We are thrilled to announce the launch of six music videos for ‘Round Here, as part of our work with Historic England across six of their High Street Heritage Action Zones.
In July, in Brierley Hill, musicians Chris Roberts and Zachary Lowe worked with Brockmoor Primary School to write and compose a brand-new song about the High Street.
“The Beauty of Brierley Hill” was born out of workshops between the musicians and members of the local community, celebrating aspects of Brierley Hill’s heritage: the steelworks, the cinema, the hill and the High Street.
On 10 July, the song was premiered at Civic Theatre.
Live Music Now musician Chris Roberts said: “It’s been a really interesting process writing the song. It’s the first project like this that I’ve done with a big group. Trying to find a way to allow everyone’s ideas to be heard has been really interesting. We’ve tried loads of ideas, like getting the children to write a letter to me and Zach about why we should move to Brierley Hill. We had group discussions and played some bits of tunes, and we would come up with bits of melody that we’d piece together. It was amazing how these things slotted together from the different classes, who hadn’t even heard each other’s compositions. By the end of the day, we had a fairly complete song.”
Frank Chamberlain of Brierley Hill Cultural Consortium said: “Working on this project has extended our ability to do things, by giving us a whole music programme. The children came up with these great lyrics and a tune based on their interpretation of what Brierley Hill is and it really celebrates the area in the most beautiful way.”
Emerging musician Zachary Lowe said: “My best memory of the ‘Round Here Project’ was probably the day when we got into the studio and started recording all the children and musicians. Seeing the excitement on their faces, watching and hearing them sing with feeling and emotion about their town. Hearing the song come together really made all the sessions and hard work behind the scenes worth it.”
Biographies
Chris Roberts is an innovative and exciting young guitarist whose performances have been praised for their ‘beautifully varied timbres, […] real virtuosity,’ and for being ‘simply mesmerising.’ Chris comes from Cardiff, Wales, and recently released his debut solo album ‘Adra’ on Tŷ Cerdd Records exploring the concept of ‘home’. He is excited to get to know his new home in the West Midlands through this project, and is particularly looking forward to uncovering folk songs about the area’s industrial heritage.
Zachary Lowe is a student from Dudley, currently studying Music Performance & Technology at Resonance University. Zachary is excited about this project because it offers the chance to give back to the community and help develop the musical talents of young children.
Video produced by Con Divers and Harriet Mellor.
‘The Beauty of Brierley Hill’ by Chris Roberts, Zachary Lowe and the children of Brockmoor Primary School
First the winds blew the grass on the farm of merry hill
Then the smoke billowed out of the factories and mills
From the round oak steelworks, Marsh & Baxter’s, a town began to grow
All this history around them, I wonder if they know?
Oh well, some folks smelted iron, while others worked with glass
When Oscar Deutsch set up his cinema, did he know that it would last?
And the people on the high street go about their day to day
It’s our little slice of history and it is here to stay
Where the people are like family they never let you down
So take my hand and let’s explore the wonders of this town
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
Where we go picking berries, riding bikes
Supermarkets, flying kites
Gymnastics, climbing trees
Jumping up and down on the trampoline
The beauty of Brierley Hill
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
So now come on round the market, to see what is in store
They’ve got food and shoes and vintage toys, oh who could ask for more?
And there’s Scallywags and ZigZags and so many new cuisine
While the Dell has even hosted, the interleague football team…
Where the people are like family they never let you down
So take my hand and let’s explore the wonders of this town
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
Where we go picking berries, riding bikes
Supermarkets, flying kites
Gymnastics, climbing trees
Jumping up and down on the trampoline
The beauty of Brierley Hill
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
I wonder what the future of Brierley Hill will bring
As I look out of my window and hear the church bells ring
We might be actors, chefs or midwives but some things will never change
Like the love we feel for family will always stay the same
I wonder what the future of Brierley Hill will bring
As I look out of my window and hear the church bells ring
We might move to other countries but there’s one thing that I know
And that’s the feeling this town gives you, that feeling we call home
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
This is the beauty of Brierley Hill
Where we go picking berries, riding bikes
Supermarkets, flying kites
Gymnastics, climbing trees
Jumping up and down on the trampoline
The beauty of Brierley Hill
Listen to the all the tracks here:
Watch the music videos here (released between 1-6 November, 2022).
‘Round Here is commissioned by Historic England as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones’ Cultural Programme, led by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Cultural Programme aims to make our high streets more engaging and vibrant places.
