Reality Boots is a band formed by members of Skimstone Arts Young Artists Collective. Since creating their album, Louder Than Words, commenting on UN Convention of children and young people’s rights, Reality Boots have performed at the Arts Award Gold Expo at Richmix in London, Northern Stage, Sage Gateshead, and various venues in Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham. They are currently working on compositions for a new album and tour.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
“What’s the difference” was a Reality Boots gig showcasing hard-hitting songs exploring some of the issues faced by young people today. The band debuted new compositions including one specially written and inspired by the idea of philanthropy and what it means, and were joined by a group young people taking part in Young Writers’ City a project by New Writing North.
REALITY BOOTS PLAY PARKLIVES
Live music by our Young Artists Collective band, Reality Boots, plus the chance to talk to band members and find out how to get involved yourself. If you’re 16-25 years old and want to sing, be in a band or learn an instrument, come and talk to a band member to find out more.
Friday 27 July, 1-4pm, Walker Park, Scrogg Rd, NE6 2PR
Friday 3 August, 12-3pm, Blakelaw Park, Cragston Ave, NE5 3TS
Friday 17 August, 12-3pm, Newbiggin Hall Gala Fields, NE5 1LZ
KICKING THE TRUTH
17 March 2018
In aid of Youth Music’s Give a Gig Week, our Young Artists Collective band, Reality Boots, performed alongside special guests at B&D Studios, Newcastle.
Donations were collected on the door for Youth Music, which supports music-making projects for children and young people.
LOUDER THAN WORDS
October 2014
Reality Boots, formed from members of Skimstone Arts, first started their creative journey expressing the issues around therights of a young adult and how they seemed non-existent.
We wanted to express our opinions on how we, as young adults, feel by harnessing our unique musical talents to create 8 originals tracks and releasing them into the world through our album ‘LOUDER Than Words…’
GIVE A GIG A WEEK
27th March 2017
Reality Boots took part in Youth Music’s Give A Gig Week, performing alongside Cuttlefish Orchestra and Crossings at Kommunity Newcastle.
GOLD EXPO LONDON
28th June 2016
Youth Music visited Skimstone Studios to meet Reality Boots and see a rehearsal before their GoldExpo gig.
“I was so impressed with the quality of the music, and got a bit emotional listening to the lyrics and hearing everyone speak so passionately about their time at Skimstone.”
Flora Ward, Grants Manager at Youth Music
“Listening to Reality Boots and talking to the young people afterwards encapsulated everything YM stands for. I came away humbled, inspired and energised by what you were doing, musically and socially.”
Clive Grant ,Youth Music Trustee
HIGH SHERIFF AWARD CEREMONY
21st March 2016
Reality Boots were thrilled to play to audience of over 200 at this prestigious award ceremony at the Centre for Life. They were presented the second prize of £1700.
“Thank you for coming to Tyne and Wear High Sheriff award ceremony and your amazing performance.”
Community Foundation
NORTHUMBERLAND SCHOOL TOUR
A short tour of Northumberland venues gave the band a chance to raise their profile and take on new roles. Starting at Bedlingtonshire Community High School, the band played for an audience of 150 pupils before running a series of song writing workshops.
We received very positive feedback from both pupils and the Head of Music, and were asked for autographs!
The band then travelled to Kyloe House where they performed and ran a series of workshops built around song structure and creation. The performance was very well received and ended in an encore.
“…thanks again for Friday – it was absolutely brilliant. Some of the students have been inspired to learn new instruments now! …a visit to your studios would be excellent.”
David Clark, Teacher of Multimedia and Performing Arts
NORTHERN TRIANGLE GIGS
5th March 2016
The band played a series of gigs and participated in workshops with other bands at The Hub Barnard Castle, Durham, Skimstone Arts Studio and St Theresa’s Hall, Newcastle. Young musicians shared songwriting, music making, peer mentoring and performing and making plans for future events.