This phase of the partnership has seen a new studio build-out in their King George Hostel, along with additional funding and in-kind donations of music equipment over the course of 2021.

The SoundHouse Project is part of a dynamic programme at Single Homeless Project (SHP), The Opportunities Programme. This offers collaborative and creative ways for people experiencing homelessness to take an active part, to learn, share and grow through a range of social and cultural activities.

SoundHouse facilitates positive experiences for people improving confidence, self-worth, and mental well-being. It identifies and supports individual projects and facilitates collaboration, it enables people to feel part of something, take on roles, responsibilities, and ownership. This helps to express and hear themselves, to identify their own and others’ strengths, and support each other’s growth.

The Joe Strummer Foundation Studio is a welcoming and inspiring space that will help support the Soundhouse Project in its mission and its residents to explore their creativity.

“Working with the team at the Joe Strummer Foundation during the last year has been truly inspiring. From formulating plans for the future, providing essential funding, and refurbishing the studio space, we at SoundHouse appreciate the dedication and hard work. The transformation of the studio space has created an environment suited for creativity and we look forward to working together on more future projects too. Much love.”

Jassen Summogum, Team ROC Worker at King George gave us a first-hand account of what it was like during the studio buildout.

Gordon, artist extraordinaire from the Joe Strummer Foundation came over the course of 12 days in December 2020, and visually worked wonders in King George’s music studio. Gordon was attentive, and an excellent collaborator who was passionate about listening to residents, and staff needs, and most of all visually transforming the space in the best way possible. From the record wall stands, sticker light shading, the awesome paint job in the pool room, to the striking print image of Joe Strummer himself, has brought to life the music studio, and central resident activity area.

I am personally so excited about the possibilities of what can be achieved this year in the studio, having space which feels welcoming, and inviting is so important to making residents and artists feel welcome and comfortable to create music.

I am also really looking forward to the next phase of funding, where we can see more high-quality instruments, equipment, and training/facilitators put in place.

We are so grateful and immensely appreciate all the work and funding Joe Strummer Foundation has put in, I am certain their contribution will be a legacy that endures at King Georges.

– Jassen Summogum

Words from Robert Gordon McHarg III

The Joe Strummer Foundation supports great causes and the Soundhouse Project in Westminster, London is one of them.

Jamie asked me last October to go and meet the fantastic team at King George’s homeless hostel as the JSF wanted me to help redesign a tired-looking Recording Studio and DJ Room, the remit was to create an inspiring environment for their residents to use – I said yes, adding a “facelift” for the Recreation Room too!

Visual ideas came about, stuff was ordered, paint was mixed, tools gathered, and in early December, when lockdown restrictions were eased, I worked onsite, painting and fixing up the three rooms which were finished on 22nd December.

My goal is always to try and channel a bit of Joe into these spaces and hope it helps the creative endeavours of the people who will use it, long after I have left. I am proud to have worked with TJSF on a few of their Studio Projects and every time it gives me a good feeling that they support such noble causes. Music can make a difference and it does! These Studios are really appreciated by those who use them.

A few thank you’s are in order…to Rob Walsh – SHP and all the staff at King George’s, Mister Wim for his iconic stickers. I asked a few friends to donate some records to the DJ Room, cheers to Jason – The Cumbia Kid – Mayall, Chris Musto, Eleven Mgmt, Tom Bridgewater – Loose Records, and Lucinda Tait. I will put the word out to keep on adding to the King George’s Vinyl Library.

Wishing you all…ALL THE BEST and thank you for supporting The Joe Strummer Foundation.

– Robert Gordon McHarg III

We heard from Stephen, A Project Worker from KG Hostel

To say that I’m excited to get into the studio since the refurb by the Joe Strummer Foundation is an understatement! It’s going to make a huge difference to our clients who want to reignite their passion for music and rediscover buried talents, or to learn something new that they’ve wanted to but never had the chance. This will help minds and change lives and I’m all for it. I’m excited to play music with the guys and can’t wait to see what we come up with!

– Stephen, KG Hostel

To wrap things up

The Joe Strummer Foundation is thrilled to be supporting the SoundHouse Project. In these challenging times, it Is more important than ever for people to come together and support those in need. We plan to work with the SHP to develop a high-quality music studio in their Westminster hostel.

The studio will provide clients with the opportunity to actively take part in engaging music-making sessions, learn new skills, pick up a guitar, sing, make beats, record music, improve wellbeing and build relationships.

We hope to also host workshops, masterclasses and support new and more experienced musicians in the live environment. Lockdowns and restrictions have hampered progress but we were delighted to have been able to finish the refurbishment of the studio and recreation space at King Georges in Westminster on December 22nd.

We can now look forward to seeing the new equipment arrive and getting stuck into providing workshops and helping the residents on their musical journeys.

– Jamie Webb, Joe Strummer Foundation

Thank you for reading!