Press Coverage - Society Guardian

11.05.05

Public Inquiry

Row Cowan is the founder of Point Blank, an urban arts company which runs courses on music production for teenagers.

Why did you set up your own studio and music college?

I was a bass player with honey child, which was signed to Sony for two years, but we didn’t have a big hit and we split. Then I got a job as an engineer in a studio and became a producer, and set up my own studio.

Why the community work?

\our courses were too expensive for many young people, so we looked at providing funded courses, Organisations such as the Metropolitan police herd about this and asked us to become music partners with the Karrot Project.

What does that entail?

Taking mobile music studios to youth clubs and schools throughout Southwark, in south London, and introducing young people to music production, DJing MCing, singing and songwritting. As a way of getting them back into a learning environment.

What is the result?

27% drop in crime in the area in the projects first year, and producing the Found album.

Describe the music on Found.

British, Urban “Grimey”

Where can I buy it?

It’s not for sale. The Met used the first track, Gunz (have got to go), as the theme for an anti-gun crime conference and we’re presenting it to games manufacturers and brands to use tracks.

Does teaching Graffiti art encourage teenagers to spray point walls?

No. I don’t think it makes young people into graffiti artists. If they want to graffiti walls then they will do it anyway. We do it because its all about teaching young people art techniques in a way that is accessible.

Set a target for the new government

Every neighbour should have a music/radio station that the community can use. It would help reduce crime and nature talent.

Interview: Alison Benjamin