Last updated at 15:42, Friday, 07 December 2012

A music single featuring a Workington teenager has been released on iTunes.

DREAM IN COLOURS: Shelbie McAllister, of Workington, recorded the single with Risharde Phillips

Shelbie McAllister, 15, of Mossbay Road, recorded vocals for Dream in Colours, a debut single for Risharde Phillips ‘Conz’, a 15-year-old rapper who escaped the London gang culture when he was moved to Brampton, near Carlisle, aged 12.

The teenagers recorded the single for the RUM Records label, which is a SoundWave project set up to give youngsters the chance to produce, market and promote their own music.

Shelbie, a pupil at St Joseph’s School, was introduced to the SoundWave team by Sarah Wallcook, a professional opera singer who recognised her talent.

Shelbie says: “I’m excited and nervous about the release.

“I hope people like the song because we’ve put a lot of hard work into making it and I’m looking forward to recording more.

“This has boosted my confidence as it will keep me going with my singing. I’ve entered many competitions and would like to enter more.”

Shelbie was inspired to write lyrics for the single because of the emotions she felt when her mum Jacqualine Greatorex was in a critical condition at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary in 2009, after suffering complications with her kidneys.

The single is already under consideration to feature on several upcoming American TV shows but details cannot be released at this stage.

Shelbie adds: “I would really like to plan to record more songs with RUM records as I will be working with amazing people.

“Singing and recording is what I want to do as a career, and I want to make more out of it for myself and my family.

“I want to keep making them proud as they support me all the way.”

Dave Roberts, programme leader, said: “Shelbie’s voice is a natural gift. There are loads of good singers about, but I am listening for something that stands out from the norm.

“Shelbie has the X factor, that thing that sets people apart. With the right encouragement and guidance she will go far.”

Dream in Colours is available as a digital download on iTunes.

The SoundWave team, including Mr Roberts, design and marketing assistant Christina Cremins, local videographer Laura Reed and community musician Steven Pearson, are working with young people on a number of tracks but are looking for new local artists to join.

Anyone who is under 19 and is interested in the opportunity to become part of the record label team can contact them via www.soundwave.org.uk

First published at 14:15, Friday, 07 December 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk