Local teenagers record charity album

Sunday 21 July 2019

A group of local teenagers are using their musical talent to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, in memory of their friend.

This August marks five years since 18-year-old Thomas Martin-Sarre passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma and some of his friends and family members have joined together to record a charity album of cover songs.

The album is called Robots Dancing Alone and will release in full on 26 August. It will be available on various streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, and may even be sold as a CD later this year.

"We came together for just for the purpose of this," said Benjamin Duddy, who came up with the idea. "We're not a band or anything, we just decided it would be a nice thing to do."

The main group is made up of eight singers: Benjamin Duddy; Eloise Martin-Sarre; Joshua Le Breton; Elaine Lowe; Lauren Baker; Jack Le Blanq; Holly Atkinson and Daniel Loller. 

However, some tracks will feature 22 singers ranging from age 11 to 19.

"We're doing a longer song which features everyone so we can be inclusive and have everybody involved with it that wants to be," Benjamin added. "The charity was quite happy with the age difference because it encompasses the entire spectrum of Teenage Cancer Trust. It is representative of every age group."

There are 14 tracks on the album, with the first being released as a single on 10 August.

"The TCT is a fantastic charity that really helped my family throughout Thomas' treatment," said Thomas' mother, Sarah Martin. "He was treated in their amazing unit in Southampton General Hospital.

"This is a fantastic project to set up to eventually help more teenagers like Thomas. The more money raised would mean more units could be set up in other hospitals and also help fund specifically trained staff for teenagers and young adults."

Pictured: The main vocal group known as 'Methodical Madness'.

The album has been a real team effort, with recording taking place in Benjamin's home, Daniel working on mixing and mastering and Elaine and Holly designing the album artwork.

One of the lead vocalists, Jack Le Blancq added: "When Ben asked me to be involved in the album project I originally thought it would be out of my comfort zone, but when I realised it was going to benefit a charity and help my best friend create something wonderful in the memory of someone very dear to him, it was the least I could do."

The album will be on sale for £9.99 with all proceeds going to help the charity.

You can follow the group's progress here.