North East entertainment agency launches programme to aid unsigned artists

Singer songwriters are being given an opportunity to have an insight into the music industry via a new programme started by a North East entertainment agency.

ISG, based in Sunderland has teamed up with Kycker, a music distribution and publishing platform for new performers, to launch Platform North East.

The programme, set up with support from Arts Council England, and the Culture Recovery programme, will launch on November 29 and will be open to unsigned artists aged 16 and over who are currently working on their own material.

The successful applicants will then be invited along to take part in a series of workshops and sessions with industry specialists, who can help them learn more about the industry and to help develop their craft.

The sessions, running from November 29 to December 3, will include song writing, building a stage presence, creating an audience, marketing and how to use social media, along with having an original song composed and produced in-house at ISG’s base at Sunderland BIC.

Kycker will then help the new artists get their music published, with an opportunity for it to be performed at a live event taking place at The Point, Sunderland, December 9.

Paul Waite, CEO of ISG, said: “The industry is a tough one to get into and although talent is obviously important, there are now so many factors that people need to take into consideration to succeed.

“This partnership with Kycker will give musicians all the tools they need to massively increase their chances of success, along with the opportunity to work with will real experts. We are really looking forward to making some incredible discoveries.”

Places for Platform North East are free for those but are limited. Applicants must be available for all coaching and performance sessions and must meet other criteria before applying. Applications close at midnight on November 21.