Youngstown Records

Youngstown Records is a youth-driven, multigenerational record label and music cooperative committed to building community by empowering and amplifying the voices of Seattle. Youth develop their musical talents and leadership skills in a year- long program of artist-led workshops, studio recording, performances and training in new media. 

Youngstown Records is a second tier of the All Access free afterschool music and arts program at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Our model combines youth development with professional development and earned income for the program. The youth engage in collaborative music projects, the products of which (CDs and merchandise) are sold at performances and local outlets such as the Frye Art Museum and Easy Street Records. Along with determining the content of the music, youth also have opportunities for leadership positions in helping to manage money and to plan and implement events. Finally, youth are required to perform at least one service learning project in which they use their music to either raise money for, or awareness of a cause or organization they are interested in, or to resist a perceived oppression or ignorance in their community. Ultimately, our goals are to help the youth to improve at their chosen craft, to teach transferrable professional skills, and to impart a sense of responsibility to use their creative talents to improve their community.