Public Record, set to take place at The Fire Station in Sunderland, is an explosive new community show filled with music, dance and more. Lee Allcock caught up with singer-songwriter Ami McGuiness to find out more about what attendees can expect.
Can you tell us about your musical journey so far and how you first got into music?
I’m currently in my final semester at university, studying music with a focus on the intersections of music and identity formation. Over the past year, I’ve been leading a music and songwriting group at a local community centre, inspired by my mentors at the Young Musicians Project (YMP). This experience has solidified my passion for working in community music after graduation.
Songwriting became a vital outlet in my teenage years, particularly when I struggled with mental health. It helped me process my thoughts and emotions. With YMP’s support, I’ve written and recorded songs aired on BBC Radio and performed in beautiful venues across the UK.
You’ll be performing a tribute to your former Young Musicians Project peer, Faye Fantarrow, in the upcoming Public Record show at The Fire Station in Sunderland. What did Faye mean to you both personally and musically?
I first met Faye when I was thirteen and she was fourteen. We used to write songs together on my ukulele and I loved harmonising with her beautiful voice. Faye was full of joy and laughter, always so fun to be around, and her kindness shone through. One memory that stands out is when she returned to YMP after some time away and performed ‘Girls on TV’, a song about comparison and self-image. Her performance left us in tears – her emotive storytelling was truly special. I still strive to write a song as powerful as hers. Even now, I see her in my everyday life – whether it’s when I pass someone with chunky hoop earrings or see sunflowers. Faye’s spirit of love and kindness will always be a part of me.
How does it feel to be part of a show like this, which brings together so many talented musicians and community groups?
I feel honoured to be part of this show. It’s such an important project, not only bringing people together but highlighting the deep connections within our communities. It celebrates the diverse sounds and creativity of our city and I’m excited to contribute to it.
What can audiences expect from your performance in the show? Are you performing any of your own songs?
I’ll be performing in Tribute Act, singing ‘Midas’ from Faye’s album, which is my favourite of her songs. It’s such an honour to pay tribute to her, especially in The Fire Station, a venue that meant so much to her. She performed at its opening and had a special gig there in January 2023 to raise funds for her treatment.
You’ve supported artists like The Lake Poets and Field Music. How did those experiences help shape your own sound?
Supporting The Lake Poets and Field Music has definitely influenced my songwriting. I often write about family stories and my local area, similar to Marty (The Lake Poets). I also love open C tuning, which features in his songs, and his approach to guitar and melody has shaped my own style.
Finally, what’s next for you musically? Can we expect any new releases or projects soon?
I hope to release my re-arrangements of folk songs later this year. After graduation, I’ll be moving back to the North East and continuing my work in community music. But I’ll also be writing and performing my own songs on the side.
To find out more about Public Record, and to purchase tickets, head to thefirestation.org.uk.
