When it comes to singing the praises of a career in the music industry there’s few better placed than SRC Bede Sixth Form’s Patrick Jordan.

The former Young Rebel Set lead guitarist and producer may have walked away from his own touring days but the Music Technology teacher is still making his mark in the industry.

Having produced the debut album for one of Teesside’s biggest up-and-coming bands, Cattle & Cane, the much-anticipated Home album has entered the UK Top 40 Indie Album Chart at number 26.

But remaining level headed about his contribution as producer, mix engineer and even playing additional instruments on the album, Patrick said: “It was exciting to see it get in to the top 40 – that was very good news.”

For the 33-year-old from Billingham it was more exciting to get the chance to share the glory with some of his students. The closing track on the album, Dancing, was recorded by members of his class who volunteered to experience a day of recording during a live performance at Wynyard Hall.



“It means that five of those students have already been involved in getting a song on an album,” he said. And with Cattle & Cane rapidly receiving national recognition, their work will no doubt be coming to the attention of many industry top names.

“It’s great for the students to get real experience,” he said. “There are things that happen when you go out to record on location that you just can’t teach.”

A former SRC Bede Sixth Form student himself, Patrick studied music, media and English at the college in Billingham before heading for the University of Manchester. His own sound career started working as an assistant sound engineer to Trevor Horn and Robert Orton at Sarm West Studios in London.

But it was after returning to Teesside and becoming a teacher that he formed indie rock band, Young Rebel Set, with friend, Matt Chipchase. Signed by Ignition Records, the band toured the UK as well as gigging across Europe.



Looking back he said it was a hectic time, teaching by day and then hitting the road with the band on evenings and weekends. Patrick left the group in 2011. He said: “I realised that I preferred a warm recording studio and a cup of tea.”

Patrick was delighted to be approached by Cattle and Cane to record their long-awaited debut album.

"It’s great to have that first-hand experience to share with my students,” he said.

And with the Home album on sale and immediately hitting the UK charts, he added: “It shows with hard work and determination the opportunities that are out there.”