DMLab North West: The Next Frontier in Accessibility – In Review

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DMLab North West: The Next Frontier in Accessibility. In Review.

 

 

DMLab North West officially launched the new home of our accessible music-making exposition event, “The Next Frontier in Accessibility,” in style on Thursday, March 21st. Manchester Metropolitan University’s School of Digital Arts (SODA) played host to a groundbreaking night of accessible music creation, conversation, and connections, broadcasted globally via a YouTube live stream.

 

A photograph taken of a video camera preview screen. Picture is Jason Dasent and Alice Eede on stage creating a track with a projection of Logic DAW on screen behind.
Jason Dasent and Alice Ede on stage

 

Disabled guitarist Jazmine Lilley, along with DM associate musicians Billy Payne and David McFarlane, kicked off the evening on stage by delving into the consultation and design process for an exciting new prototype device tailored specifically for Jazmine. Attendees experienced the device in action and then viewed a short video documenting the trio’s journey.

 

David McFarlane, Billy Payne and Jazmine Lilley on stage watching a video about an accessible instrument. The 3 are watching the video behind them.
David McFarlane, Billy Payne and Jazmine Lilley on stage

 

Our host, Jason Dasent, was then joined both in-person and online by senior figures from leading music tech firms Ableton, Audio Modelling, Focusrite, Roland, and Softube. We learned about each firm’s relationship with Jason and how they have collaborated to enhance the accessibility of their products, whilst pledging further commitment to continuing this vital work.

 

Jason Dasent on stage with Emanuele Parravicini and Eleonora Dolif online behind on screen.
Jason Dasent on stage with Audio Modeling’s Emanuele Parravicini and Eleonora Dolif on screen

 

After a brief tea and coffee break, during which audience members had the opportunity to try out adapted instruments themselves, we settled in for the evening’s main and final event: a live production demonstration featuring Jason and musician Alice Ede. Over the course of an hour, the duo led a comprehensive session, sampling vocals and guitar chords from Alice while Jason mixed and mastered in real-time. Utilising a combination of Logic Pro, a screen reader, and other accessible products, they crafted a sophisticated, professional track. This demonstration aimed to showcase the limitless possibilities achievable when inclusion and accessibility are prioritised in the music industry—from the organisations designing these products to the end users and audience members alike.

 

Picture is Jason Dasent and Alice Eede on stage creating a track with a projection of Logic DAW on screen behind.
Jason Dasent and Alice Ede on stage

 

Accessibility

We are dedicated to ensuring that accessibility is central to all our events and projects. To achieve this, we implemented several measures for our recent event. Partnering with SODA was a natural choice due to their commitment to accessibility. Their facilities include a Changing Places facility, multiple accessible toilets, and step-free access. Throughout the night, two BSL interpreters were present on-stage, alongside live captioning. A quiet space was also provided for audience members.

Thanks to

We extend our heartfelt thanks to SODA and their technical team for hosting us, as well as to Adi Dickens and Friedemann Schautz from Ableton, Emanuele Parravicini and Eleonora Dolif from Audio Modelling, Harry Morely and Daniel Clarke from Focusrite, Jamie Franklin and Paul McCabe from Roland, and Niklas Odelholm from Softube for their support and collaboration.

We also express our gratitude to our BSL interpreters, Judith Jeddal and Samantha Vanterpool from Manchester Deaf Centre, and live captioner Heather Casali for ensuring that the event was accessible to all attendees. Special thanks to photographer Alan Kane for capturing excellent moments throughout the night!