MIXTAPE – SeaChange cafe & AutismAble

Words: Sarah Farrell-Forster

As co-founder of SeaChange Café and Arts Venue and AutismAble, I am part of a great team whose aim is to provide sustainable employment for autistic people and those with learning disabilities. We also promote live music, festivals and DJ events at our venues in South Shields and Sunderland. Our gigs are not for profit, with all ticket sales going directly to the artists and profits from the bar reinvested into our employment programme. We currently employ 20 staff across our venues. Before SeaChange, I was a professional singer and a member of the band Minotaurs. For my Mixtape, I have chosen a selection of songs I am currently loving.

Jeff Tweedy – One Tiny Flower
I love this song from his new album and he just seems to get better with age. His sons now play as his backing band, something I first saw on The Tweedy Show which really helped get us through lockdown. I try to see him or Wilco whenever I can, although they do not play in the UK very often.

Field Music – The Noisy Days Are Over
Field Music just keep releasing brilliant albums and there is plenty to choose from, but I think this is my favourite. They played SeaChange Café in 2022 and somehow managed to fit all their equipment into a tiny space. It was one of the best gigs we have ever had in the cafe.

Jalen Ngonda – Just As Long As We’re Together
There is not much new music that I hear and instantly love, but I just love this song and his voice.

Big Thief – Masterpiece
A beautiful song. I have liked their music since Shark Smile. I love that they play so many different styles of music, yet whatever they do always sounds like them.

OldMan – Teenagers
This is my husband’s new band and I do some backing vocals, so I hope I can be a little cheeky including it! They will be playing SeaChange Café with the amazing Nev Clay on 5th October.

Fontaines D.C. – Starburster
We were lucky enough to see them at a secret gig years ago at End of the Road Festival when I had no idea who they were. Something about their energy stuck and I have been into them ever since.

Jungle – Let’s Go Back
I love their soulful music and always keep an eye out for when they are playing, although I have not managed to get to see them yet. I wonder if they might fancy a gig at SeaChange!

Arcade Fire – Wake Up
SeaChange has been nicknamed the Arcade Fire bar because this track has been played so much on our playlist. Even our staff have become reluctant fans. I picked this song for Claire Dupree ❤️

Lana Del Rey (featuring Father John Misty) – Let The Light In
This song is in my head non-stop at the moment because my daughters play it on repeat. I was not much of a fan of Lana at first but I have to admit I am now the reluctant fan!

Oasis – The Masterplan
I had to include Oasis as I have been a fan since I was 15. I had gone off them after the early years but seeing their recent reunion tour reminded me why I loved them. They were amazing from start to finish and this song is still my favourite.

Dion – Only You Know
Just timeless. I love everything about it – his voice, the song and the production. The whole album is brilliant.

Loleatta Holloway – Love Sensation
I have always been into dance music and this track has influenced so many other songs. It has been sampled countless times and its importance should be recognised.