WeMakeCulture’s Young Musician’s Project supports (obviously) young musicians (13-19) to develop skills, write and play together, and take the first steps towards gigging, recording, and releasing their music. In this issue, we get to know two acts coming right out of YMP.
Rokkari
@rokkariband on Instagram
Hi! We’re Rokkari, a female-fronted, four-piece indie rock/pop band from Sunderland, aged 16-18. We formed through WeMakeCulture’s amazing Young Musician’s Project and feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive community. Thanks to YMP, we’ve achieved milestones we never thought possible, like recording at Blank Studios and supporting bands like Field Music at sold-out venues across the northeast.
Our lineup features Ava Valentine on lead guitar, Indigo Hegarty on bass and backing vocals, Caleb Adams on drums, and Olivia Rose as lead singer and rhythm guitarist. We’ve been playing together for three years, and while we don’t gig often, we’re excited to expand our live shows—stay tuned!
We’re proud of our two singles, Home and Circus, recorded in early 2023 and now on Spotify. At the moment, we’re working on new material with a former YMP alumnus and aim to release more music in 2025. YMP has been instrumental in shaping our sound, providing guidance from incredible leaders like Laura Brewis and a community of talented peers. We’re grateful to be part of an organisation that nurtures young musicians and can’t wait to share more with you. Love, Rokkari x
Jacob Said
@jacob.said.music on Instagram
My name is Jacob Said, a 17-year-old musician from Sunderland and a proud member of We Make Culture’s Young Musicians’ Project. Over the past year, YMP has given me incredible opportunities to play live, hone my songwriting, and grow as an artist.
Currently, I’m working on a project called Songs for Five, inspired by the indie-folk sounds of the 1990s and 2000s, drawing influence from artists like Bright Eyes and Neutral Milk Hotel. Sunderland has a rich musical heritage, with icons like The Futureheads and Field Music paving the way. Yet, our city’s thriving grassroots music scene, filled with extraordinary talent, remains its true beating heart.
The mentorship and camaraderie have been transformative, helping me develop as a songwriter and performer. I first picked up a drumstick under the guidance of Dave Harper, and the support from Sunderland’s musical community continues to inspire me.
