A Few Completed Projects – To Give An Overview Of What We Can Achieve Together.
Military Veterans Creative Arts & Music
A couple of examples of MVCA music related projects. We’ve already worked with many veterans over a six year period, so please enjoy the results of all their hard work. Once again, we’ll be updating this page regularly, so be sure to bookmark the page.
Music is at the heart of how the MVCA was formed spanning at least six years, and most projects have included some aspect of sound or music. Many of our veterans dabble a little with guitar or enjoy singing. It, therefore, makes perfect sense to explore the art of songwriting. Our founder Suzie Stanford found this to be her own pathway into the creative arts and as a result, has now become a somewhat prolific songwriter. Her song ‘Stay Strong’ allowed a culmination of veterans to travel to Salford, sing their hearts out and feature on the rather marvelous MVCA single. It’s available to download in our shop. Suzie has also already worked with notable veterans including Phil Campion, Simon Bean, David Lilburn, Steve Taylor, Brian Nesbitt-Clarke and many other veterans.
So, if you’re a veteran that has always wanted to try writing a song/ singing or even playing an instrument, please contact us. Be sure to take a look and listen to see some examples of what the MVCA has already been achieving. You can find us on YouTube and Soundcloud
The First Major Project Was “Troubled Minds”
How it all started…
The first main song produced by Suzie was ‘Troubled Minds’ this also became the album title which was donated to PTSD Resolution.
The song was recorded and a video shoot prepared. The first video was shot in Buskers Bar, then a location was found to follow on from that first video shoot titled ‘Summertime’.
Sadly my father George passed away before the video footage. It was a very difficult time but I needed to strive forward to complete what we had started. This was my late fathers legacy for our dear friend Richard to help all veterans and I could not stop.
Pre video outside shoot location.
We needed to find an outside location for the second part of the video ‘Troubled Minds’. We found a location in Hankham.
With very little funds we needed props, I found myself in the Range asking for cat litter and calling local chimney sweepers for smoke bombs for affects.
MVCA Team Invade Salford 2019
Voices of the MVCA Salford Team Record “Stay Strong Be Brave”
MVCA are very proud of all our song releases. The particular song in this video was a huge collaboration that started off with veterans sending words and phrases to be considered for composition. These simple phrases were put together as a lyric and melody by Suzie and a demo recording of the song was produced. It’s a great catchy and uplifting song. An invitation was then sent for veterans to travel all the way to Salford to record the track. The first cohort arrived, and the challenge was on. Suzie took them through their paces and managed to get everyone singing along with the backing. The main vocal recorded was provided by seasoned artist Sam Fearon.
The weekend must have felt very intimidating for all of our veterans, some whom had never sung before, let alone recording in a professional studio. I think they did a marvelous job and the spirit and camaraderie that was discovered made it such a memorable event. When all the tracks were recorded, edited and mixed the single was ready for release, a very exciting day for everyone involved.
You can now witness the results for yourself as we give you the chance to listen for the first time. The single is also available to Download From iTunes and all proceeds go straight to MVCA to help fund more projects.
This Is The Christmas Song From 2017
We funded a few Veterans and their families to attend a Chris Difford Songwriting Workshop held over 5 days. https://www.chrisdiffordssongwritingretreat.com/
Putting music and sounds to poems. We have some very talented poets that we have recorded their poems and put sound to them.
Please Note: Links To YouTube Open In A New Window
We engaged with several veterans (and twisted a few arms) to put words and a tune together for a Covid Lockdown song.
Please Note: Links To YouTube Open In A New Window
We were kindly donated a song to sell on our website by Phil Trainor. Really nice guy, probably the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.
Please Note: Links To YouTube Open In A New Window
Memorial video slides. Sheila Ann English was an amazing poet. We put her amazing poem to this beautiful video slide.
Please Note: Links To YouTube Open In A New Window
Military Veterans Creative Arts Remembrance Day Song 2021
Please click on the image below which will take you to a new page
Veteran David Reeves wrote the lyrics and melody to this beautiful song. Please click on the link to his page to see how the song came together.
Words by Veterans 2
A Variety of Songs – Written By Veterans
1. “When A Soldier Becomes A Veteran” by Jim Page. https://youtu.be/jvmCXrSsM04 (opens in new window)
2. “The Fallen That Stand” by Arron Newton. https://youtu.be/AS1DfGLqkvA (opens in new window)
3. “When You Went Off To War” by Terry Price. https://youtu.be/-PbdiuNDBHY (opens in new window)
4. “The Telegram” by Scooby. https://youtu.be/Vg_j5MoZFq4 (opens in new window)
5. “A Battle I Must Win” by Jeff Williams. Click the link A Battle I Must Win – Words by Former Royal Marine Jeff Williams (opens in new window)
6. “Place A Poppy On The Ground” by Brian Nestbitt-Clarke. https://youtu.be/do_MTficDCI (opens in new window)
7. “We Will Remember Them” by David Lilburn. https://youtu.be/UrFc3DTiD1A (opens in new window)
8. “When You Lose A Child” by Derek Hunt. https://youtu.be/4DE0CUWWKMg (opens in new window)
If You Would Like To Help Us Provide Our Creative Services, Please Consider Making A Donation.
Any money received is delivered directly to Military Veterans Creative Arts and goes towards the costs of providing the various services to those who we are helping.
Just click the DONATE button to make your donation.
Many Thanks.
