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Phil Castang MBE

@philcastang.bsky.social
1.8K followers 1.4K following 122 posts

CEO at Music for Youth. Showcasing the brilliance of young musicians. MFY Proms|National Festival WWW.MFY.ORG.UK Guitarist made in Camden. Former sound engineer. Cultural manager. Live music, vinyl, art, cooking and quantum mechanics. Writing a book 📖

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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Music for Youth Proms sound check always brilliant fun for a former sound engineer like me! Such a great sounding hall. Excitement at maximum. #MFYProms25 #music #MusicEduction #MusicforYouth
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Kate Bush released 'The Red Shoes' 32 years ago on this day, November 2, 1993.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Music for Youth staged concerts with over 1100 groups in 2024. www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/a-concert-to...
musicbusinessworldwide.com
A concert took place every 137 seconds across the UK in 2024, as live music spend in the market jumped 9.5% to $7.2bn, according to new report - Music Business Worldwide
Music fans shifted some spending from festivals to one-off concerts, industry group LIVE noted.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
This is a must read. 👇 A powerful story reinforcing the importance of equity of opportunity in the music industry. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
theguardian.com
From pop producer to activist: Robin Millar on the barriers disabled people still face
He made his name with chart-topping hits – now the Scope chair wants to change how society sees disability
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
www.musicradar.com/artists/the-...
musicradar.com
“The piano just started speaking to me”: How Kate Bush stunned David Gilmour with a masterpiece of songwriting she made at just 13 years old
The early song was unmistakable evidence of Bush’s boundless talents
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
The End Continues #spinaltap looks hilarious www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ju...
theguardian.com
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues – first trailer released
The highly anticipated sequel to 1984’s seminal comedy sees the band reunite for a farewell show with appearances from Elton John, Questlove and Paul McCartney
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Great to be at the #MUConference Observing all the workings of the @wearethemu.bsky.social in action.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
This 👇 #theartsandmindscampaign Every child should have the right to study and enjoy the arts. #ArtsAndMinds #TheArtsAndMindsCampaign
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Protect Welsh music. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Welsh folk music could die within a generation, report warns
Dafydd Iwan, one of Wales' best known folk singers, says the situation is "very worrying".
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Debbonaire: ‘UK risks losing global reputation for arts excellence’ www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/debbona...
artsprofessional.co.uk
Debbonaire: ‘UK risks losing global reputation for arts excellence’ - Arts Professional
The UK’s culture sector is under threat, and the country is at risk of losing its global reputation for excellence, former Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire has told parliament. Addressing t...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Sting at Cardiff Castle what a brilliant gig.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Amazing impact report from @ukmusicmasters.bsky.social musicmasters.org.uk/impact_and_r...
musicmasters.org.uk
Five Years of Musicians of Change (PGCEi) - Impact Report - Music Masters
What we've learned from working closely with music educators for the past five years and how together we might empower socially minded musicians with advanced training.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Sounds familiar. dailypost.ng/2025/06/03/n...
dailypost.ng
Nigerian Govt asked to bring music education back to schools
The Nigerian Government has been urged to bring music education back to schools to encourage the discovery of young and raw talents. The call was made by
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
That’s a lot of restructuring and efficiency measures. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/spendin...
artsprofessional.co.uk
Spending Review: Major cultural organisations told to ‘review pay and cut workforce’ - Arts Professional
Efforts to cut DCMS spending by £52m will see the government department and all the public bodies it sponsors compelled to adopt efficiency measures including reviewing pay and reducing staff numbers,...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
This is brilliant. Talking Heads share a new video for Psycho Killer. faroutmagazine.co.uk/talking-head...
faroutmagazine.co.uk
Watch Saoirse Ronan in Talking Heads video for 'Psycho Killer
Talking Heads have unveiled a new video for their classic track 'Psycho Killer' which stars Irish actor Saoirse Ronan to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
I just heard an American tourist say “You have to remember, their salads are not like our salads”. And there you have it. This simple sentence sums up the difference between Americans and the rest of the world. 🌎 Our salads are indeed very different.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
This would be a disaster. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
theguardian.com
Only UK degree course in stringed instrument-making to close
Campaigners say knowledge taught at Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts vital to preserve traditional skills, especially luthiery
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
From seeing the Pixies yesterday in Brixton to The Great Day (community) Choir today. It’s all good. #bathmusicfest
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Pixies @o2academybrix were surf guitar amazing last night.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Absolutely correct 👇 apple.news/AV0OaiNMmQ4e...
apple.news
Sir Lenny Henry calls on ‘allies’ to help tackle racial inequality as he declares diversity ‘under real threat’ — The Independent
Comedian stated that ‘woke’ is being ‘weaponised to denigrate anything hated by the right’
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
This 👇 www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
theguardian.com
Arts Council England chair says sector at ‘tipping point’ amid funding fears
Sir Nicholas Serota says continued public investment is vital to draw in private funding to maintain cultural centres
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
An absolutely terrible idea. Total Philistinism. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/goodbye...
artsprofessional.co.uk
Goodbye DCMS? Government ‘considering abolition’ of department - Arts Professional
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) could be “abolished” with its responsibilities split between three other government departments, it has been claimed. An article published by the Sun...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Become Music for Youth’s new chair of trustees 👇 www.mfy.org.uk/about/vacanc...
mfy.org.uk
Vacancies | Music for Youth
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
The trickle down effect of haute couture is a great example of why we need boundary stretching art. The The Devil Wears Prada. What an amazing show. Hats of the the fabulous cast. A massive shout out the the incredible house band, down in the pit but loud and proud. Vanessa Williams = legend
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com
'The space is like an instrument': How Notre-Dame found its voice after fire muffled it
Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a... Avinash Chandra was the pioneer and now his daughter Alita Chandra continues. A shame not to see them mentioned in the article.
theguardian.com
‘Finally we are being seen as contenders’: delight in India as demand for south Asian art booms
As wealth in India has grown, so has the number of arts patrons championing both India’s 20th century modern masters and the next generation
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
RIP Clem Burke. One of the greatest.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
What a joy to spend the afternoon at the BBC with Sir Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis (Four Weddings, Black adder, Love Actually etc…. ). Nothing exemplifies the value of the BBC better than the collective impact of the BBC/Big Red Nose Day partnership.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
I’ve just been on LBC to talk about the Ed Sheeran Foundations letter calling on the government for £250M of funding and 5-key points. Essentially, I said the letter presents a very good outline of what is needed by the music education sector. See below. edsheeranfoundation.com/assets/esf_l...
edsheeranfoundation.com
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Reposted by Phil Castang MBE
Ruskus @rusky.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
#31GreatWomenMusicians (catching up) 18. Cinder Well. US folk singer Amelia Baker (now relocated to Ireland) has a heck of a voice - Fallen first caught the attention, and her Cadence lp was my album of the year 2023. youtu.be/XBlIg6u9G8g?... youtu.be/LEaTYlNHQzM?...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
This story is so important. Those of us working in music education recognise the impact music has on all children. Pure joy. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
‘He nails it on the first take’: how the Beatles helped my autistic son find his voice
After John Harris’s son was diagnosed, conversation always seemed focused on the things he would struggle with. But a shared passion for playing music grew into something James could do – brilliantly
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Depressing www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
Tate cuts 7% of workforce in effort to reduce funding deficit from pandemic
Arts institution says loss of 40 roles achieved through voluntary departures and recruitment freezes
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/growing...
artsprofessional.co.uk
Growing number of grassroots youth music projects face closure - Arts Professional
A growing number of grassroots music projects for young people are at risk of closure, according to research from Youth Music. A survey conducted by the charity found more than two in five (41%) youth...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
We have the best live music with Middlesbrough Open Orchestra and Victoria School Choir opening the #MusicforYouth Together for Music festival for inclusive ensembles of all shapes and sizes
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/a...
nytimes.com
100 Years Ago Recording Studios Got a New Tool: Microphones
On Feb. 25, 1925, Art Gillham’s session made history. The technology changed who was heard in recordings, how artists approach their music and how we hear it.
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Reposted by Phil Castang MBE
Anita Holford @anitaholford.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
@youthmusic.bsky.social @mattgriff1968.bsky.social @hogarthruth.bsky.social @markbick.bsky.social @michael-davidson.bsky.social @philipflood.bsky.social @philcastang.bsky.social @girlwithflute.bsky.social
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
A very troubling read for the industry. We need to improve matters particularly for young musicians. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/m...
theguardian.com
High suicide rates show music industry ‘profoundly dangerous’, researchers say
Calls for more support as study finds musicians in England and US have among highest rates of suicide
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Just seen a fantastic performance of the L ‘Histoire de Manon by the Czech National Ballet. Music by Massenet. The orchestra were magnificent.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album was released on this day in 1973.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
The museum of Dvorak on a beautiful sunny day in Prague followed by tea at Cafe Louvre (frequented by Einstein and Kafka).
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Prague is full of music. What a beautiful city.
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Really ? www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Kate Bush and Damon Albarn among 1,000 artists on silent AI protest album
Recordings of empty studios represent impact on musicians of UK’s plans to let AI train on their work without permission
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
theguardian.com
Working-class creatives don’t stand a chance in UK today, leading artists warn
Exclusive: Analysis by the Guardian shows a third of major arts leaders were educated privately
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Looks like a great review panel. 👏 www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fac...
artsprofessional.co.uk
ACE review panel named - Arts Professional
The government has named the advisory panel of senior figures from across the cultural sector that will support a review of Arts Council England led by Labour peer Baroness MARGARET HODGE. STELLA KANU...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Sad to hear the news. Not included in this obituary is Arkentide studios which he owned and ran in Islington. I was his sound engineer for 12 months in the 80s. He was a nice bloke and full of great stories. A fantastic drummer in one of the most iconic bands. www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
theguardian.com
Rick Buckler obituary
Drummer whose insistent beat underpinned the Jam’s distinctive sound on six top-selling studio albums and 18 consecutive Top 40 UK singles
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
New campaign aims to put arts at the heart of teaching in schools www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/newsree...
artsprofessional.co.uk
New campaign aims to put arts at the heart of teaching in schools - Arts Professional
A new campaign is seeking to put arts subjects at the heart of teaching in British schools. The Arts and Minds campaign has been devised by a coalition of 20 national organisations, led by the Nationa...
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
I saw this last Saturday and thought it was excellent. As someone that’s been involved in safeguarding for many years it was particularly interesting. www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/f...
theguardian.com
Doubt review – Maxine Peake leads a crusade against a priest
In an emphatic production that prowls around the mess of human motive, Peake’s Sister Aloysius doggedly pursues a suspicion of abuse
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/f...
theguardian.com
‘The synergy is amazing’: Stewart Copeland album fuses nature and music
Exclusive: former Police drummer and the naturalist Martyn Stewart collaborate on album inspired by migration of Arctic tern
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Phil Castang MBE @philcastang.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
theconversation.com/why-quincy-j...
theconversation.com
Why Quincy Jones should be prominently featured in US music education − his absence reflects how racial segregation still shapes American classrooms
Composer Quincy Jones, who died in November 2024, was a titan of 20th-century American music. So why don’t music majors study his work?
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