A Shropshire band Force of Neglect formed by past and present Telford College students have had their music on BBC radio.
Force of Neglect is a hardcore metal band made up of drummer Will Swain, guitarist and producer George Johnson, vocalist Jack Jones, and also Sascha Knight on bass and guitarist Declan Breckon.
One of their songs, Weight of the World, was selected to be played on the BBC WM’s weekly Introducing programme, which showcases up-and-coming unsigned bands.
The song also featured Joey Brickley – another student from the college, who has since left the band. The band members are from the Telford and Shifnal areas.
Presenter Alex Noble told listeners that Force of Neglect was doing ‘some excellent things’, and taking inspiration from the likes of Metallica, and Megadeath.
Will is studying HND in music production at the college’s King Street campus, where Jack and Joey are both music technology and music performance level three students.
George also studied music technology, performance and events management at the college.
Will said: “We all share the common link, studying music at the college, and that’s really how we came together to form the band.
“A promoter was talking on social media about the chance of sending something through to the BBC Introducing team, so we did, but didn’t hear anything for a couple of months.
“Then completely out of the blue we got an email to say one of our tracks had been selected, and was going to be played.
“Hearing our music on BBC WM was amazing. We were all tuned in and messaging one another. It was exciting.”
The band recorded a demo last summer, and they have been busy spreading the word among promoters and venues ever since.
They have played a number of live gigs since a first appearance in Wellington early last year, with dates in London, Manchester, Leeds, and across Shropshire. A new EP is set to be released soon.
Will said: “We’ve learned a lot on the music courses here at Telford College. They are really well run, especially on the technology side.
“What is particularly great is the help you get in learning how everything works – the tutors don’t do it for you, but they work hard to make sure you don’t get left behind. It’s been a great learning experience for us all.”
Andy Turner, lecturer in music production and events management at King Street, said: “It’s great to see our past and present students using the skills they learn with us in this way.
“We’ve had a few of our students receive radio airplay now. The local BBC Introducing presenters came in for a guest lecture a couple of years ago and gave some great advice to our students.
“It shows the opportunities which are available to or music students, and the sort of collaborative work that can happen when like-minded people are studying together.”
If you are interested in music courses at Telford College come along to the next college open event register here to find out all about our courses, talk to tutors and take a tour around the college.
