Time is almost running out for vocalists and rappers from across the East Midlands to apply for a professional development and performance programme, run by 2Funky Arts and Musical Director Carol Leeming. This year, Project: Live will provide guidance for eight promising, new urban artists in developing new material and raising their profile. They will learn more about the music industry from professional artists, perform as part of a high profile showcase and work towards a Bronze or Silver Arts Award.
The three month programme has won the support of local Voice UK 2014 Semi-Finalist Bizzi Dixon, who will sit on the selection panel for the programme. He has said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming urban artists to develop and showcase their talent. The music industry is tough, but this project will help open up new opportunities for artists across the East Midlands.”
‘Project: LIVE’ will focus on artists who work in urban music styles and music of Black origin, including soul, R&B, jazz, funk, gospel, grime and reggae. It will allow artists to perform for a music industry crowd and develop new business skills and knowledge of the industry. The programme hopes to increase the potential for artists to become signed, boost their income from performances, gain management and improve their networks. We will also help them to secure live bookings, across the region, following the course.
Singers and rappers will apply for the opportunity and those who are shortlisted will be interviewed by a professional panel, including Bizzi Dixon, Carol Leeming, Mellow Baku and DJ Yess. The eight who are selected will take part in sessions at The Music Café, Leicester, between September and November 2015. Workshops will culminate in a showcase at the same venue and be followed by a period of mentoring to encourage further progression. For those artists entering from Nottingham and Derby transport can be provided to enable you to attend the sessions.
To apply, artists must be over 18, unsigned and from the East Midlands. The project is £50 (for working people) and free for those in receipt of jobseekers allowance.
For an application form, please contact Vijay Mistry on [email protected], or visit www.2funkyarts.co.uk. The deadline for applications is 31 July.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.