Have You Heard? #10: Jake Carswell

Ahead of his performance with the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) next week in Beacon Hall, we spoke with musician and NOYO guitarist Jake Carswell to learn more about his role within the orchestra, what to expect from NOYO’s upcoming performance and his recommendation of Adventure Spirit by Yvette Young.

NOYO is a world-pioneering youth orchestra starring brilliant disabled and non-disabled musicians. They play a wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments, including some not usually found in orchestras such as the electric guitar and the accordion, as well as instruments you may never have heard before. Come along to hear the world’s first-ever Clarion concerto!

You’re performing at Beacon Hall next week with the National Open Youth Orchestra – what can you tell us about the performance and your role within NOYO?

After I saw Thundercat play Beacon Hall in March, I knew that it would be so much fun to play on that stage. I play Guitar for NOYO, and playing at Bristol Beacon means getting to show off my own skill alongside every other talented member of the Orchestra.

Audiences are guaranteed to get goosebumps listening to the expression and power NOYO creates.

What makes a stand-out live performance for you? 

In my opinion, what makes a memorable live show is simply being able to be yourself on stage.

Someone who can seem down to earth and human in front of crowds of people is someone who people will love watching over and over.

What are you listening to right now?

My recommendation for readers is to check out Yvette Young’s work. Adventure Spirit is one of my favourite songs to play. It’s so beautiful and moving.