One for the records

A BIG crowd turned out for the opening of a new recording studio at Fairbridge on Friday and a performance by

singer/songwriter John Butler, after whom the studio is named.

The internationally-acclaimed musician lived in Pinjarra between the ages of 10 and 20.

The studio at the Ruby Fairbridge Centre offers multi-use facilities for recording bands and individuals and includes a band rehearsal area, multimedia room and internal radio station to help disadvantaged young people learn music.

The partnership between Fairbridge, Pirate88FM and the WA Academy of Music and Dance will also develop a range of music programs at Fairbridge that will use music as a tool to inspire and enrich the lives of young people to reach their full potential.

Members of Fairbridge's Aboriginal training initiative built the studio. Butler said he truly hoped the studio could be a conduit for young people from all walks of life to make something totally unique.

"Tools that help them communicate their own particular views and experience," he said.

"It's a fun, magical and sometimes very scary and confronting thing getting the sounds and stories outta your head and on to tape but most of all it's a catharsis. It's transformative.

"It's a way of healing, celebrating and communicating with ourselves and the wider community."

Fairbridge chief executive Mark Anderson said he was delighted to name the recording studio after a local Pinjarra

boy and internationally acclaimed musician.

"John is an inspiration to young people about loving what you do and following your dreams," he said.

"We are also proud the studio has been built by our Aboriginal training initiative."