, pretty much anything that he turned his attention to, the rest of the world would follow- why should that stop now? I can see his little face now; he would be so excited at the prospect of being involved with discovering a new band!

Another aspect of the Foundation that is particularly important to me is the promotion of local businesses and venues- in the current economic climate especially. We are very lucky in the South East to have many fantastic venues and a great deal of talent at our disposal, and yet most of us are oblivious to it. I know that I personally have only very recently become actively involved in watching local bands live and experiencing them, and the venues in which they play, and I have found it a life- enriching experience. In addition, supporting local musicians is fantastic for the local economy, and is also a cheaper way to enjoy music and share in the experience, meeting more like-minded music enthusiasts which also has a knock- on effect as a large musical network is created. I would love to put Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells on the map to truly get the recognition that they deserve!!

As well as the iconic “Rock” logo, stars are a big part in the symbolism of the JAM Foundation; this is largely because they have become widely affiliated with Jake, due to the stars that he had tattooed on each wrist. Also because stars are a massive part of my spirituality, encapsulating light in the darkness, and though not always seen, they are always there – watching over us. That is what Jakey was, and still is to me; and how I would like the charity to be to those who need us. And lastly but by no means least- that hopefully we can be involved in the creation of some stars!!!

Initially the aim of the charity is to put on events, such as Affray!, our battle of the bands competition taking place at The Forum. This is to try and generate some funds for the Foundation, whilst making a name for ourselves and showcasing fantastic local talent. These events are taking place in association with some amazing and well renowned local venues and businesses, who have contributed and donated to help get us out the starting blocks.

For the rest of this year we will be focusing on building our name and putting on great events, but in the future I would like to get to a point where we could purchase some equipment that would be available for musicians to hire if they needed, and to create a JAM network whereby if somebody needed, say a drummer for a gig, then they would be able to contact someone using us and enable them to rehearse, perform or record as they wish.

I would also like to build a relationship with a local recording studio so that they could get copies of their tracks, and the dream would be to one day have a fully- functioning venue/ studio where everything could take place.

The process of working so closely with already formed bands and musicians in the first instance, means that we are constantly building a bank of talented and competent professionals who will be able to give advice – either online, or in person, when we get to the stage of working with the less experienced musicians.

Theoretically meaning, that my 16 year old self would have been able to contact the JAM Foundation and receive all of the guidance and assistance needed to fulfill her dreams!

It’s such a wonderful thing to be a part of, and whenever I have spoken to people about the JAM Foundation, it has been spectacularly well received and everybody wants to be involved. Whether that involvement is flyering for the latest event, donating help, advice, or money, or becoming actively involved with helping fellow musicians - it is all contributing towards a fantastic cause and keeping alive the memory and spirit of someone very special and truly unique.

Carli Cooper
X

Founder of the JAM Foundation
Part-time singer, full- time dreamer

Comments

Veluhu Vero

Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:28 AM

hi jake your passion for music and ur interest are awesome. i wwnt to add you as my friend. cheers to your dream