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Middlesbrough music graduates in sound production startup

Three Middlesbrough graduates are set to launch a bespoke sound and music production startup company, for which they’ve won major backing for their ideas.

Damon Jenkin, Luke Winfield and Chris Winter graduated this year from Teesside University’s B.Sc (Hons) Music Technology course, delivered at Middlesbrough College under the Higher Education Business Partnership.

During the course, they dreamed up the idea of Sound Particle Labs, which will create sound for industries such as gaming and applications, film and TV, and virtual reality.

Their confident business plans have now won them a DigitalCity Fellowship to help them develop their company, with the scheme being part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The B.Sc (Hons) Music Technology course is for students aiming for careers in sound engineering, music recording, studio production and sound design.

Excited about their business plan, Damon, Chris and Luke applied for a DigitalCity Fellowship and were delighted to hear that they have been successful.

Based at Teesside University, the fellowship offers successful applicants access to the university’s facilities, mentoring from a pool of industry experts and up to £4,000 funding to cover their living costs.

Upon hearing of their success Middlesbrough College agreed to boost that amount by giving the trio a £1,500 bursary.

Now Damon, Luke, 35, from Middlesbrough and Chris, 22, from Washington are meeting with DigitalCity to set up their office space and get started.

Damon, 30, from Stockton, said: “There aren’t a lot of jobs around in sound production in this area, so we decided to create our own.

“We’ve worked together since we were in year one of the course, and we each have our own speciality in the field, so we collaborate really well.

“We have our eye on providing services to the big companies in this field. For instance, there are very few people providing bespoke music and sound for virtual reality environments, so we feel there’s a major niche to be filled.”

Luke said: “The B.Sc Music Technology course is absolutely fantastic, and because it has a scientific edge it’s given us the skills to create really outstanding products that we can offer to customers.

“A lot of courses at other universities don’t provide much studio time, but we were in the studio every week.

“We also learned a lot of presentation skills, which are already coming in handy – we had to make a presentation to DigitalCity, and I think it helped us win the fellowship.

“We’d like to thank our tutors at Middlesbrough College, who have supported us all the way – they’ve been brilliant.”

Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, Zoe Lewis, said: “Luke, Chris and Damon were part of the most successful final year ever for the B.Sc (Hons) Music Technology course.

“Eight students achieved first class awards, including two women - another first for the degree programme.”

“Teesside has such a good reputation for digital innovation that a lot of people from the South are looking up here for skills. You no longer need to go to London.”

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