Key Points
- Halifax-based band The Caymans release their first official music video titled Nowhere, NW
- Video created under The Piece Hall Academy artist development programme
- Direction by Carl Hunter, member of The Farm The Farm
- Song produced by Tom Chapman of New Order
- The Caymans were the first band to join The Piece Hall Academy initiative
- ‘Nowhere, NW’ is the band’s third single and first collaborative writing effort in a shared studio setting
- Students from Cinemateca bootcamp contributed to the production of the music video
- Band preparing for biggest live performance supporting The Wombats at Live at The Piece Hall
- Project highlights collaboration between emerging talent and established UK musicians
- Focus on training, mentorship and creative industry access for young people in Halifax
United Kingdom (Britain Today News) June 13, 2026 – A rising Halifax band has marked a major milestone in its musical journey with the release of its first official music video, produced with the support of established figures from the British music industry, including members of The Farm and New Order. The Caymans, part of The Piece Hall Academy’s artist development programme, have unveiled the video for their single Nowhere, NW, a project that blends grassroots musical ambition with decades of industry experience.
- Key Points
- What is The Caymans’ new music video Nowhere, NW about?
- Who worked on The Caymans’ music video production?
- How did New Order’s Tom Chapman influence the production?
- What is The Piece Hall Academy and why does it matter?
- Why is Nowhere, NW a turning point for The Caymans?
- How did students contribute to the music video production?
- What does this collaboration mean for the UK music industry?
- What’s next for The Caymans after their debut video release?
- How does this project reflect youth opportunity in Halifax?
The release has drawn attention not only for the band’s emerging sound but also for the collaboration between young musicians, experienced artists, and student filmmakers working through a structured training initiative designed to support the next generation of creative professionals.
The project, delivered through The Piece Hall Academy in Halifax, brings together music production, performance development, and media training under one umbrella, aiming to build sustainable careers in the UK’s creative sector.
What is The Caymans’ new music video Nowhere, NW about?
The Caymans’ new single Nowhere, NW represents a significant creative turning point for the band, both musically and in their collaborative approach to songwriting.
As explained by Luca Finelli, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of The Caymans, the track marks the first time the group has written together in a fully collaborative studio environment.
Luca Finelli said:
“Nowhere, NW is the first song that we all wrote together in the same room completely from scratch and a turning point for a new way forward of a more hands-on approach to writing from all members of the band.”
He added:
“It’s a song we are all extremely proud of, we love it and we hope that other people find a connection with it and fall in love with it too.”
The song is described by those involved as energetic, raw and emotionally driven, reflecting both youthful expression and structured production guidance from experienced industry professionals.
The track also represents the band’s third official single release, but the first to emerge from a fully integrated creative development process under The Piece Hall Academy programme.
Who worked on The Caymans’ music video production?
The music video for Nowhere, NW was directed by Carl Hunter, a member of the British band The Farm The Farm, known for their contribution to the UK alternative music scene.
Hunter’s involvement in the project began through his work with Cinemateca, where he was delivering a film training course at The Piece Hall. He identified the opportunity to support emerging musicians and filmmakers by combining creative education with real-world production experience.
Carl Hunter said:
“When I was introduced to this brilliant new band from Halifax, I was excited to collaborate with them.”
He further explained the collaborative educational aspect of the project:
“What made this project truly special was that the video was brought to life by students from Cinemateca’s skills bootcamp documentary course.”
Hunter highlighted the importance of youth participation in the production process, stating:
“Their creativity and dedication shone through in every frame, resulting in a vibrant and engaging video that perfectly captures the essence of the song. It was a fantastic experience to witness new filmmakers in action.”
The involvement of student filmmakers adds an additional layer of significance to the project, positioning it not only as a music release but also as a training ground for future professionals in film and media production.
How did New Order’s Tom Chapman influence the production?
The production of Nowhere, NW also benefited from the involvement of Tom Chapman, bass player of New Order, who brought his experience in studio recording and sound design to the project.
Chapman was introduced to The Piece Hall Academy through a mutual connection and quickly became involved in mentoring and producing the band’s work.
He said:
“It was a real pleasure to work with The Caymans in the studio.”
Describing the band’s sound and creative energy, Chapman added:
“The song demonstrates the band’s spirit and sound at their very best.”
He also outlined his approach to production, stating:
“I tried to capture every section with pure energy while still allowing the melody and lyrics to breathe. The result is a cool track with swagger and raw power that needs to be played loud.”
Chapman’s contribution reflects a growing trend in the UK music industry where established artists increasingly participate in mentorship-based development programmes, bridging the gap between emerging talent and professional production environments.
What is The Piece Hall Academy and why does it matter?
The Piece Hall Academy is a structured creative development initiative designed to support young people and emerging artists in Halifax and surrounding areas.
It operates as an umbrella programme offering free training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities across music, performance, recording, production, and live events.
The academy’s mission is to help participants build sustainable careers in the creative industries by providing hands-on experience and access to industry professionals.
The Caymans were the first band to join the artist development programme, making them a flagship example of the academy’s long-term vision.
The initiative is not limited to musicians alone; it also incorporates technical training for filmmakers, sound engineers, and production staff, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Why is Nowhere, NW a turning point for The Caymans?
For The Caymans, Nowhere, NW represents more than just a single release—it is a defining moment in their artistic evolution.
The band’s shift towards collaborative songwriting marks a departure from earlier processes and reflects a more mature approach to music creation.
By working closely with experienced mentors such as Tom Chapman and Carl Hunter, the band has been able to refine both their sound and their production capabilities.
Industry observers involved in the project suggest that this blend of structured mentorship and creative freedom is crucial in developing long-term artistic identity.
The band’s involvement in a professional development programme also provides them with exposure to technical skills in recording and production, which may influence their future output.
How did students contribute to the music video production?
A notable feature of the Nowhere, NW video production is the involvement of students from Cinemateca’s skills bootcamp documentary course.
These students participated directly in filming, editing, and production processes under the guidance of Carl Hunter.
Their contribution ensured that the final video maintained a fresh and experimental visual style while still meeting professional production standards.
The experience also served as a practical training opportunity, allowing students to engage with real-world creative workflows rather than purely theoretical instruction.
This integration of education and production highlights the academy’s commitment to building sustainable pathways into the creative industries.
What does this collaboration mean for the UK music industry?
The collaboration between The Caymans, The Farm’s Carl Hunter The Farm, and New Order’s Tom Chapman New Order reflects a broader shift in how music development programmes are structured in the UK.
Rather than relying solely on traditional record label pathways, emerging artists are increasingly gaining access to mentorship-based ecosystems that combine education, production, and performance.
This model allows for:
- Direct interaction between emerging and established artists
- Practical training in real production environments
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration between music and film
- Early-stage exposure to live performance opportunities
In this case, The Piece Hall Academy serves as a microcosm of this evolving industry structure, demonstrating how regional initiatives can produce nationally relevant creative output.
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What’s next for The Caymans after their debut video release?
The Caymans are now preparing for what is expected to be their biggest live performance to date, supporting The Wombats at Live at The Piece Hall this summer.
This upcoming performance is likely to serve as a major exposure opportunity for the band, placing them in front of a significantly larger audience.
The combination of recorded success and live performance development is expected to strengthen their profile within the UK indie music scene.
As the band continues to work within The Piece Hall Academy framework, further releases and collaborations may follow, building on the momentum generated by Nowhere, NW.
How does this project reflect youth opportunity in Halifax?
The project highlights Halifax’s growing role as a centre for creative development and youth opportunity in the UK.
By integrating professional musicians, educators, and students into a shared production environment, The Piece Hall Academy provides a practical route into the creative industries.
For participants like The Caymans and the Cinemateca students, the experience represents a rare opportunity to work directly with established figures in music and film.
This collaborative structure not only enhances skill development but also strengthens the local creative economy by retaining talent within the region.
The release of Nowhere, NW by The Caymans marks a significant milestone in the band’s development and a broader achievement for The Piece Hall Academy initiative.
Through collaboration with Carl Hunter of The Farm The Farm and Tom Chapman of New Order, the project demonstrates how established industry professionals can meaningfully contribute to grassroots music development.
At its core, the project reflects a growing shift towards mentorship-driven creative ecosystems, where education, production, and performance converge to shape the next generation of artists.
As The Caymans prepare for their upcoming live performance and future releases, their journey stands as a case study in how structured support and artistic collaboration can accelerate emerging talent in the modern music landscape.
