Describe what art forms were involved: include information about any genres and techniques involved.

Dodie is a young 20 something British singer songwriter whom I got to know via YouTube whilst at secondary school. Me and my friends religiously followed all her videos on her channel and really like her music. She composes music in the indie pop genre.

Have you seen or done something like this before? What was similar to things you’ve seen or done in the past?

No I haven’t.  This was the first time I went to an indie pop concert.  We were devastated because a few weeks earlier, she came to our hometown and we could not go as we were all on a school French exchange trip at the time!  So a couple of weeks later when we were back to England we trekked 130 miles to see her and it was well worth it. 

What happened at the arts event?  What did you think was good and why? 

Some of her songs that I really like are One for the Road, Absolutely Smitten, and Dear Happy. . I like the way that she is not afraid to raise the issue of mental health in her music. This is a problem that is fairly widespread, still has a stigma attached to it and needs awareness raised.  In the concert she sang a selection of the songs that I really enjoyed and as I was quite familiar with them already, it was great to hear it sung live. The venue did a smashing job with the acoustics. I highly recommend going to see her live if you get the chance.  Meanwhile you can buy here albums online at http://dodie.co/

Was there anything about the arts event you didn’t like? Why?

Due to the high price of the tickets, we booked standing tickets which meant that by the end of the concert we were exhausted. On the plus side the audience was decent and although crowded, there was no pushing and shoving.

What have you learned from the arts event?

Dodie has published an autobiographical book where she describes her mental health issues relating to depersonalisation disorder which is difficult to diagnose or treat.   I have learnt to raise awareness of mental health issues and how to support them.   I noticed some interesting ukulele techniques which I have since employed in my own playing, such as using the side of the instrument for percussion. 

How did these experiences influence your own arts practice and/or plans and how much you develop your arts practice in the future?

Did I mention that Dodie plays the ukulele?  Being so inspired by her, I taught myself to play the ukulele over a couple of months.   I have saved up for a while and bought myself a good quality ukulele which I use in my composition to try out new musical ideas quickly.  This has proved to be a real asset and I have subsequently gone onto playing the ukulele in my church choir too.