All too many of us at one time or another have been judged and abused for our appearance, for Sophie Lancaster and Robert Maltby this resulted in a violent unprovoked attack on the 11th August 2007 leaving Sophie on a life support machine fighting for her life… a young life which came to an end two weeks later on 24th August 2007 as a result of her injuries.
Since the tragic events of 2007 the Sophie Lancaster Foundation has carried on her spirit, her legacy and a determination to “Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere” not only in Sophie’s memory but on behalf of others affected by such issues.
Among those who have showed their continued support for the foundation are Coffee Jingle Records owner Martin Wake, who kindly took time out to chat about the label and it’s upcoming release in which acts from lesser known artists through to legendary metallers Cradle of Filth have contributed tracks in order to help promote and raise awareness for the charities good work.
Hi Martin,
Great work on putting together the upcoming Sophie Lancaster Foundation charity album and thanks for taking time out to speak to Mr Teeth Reviews:
1. Firstly, can you tell us about the history of the label?
It really was an idea I had in College and it came to light at the start of University, thanks to them encouraging me and towards the end of my time in University I started to form it and its still going strong now.
2. Also as there may be some readers that aren’t aware of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, can you give an overview of the charity and the work they are involved in?
The murder of Sophie Lancaster occurred in the United Kingdom in 2007. The victim, along with her boyfriend, were attacked by a number of males in their mid-teens while walking through Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Rossendale, in Lancashire. The charity was setup by her Mum and family to achieve the following.
To create a lasting legacy to Sophie.
To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures.
To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from alternative subcultures or Lifestyle and Dress.
3. What about the album, how did that come about?
It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I started up the record label, I then finally was in the position to help the charity last year and set about asking bands and artists if they wanted to perform on it, and in return bands and artists were asking me if they could be on it, so I set about putting the album together.
4. What music styles can people expect on the release?
Alternative music and many different styles including Metal, Punk, Hard Rock and so on.
5. The track listing involves some bigger names (Cradle of Filth, Arch Enemy, Die So Fluid etc) how did they get involved?
I just contacted them and explained to them what the charity aims to achieve and how much it would be appreciated if they were to agree to be on the album, and the response was much bigger then I expected.
6. I’ve also checked out Devilment, was that an added bonus having Cradle of Filth front-man Dani Filth contributing two songs?
It is yeah, him and Nuclear Blast (the record label) have been so supportive for this cause and I’m sure the Charity will benefit from Dani featuring on the album.
7. Who else should we keep an ear out for among the lesser known bands?
I would say all the Artists on the Album.
8. Are there any artists you’ve worked with before?
A couple are on my label (Dead Happy and Leapfrogtown) and a few I have known before.
9. What current plans are there (if any) for upcoming shows/releases in regards to the label?
Releases from The Devils Music and Nish Goyal coming out this year.
10. As for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, have you and/or friends experienced any similar abuse as a result of being part of the “alternative” scene?
Sadly yes, quite a few isolated incidents, and some ended in violence which is absolutely ridiculous.
11. What would your advise be to anyone suffering ongoing prejudice?
Don’t bottle it up and accept it, speak to your family and consider consulting the authorities if it is serious.
12. …and finally, what about to those who are the ones being judgmental?
People have the freedom to dress and look how they want, and no one should go through life scared of being judged and picked on. There are a lot of other situations in the world to get worked up about, but how people decide to dress and look should not be one of them.
To read more about the foundation, check here: www.sophielancasterfoundation.com
Order the album on download or physical 2 x CD here: http://cjrecords.bandcamp.com/album/s-o-p-h-i-e
The rather impressive line-up for the compilation is as follows:
1. Naomi Rush – Curious Breed
2. Cradle Of Filth – Blackest Magick In Practise
3. Arch Enemy – You Know My Name
4. Delain – We Are The Others
5. Devilment – Summer Arteries
6. Die So Fluid – What A Heart Is For
7. BirdEatsBaby – The Bullet
8. Evil Scarecrow – Flight of the Dragons
9. DiElle – Sapphire Tears
10. There Is No Us – Angels Face
11. Dead Happy – This Fine Art Of Making Ghosts
12. LeapFrogTown – Fear
13. Vice Squad – Little Red Gloves
14. The Dead Soul Communion – My Beautiful Mistake
15. First Wave – All Bleed Red
16. Brassick – Same Sound
17. Hawka – Ballad
18. Bigfoot – The Other Side Of Paradise
19. Between Waves – PaperChain
20. Voodoo Diamond – Standing In The Rain
21. Silas – Negative One
22. System Of Hate – Insanity
23. Ravenous – Alone
24. The Amplifires – Grace And Danger
25. Shotgun 21 – Sinister Sister
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