Ipswich Rising: Emulate Project Drops Music Video That Redefines Beats, Belonging and Bold New Voices

Something bold and brilliant is brewing every Monday night in Ipswich. Tucked inside The Smokehouse, a place that’s fast becoming a crucible for emerging creativity, the Emulate Project has quietly evolved into a space where beats meet purpose and young men explore what it really means to show up for themselves, for each other, and for their community.

Now, to mark its first anniversary, Emulate has dropped something loud and clear: a music video that’s equal parts celebration, call to action, and tribute to the town that shaped it. Premiered at the iconic St Stephen’s Church, the video is the result of months of collaboration, a powerful piece of storytelling wrapped in rhythm, honesty, and the raw energy of real experience. 

“This is sooo good... so proud to be a part of it” Emulate participant.

What started as an 8-week pilot is now a full-blown social club, turning Monday nights into something unmissable. The Emulate group, young men aged 16 to 25, meet weekly to eat, create, talk, and listen.

Emulate session with mentor Eli Turay

Building Beats and Belonging

The spark for the music project was simple: ICM turned 10. Emulate turned 1. So why not do something that hits both milestones? The group threw themselves into it. Over May, they worked in back-to-back sessions at Punch Studios with producer Emile, laying down lyrics, crafting the beat, and shaping a track that reflected their stories.

Rorie Dines, a rising name in Ipswich’s Music scene, led on lyrics, channelling the collective voice of the group. Director Julien Mery (Film Suffolk) helped the team storyboard, shoot and edit the accompanying video, a visual journey through the ideas of masculinity, identity, place and growth.

The result is a track shaped by the Emulate ethos: community, creativity, courage. It blends personal insight with wider social themes, from what it means to be a young man today, to how Ipswich itself is a character in their lives.

The Urban Campfire That’s Changing Lives

So, what is Emulate, really? Think of it as an urban campfire, a place to gather, reflect, and fuel your flame.

The project is built around 7Ms:

·      Mental Health

·      Masculinity

·      Media & Music

·      Motivation

·      Meaning

·      Mentoring

·      Mastery

Each session mixes conversation, creativity and connection, underpinned by a commitment to building safer, healthier communities.

Session with mentor Nat Clarkson

Young men aren’t just dropping bars here, they’re discovering new skills, exploring who they are, and reshaping narratives around what masculinity and vulnerability can look like.

And it’s only just beginning.

Starting again this September, Emulate returns as a weekly Social Club at South Street Studios, Mondays 6–8pm. Expect music, food, workshops, guest artists, and real talk, all held in a space that prioritises care, courage and connection.

For more info or to sign up, email bmiller@ipswichcm.org.uk or swing by The Smokehouse on a Monday. Come for the beats, stay for the growth.

If you’re 16–25 and into music, media, learning, and connection — Emulate might just be the place to find your voice. Or at the very least, find someone who’ll listen.

Backed by Community Power

The Emulate Project is hosted by Ipswich Community Media and powered by MEN2B, with vital funding from the Serious Violence Duty Fund via the Suffolk Community Foundation.