Dads Rock: Building Bonds, Beating Men’s Isolation and Bringing Joy Through Music

Dads Rock: Building Bonds, Beating Isolation, and Bringing Joy Through Music

Across the South West, Dads Rock continues to grow – and in doing so, it’s redefining what early years music-making can look like for dads and their little ones.

Since launching in 2022, made possible via Youth Music funding, Evolve Music has delivered nearly 250 Dads Rock sessions across across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, BANES and Wiltshire.

In the last year more than 150 dads in Bristol alone have joined multiple sessions, with many more taking part other locations.

The programme has struck a powerful chord with fathers, combining musical play and connection in an inclusive, non-judgemental space.

Sessions are led by two professional community musicians and designed to be flexible and fun—supporting early bonding, boosting dads’ wellbeing and building strong peer networks. One Bristol dad described the experience as “a lifeline,” adding:

“I moved here from London during the pandemic and have scant few friends in the local area. Having a chance to break the ice with new people has been great for my mental health generally.”

From shared laughter during bubble songs to quiet conversations over a cup of tea, Dads Rock offers something special: a space where fathers are seen, supported and celebrated. As one participant summed it up:

“Dad’s Rock has been an extremely positive experience, great for bonding with my daughter and for my own mental health.”

We’re proud that Dads Rock is not just a music programme – for us it’s a movement. And at Evolve Music, we’re excited to keep growing it.