Adobe x JE Self Belief Trust: Young creators turn to pros for the launch of Rudimental’s new track ‘Glow in the Dark’

Last week, a brand-new high-energy summer jam from drum and bass veterans Rudimental and London-based artist Peter Xan called ‘Glow in the Dark’ made waves. A track that combines the infectious indie sound that Peter has made his own of late, with dancefloor friendly vibes courtesy of Rudimental.

The Tron-evoking, retro-futurist official music video that accompanied the release sees the East Londoner soaring across the metaverse, before it emerges that he is in fact in the midst of a simulation.

But what people may not know, is that the music video was produced and directed by a group of young creators who were part of the late Jamal Edwards’s MBE inspiring initiative with Adobe that kicked off in 2021. Formerly known as Adobe x JE Delve, our mission with Jamal and SBTV was to give young people access to skills and opportunities they would not normally receive.

Following Jamal’s tragic and unfortunate passing, we joined forces with his management team, SBTV and the Self Belief Trust, to complete the project because we felt this is something Jamal would have wanted, for the young creators to be given the chance to work on an established artist's music video and support them on that journey.

Over the past 12 months, the young creators have been honing their skills and were able to apply them live on set of the music video. From lighting and sound to editing and post-production, each young creator had a vital part to play in the producing and directing the official video for Rudimental’ s track ‘Glow in the Dark’. Filmed in April 2022 and supported by directors Tyrus and Lux London, as well as SBTV, the final result is a dystopian exploration into themes of societal simulation, showcasing the great work Jamal Edwards inspired young creators to produce.

We spoke to three of the Young Creators involved – Samuel Mansell, Sara Irvine and Andriettea Simbi - to get their thoughts on the experience. From teamwork to social skills to confidence building, they revealed the key things they took away from their experience.

What was your role in the creation of the music video and what have you learnt through this programme?

Andrietta: My role was more geared towards directing from an observatory viewpoint and seeing how the director keeps focused, voices the vision to the team and making sure it’s executed to plan. I was very much shadowing the director throughout, taking everything in. The whole project made me want to start my own business! It was great to learn how I could create my own production company in the future. It definitely inspired my entrepreneurial spirit!

What it was like to work alongside Jamal Edwards and the SBTV team?

Samuel: One of the biggest highlights for me was working with Jamal – the man I had posters of on my wall as a 15-year-old, who I’d followed closely ever since the dawn of SBTV and who I regarded as my biggest entrepreneurial influence. Meeting him I was actually nervous, but felt calm in his presence straight away because of his open, humble nature. I first sent him music when I was 15 or 16, I think. This was at the height of when SB was really building the scene to what it is now, and his email inbox must have been blowing up with young rappers trying to get a ‘Warm Up Session’… He replied and told me ‘Nice work on the lyrics but needs work on the flow’ and I went away and practiced hard for a long time. The fact he even found the time to reply just proved to me that he was the man I thought him to be. Finally getting to rap to him in person on the first day we met was a great feeling and I’m so happy I’ve got a video to always remember it by! The main takeaway from the project for me was the power of teamwork – everyone really made me feel like one of their peers which I really valued.

How important are opportunities like this?

Andrietta: Really important! It’s about teaching us the skills but also, it’s about networking. Being exposed to so much during the whole experience has really helped me to be more equipped and knowledgeable about the process. I read a lot and do a lot of research, but you can’t beat being on set. This project has been so important as I’ve really been able to develop my own style. Taking on projects like this will really open you up to more opportunities in the future.

What are your ambitions following the program? What’s next for you?

Sam: To relentlessly push every angle of my media interests, filmmaking, script writing and producing. The skills I’ve learnt, the access to Adobe’s apps, the networking opportunities I’ve received and the general self-belief I’ve picked up after this project are going to keep my head in the game and serve as a constant reminder that there is a pathway for me in the creative world and it’s up to me to find it. I’m about to launch my multimedia solutions, branding and youth development company ‘Drop All Words’ to work with businesses, artists, brands and youth work projects to implement the same kind of positive changes that Jamal and this program gave me in the arts scene, in my hometown of Oxford!

Any moments that will stick with you from the project?

Sara: My favourite moments from the project have been meeting all of the amazing people from the SBTV and Adobe teams, alongside everybody involved in the production process. On my own projects I always work solo, so it’s been so nice to see how all these people can work together as a team and the power of 20 different minds working together rather than just one! Getting to work alongside Jamal and being able to continue his legacy has been a true blessing.

What would you tell other young people like you who are considering a career in the creative industry?

Sara: I would tell other young people to just get out there, the sooner you start gaining physical experience being on set and talking directly to the people involved in creating the art is how you can fully gain an understanding for how such a complex industry works. For me, putting myself out there for this opportunity helped build my social skills – I was getting to know a group of strangers and learning to communicate from the get go.

Adobe’s mission is to enable Creativity for All because we believe everyone, irrespective of their backgrounds or choices, should have the opportunity to create and have their voices heard. As part of our commitment, we hope this project, along with others, helps cultivate new opportunities and skills for young creators, everywhere.

Rest in peace Jamal. Your legacy lives on.

Check out the some of the behind-the-scenes footage here, which spotlights the amazing work of the young creatives on set: