In February, an inspiring session unfolded at Bagenalstown Youth Services, orchestrated by Carlow Youth Services. This unique gathering wasn’t just another meeting—it was a musical exploration into the lives and memories of a dynamic group of young individuals. The focus was to understand how music intertwines with their daily experiences, shaping their emotions, thoughts, and identities.

Guided by a thoughtful template of questions, the participants embarked on a journey of reminiscing. Each question acted as a key, unlocking precious memories tied to melodies and rhythms. The conversations were heartfelt and vibrant, filled with stories of joy, struggles, and personal growth. Music, as it turned out, was not just a background element in their lives but a powerful thread woven into their very fabric.

The discussions were recorded at Bagenalstown Youth Services, capturing the essence of each participant’s relationship with music. From these recordings, lines were selected to form the lyrics of a song—a song that would reflect their collective experiences. When it came time to decide on a musical reference for their creation, the group turned to their favorite singers and songs. Through a democratic process of drawing from different favorites, a winner emerged: Rihanna’s “Disturbia”.  The process of transforming conversation into lyrics was both artistic and deeply personal, ensuring that the final piece resonated with the themes of anguish, anxiety, and confusion that often punctuate the teenage years.

This choice was symbolic and fitting. “Disturbia” is an upbeat dance-pop song with an underlying narrative of emotional turmoil. It perfectly mirrored the group’s intent to create a rhythmically engaging piece that also delves into the complexities of their inner worlds.

With “Disturbia” as their muse, the lyrics from their conversations were adapted to echo similar themes of anxiety and confusion. The upbeat tempo of the music contrasted beautifully with the weighty subject matter, creating a compelling juxtaposition that captured the essence of their experiences. The result was not just a song, but a narrative that wove together the highs and lows of youth, threaded with the universal language of music.

The final song stands as a testament to the power of music to articulate feelings that are often hard to express. It encapsulates the voices of the youth from Bagenalstown, offering a rhythmic reflection of their shared journey. Through this creative process, they not only explored their personal and collective memories but also found a way to channel their emotions into something profoundly expressive and unifying.

The session at Bagenalstown Youth Services was more than just an exercise in creativity; it was a reminder of how deeply music is embedded in our lives. For the group involved, it was an opportunity to see their own stories transformed into art, validating their experiences and emotions. As the song continues to resonate with them and beyond, it serves as a beautiful example of how music can weave through our lives, creating connections and  understanding in the most harmonious of ways.