Tenant Talk with Charlene Hegarty
This year, Oh Yeah gained a new resident in someone we all know very well. For seven years, Charlene Hegarty held the role of Talent Development Manager, nurturing fresh sound through our flagship Scratch My Progress programme, curating Sound of Belfast, and Women’s Work festival and being there for musician’s at every step.
Now as the Musician’s Union first ever permanent regional officer for Northern Ireland, Charlene is continuing to guide musician’s through an industry in which you often need a navigator. I caught up with her to hear about her new role and why basing herself in Oh Yeah felt like the perfect spot.
Many will know you as a familiar face in the Oh Yeah building. You are now the first Musician's Union Regional Officer for Northern Ireland. What is it that attracted you to this role?
I firmly believe in the Musicians Union cause. Giving power to musicians is the hill I will die on.
You are our newest tenant! What made you want to come back and have your office here in Oh Yeah?
Where else could I possibly base myself? Oh Yeah is the beating heart of the scene - I feel at home here and it allows lots of opportunity to connect with musicians and to talk to the people working hard behind the scenes trying to push things forward for musicians. Long live the Oh Yeah!
You are the woman behind Scratch My Progress, Oh Yeah's talent development programme, which has nurtured so many incredible artists. What has delivering Scratch meant to you?
It has been a point of great pride to be a part of the Scratch story. Over the last 8 years I have done what I can to change the prospects and position of a range of musicians from Northern Ireland. We have chalked up more than a few memorable events and breakthroughs during that time and I will always be so so proud of that. And the best thing about Scratch is always the people - we are a supportive community and that's more important than anything.
I will continue the work of supporting musicians, but in new ways with the MU and the Scratch ship will continue to sail with a new captain. Talent development is an essential component in any healthy music ecosystem and I am excited for all the new wins the next 8 years will bring for Scratch.
What local music are you loving at the minute?
Wait til you hear the new tracks my Sophie French, Madams Last Discovery, Tousai, Aqua Tofana and Moon Landing #Scratch25
Find out more about the Musician’s Union here https://musiciansunion.org.uk/
