Just as he was about to embark on a career in IT, Amit Kamboj decided to swap a life of programming computers for programming beats. He has since performed across mainland Europe and the USA and released records on a number of respected Drum n' Bass labels including Metalheadz and Commercial Suicide. When he isn't travelling the world, Amit can be found leading some of the most influential and popular youth projects in Slough.
Amit's involvement with Arts Development first started, 'About five years ago. Andy Lee [Creative Arts Manager] approached me, through my brother, about running a small music course in Manor Park.' From that point on Amit kept in touch with the Council's Arts Development team. 'Whenever there was funding available or there was something we wanted to do we put our heads together and did it.' Amit seized the opportunity to start something more enduring in 2000 when he set up the Innov8 Music Project at the Rotunda youth club with funds secured from the Learning and Skills Council, the Single Regeneration Budget, and Slough Borough Council. Amit found that having access to a dedicated Arts Officer was a great help. 'We sat down, had meetings, and arranged a lot of stuff. He did a lot of the dealing with people in suits.'
Initially the project had little equipment and no venue until Andy Lee introduced Amit to Slough Borough Council's detached youth worker Kathleen Bruno who then found him the space he needed at the Rotunda.
Amit stresses that creating a music studio in which to teach at the Rotunda was not a simple matter. 'It was a slow progression. We had a lot of people but not enough equipment. We had to get the level of equipment up so that each person could have a go.' Amit steadily improved the studio over time with further waves of funding, latterly from the Positive Activities for Young People scheme offered by Connexions Berkshire. As the studio has grown so too has Amit's confidence in pursuing funds without the aid of the Arts Development Team. 'I don't see Andy Lee so much now but I still use him as my emergency line if any problem arises that I need advice on.'
Since its inception the Innov8 music project has helped young people to create music, share information and learn about music technology from each other and known industry professionals. One young person that participated in Innov8 now delivers workshops himself after having been to university. Indeed, the project has had a positive effect on Amit's own musical career. 'I'm not someone who can sit in a studio 24 hours; it would drive me bonkers. It's nice to be able to disconnect from my creative side and look at other peoples' creative sides.'
Interview: Andrew Unsworth
Photograph: Malcolm Glover