Liverpool International Music Festival, a highlight on the UK festival calendar, announce details of the finalists of 2015’s Academy programme; where young unsigned artists and bands from Merseyside have the unparalleled opportunity to perform in front of an audience of thousands on an international platform, get professional career support and development or just take part in workshops and masterclasses in singing, songwriting, DJ'ing, producing and the music business.
With an overwhelming response from the public for this year's Academy applications, LIMF are proud to announce the names of their 'most ready' finalists, as well as 15 additional artists set to perform on the LIMF Summer Jam stage in August.
“This year's volume and quality of applications awed us. Nearly 300 applicants from across Merseyside. I must admit the selection process was very tough but I think we got 18 of the best for sure who will all perform at LIMF Summer Jam.” Yaw Owusu – LIMF Music Curator and Academy mentor
The 3 artists 'most ready' are soulful-producer and singer-songwriter Amique, Jalen Ngonda; guitarist and vocalist from the USA and studying at LIPA, who took the judges' breath away with his application, and Michael Seary, a producer-DJ who is constantly working on his craft through various remixes, collaborations and shows.
Joe Frankland from PRS for Music said: “With so many outstanding Merseyside artists breaking through over the last couple of years, it was great to delve into tracks from the next generation with the LIMF Academy team. Those attending LIMF are in for a treat, with a vast array of young talent from all genres performing. Michael Seary has built a really strong reputation for both original tracks and his remix work and I can’t wait to hear where he’ll go next with Steve Levine’s help. Jalen and Amique really stood out to us too. Both amazing vocalists possess something really rare for emerging artists in that they have clear artistic vision but it feels effortless. PRS for Music Foundation is thrilled to be able to support such exciting talent.”
Additionally they have named Eleanor Nelly as a one to watch. “At such a young age she is showing some amazing promise so we are going to work to support her over the next year too." Yaw Owusu
As part of the Academy line up, the SA to UK Collective from one of LIMF’s partnerships projects will also perform. The collective is made up of young artists from Liverpool and South Africa who have collaborated to create an EP centred upon Activism and Music. Also added to the stage is the Out on Stage competition winner – Shamona – who made it through the talent search organised by The Michael Causer Foundation.
For the three most ready artists, LIMF will support their musical development in a number of ways including a bursary towards career development supported by PRS Foundation, several masterclass days of advice and support with industry insiders, creation of various key press assets and a live session and feature on BBC Merseyside’s BBC Introducing show with Dave Monks.
The LIMF Academy mentor team includes BBC Merseyside presenter Dave Monks, Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Levine and the festival’s own music curator Yaw Owusu. The LIMF Academy programme offers a long-standing relationship with finalists and on-going support. In February 2016 the artists will take part in an industry showcases in Liverpool and London aimed to offer a new set of opportunities and also engage with new audiences, setting them on the next stage of their journey.
Liverpool International Music Festival takes places from 27-31 August and has announced performers including Basement Jaxx, Labrinth, Katy B and Laura Mvula. Since launching in 2013, the LIMF Academy programme is an integral part of the event, and has grown in stature and support.
In 2014, the LIMF Academy saw over 2000 young people attend workshops, 15 bands perform on the LIMF Academy stage at LIMF Summer Jam and 5 artists and bands picked for the LIMF Academy Elite Development programme. These 5 were selected by an industry panel and subsequently received a number of benefits including free studio time, coverage on BBC Introducing, a masterclass day with industry insiders, slots on regional festivals, year round mentorship and career development sessions as well as professional press photographs and biographies.
They included: Singer song-writer Luke Cusato, who has been played on XFM and BBC Introducing, as well as be featured by The Liverpool Echo and The Metro, and Jazz/Soul vocalist and producer Xam Volo, a Get Into This Award (GIT Award) nominee. Both artists will perform on the LIMF Summer Jam (It’s Liverpool) stage this Summer, alongside other winners; The Visitors, Katy Alex and Little Grace.
