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An Aberdeen Scout group has created a showstopping compilation of local music to raise vital funds needed to provide unforgettable experiences for young people.
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The Xcerts, Cold Years and The Little Kicks are amongst the 20 renowned Aberdeen and north east artists that have pledged to support Mannofield Explorer Scouts with their fundraising efforts.
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‘Straight Outta Mannofield’ will be released on June 30, 2023 at http://mannofieldesu.bandcamp.com for just £10 (or a higher donation) – with pre-orders open now.
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The album – which features exclusive, previously unreleased tracks by The Xcerts, Best Girl Athlete, The Lorelei, CS Buchan and Wendell Borton – is the brainchild of Mannofield Explorer Scouts leader, Eoin Smith.
He said: “Straight Outta Mannofield is a dream come true… quite literally! I woke up one morning with the idea and now, four months later, I can hardly believe that we’re about to share it with the world.
“The Explorers have been really excited about the development of the record, and it was important that they were involved at every step of the way – we even have a former Explorer appearing on the album in jazz outfit, Hamlet.
“The album’s title and artwork were created by the Explorers themselves and they’ve been excited to hear all the tracks.
“We have been absolutely blown away by the support of the local music scene when putting this album together. We cannot overstate how grateful we are to all the bands and musicians that have donated their songs to the project. It really does show the power of community, and what we can achieve when we work together.”
‘Straight Outta Mannofield’ celebrates the music scene in the north east of Scotland, shining a light on everything from indie, rock and alternative to jazz, blues and folk. From established acts that have toured the world to artists just starting out, the compilation provides a snapshot of the incredible music that has come out of the region.
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The line-up is completed by The Capollos, Vansleep, Lotus Crush, Craig John Davidson, Audiokicks, Connor Clark & The Matador Kings, Min Diesel, Colin Clyne, The Killing Tide, The Sun Day, Full Fat, and Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band.
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Explorer Scout Lewis Bodkin, who designed the album artwork, added: “It’s been really cool to see the album being put together, and for all the bands to donate their music. It’s been exciting to be part of the process, and I can’t wait for people to hear the album when it comes out.”
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The release of the compilation will allow Mannofield Explorer Scouts to continue to provide incredible opportunities for young people from across Aberdeen – something that is more vital now than ever before.
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Eoin explained: “Since the pandemic, opportunities like Scouts have become even more important for young people, allowing them a safe place to have fun and make life-long friendships, feel comfortable expressing themselves, and learn skills for life.
“However, recent years have also brought with them funding challenges. The annual subs we collect only go so far and we (like all Scout groups) rely heavily on fundraising – but traditionally-lucrative events like bag packs have become almost wiped out with the rise of self-service checkouts and a post-pandemic reluctance for other people handling shopping.
“While there is still a place for coffee mornings and quiz nights, it’s exciting to look for new opportunities for fundraising that will help us continue to deliver our programme. What makes this even better is that we’re able to also bring incredible musicians from Aberdeen and the surrounding area to a bigger audience, too.”
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Mannofield Explorer Scouts is Aberdeen’s largest Explorer Scout Unit, bringing together over 30 young people aged 14-18 from across the city to learn, have fun, and develop skills for life. As a youth-led organisation, the Unit’s programme is planned and organised by the Explorers themselves, supported by five volunteer leaders.
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In the last year, the Unit’s activities have included surfing, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking and paddleboarding; supporting the community and environment through foodbank donations and tree planting; learning how to cook meals from scratch to prepare for post-school life; spending a week camping in Aviemore (and weekends around the north east); speaking openly and supportively about mental health and LGBT rights; and practicing traditional Scouting skills.
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For more information, follow Mannofield Explorer Scouts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @mannofieldESU
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