During the summer 2025, we supported a creative collective to create and perform original material as Out of the Common. This is a continuation of our work supporting disabled musicians and young artists of colour to create, record and perform new material.
You can hear their tracks on Bandcamp – follow this link:
https://outofthecommon.bandcamp.com/album/phoenix
A number of original songs were written and recorded and performed as the group worked with dancer Hamshya Rajkumar and songwriter Anise Pearson (aka Queen of Harps). They explored a wide range of themes that included motherhood, daughters, confidence and the challenge of claiming your identity.
Here is an excerpt from some lyrics by Karen Sutherland.
“…Truth is, I never thought I’d be a mother
Always pictured it a dream for another
After all the judgment and expectations
Here we are…
…My real passion in life
To create and be a music lover
Helped my rediscover my strength
Made me realise I’m tougher..”
These songs were performed live in September at The Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh
Performers: Ishrat Rahim, Hamshya Rajkumar, Karen Sutherland with Farhad Ahmed
Guest Artists: Greta Rafi Chambers McMillan, Evie Waddell
Out of the Common creative members: Karen Sutherland, Ishrat Rahim, Hamshya Rajkumar, Laura Cole, Sorcha Pringle with Anise Pearson
See a gallery of images from this project here
Out of the Common was led by Associate Musician Farhad Ahmed
Thanks to Karen Forbes for BSL Interpretation, Ali Gillies for Tech support and Caitlin Mulgrew for Creative Access Support.
Out of the Common Phoenix was generously supported by PPL Giving
Thanks also to Colvin at The Wee Red Bar
