Calling the best young artists, bands and producer-artists – applications are now open for the latest cohort of the award-winning LIMF Academy.
Unsigned artists aged 16-25 from across the Liverpool City Region are invited to apply for the programme that has supported over 5,000 creators since it was launched in 2013 and has become one of the main platforms for developing emerging talent in the region.
Designed to build skills and open up career opportunities, four creators will be selected to receive access to the FREE 12-month programme that will run from June 2024 until March 2025, and will include:
- Bursaries towards their creative and career development
- Performance opportunities at major Liverpool music events and other regular showcases, including the annual LIMF Academy Orchestrated collaboration with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company
- Monthly masterclass and skill sessions with industry leaders on topics such as marketing, promotion, performance, distribution, media training, funding opportunities, resilience training and much more
- Free rehearsal time at SORT Rehearsal Studios
- Paid membership to the Musician’s Union and PRS for Music
- Free global distribution from Ditto Music
- Creation of professional press assets
- Access to the LIMF Academy OPEN SAUCE Events
- Networking with frontline music industry professionals
- 12+ hours of mentoring by an industry professional
- Coaching by performance coach Basil Reynolds
- Mental health first aid training
- Access to LIMF Academy partners
- Marketing support.
Some LIMF Academy alumni who are already hitting all the right notes are:
Michael Aldag
With his electro-pop sound, satirical lyrics and larger-than-life voice, Michael Aldag offers a unique take on pop. Within a few months of his first release, Michael’s audience exploded on TikTok and Instagram and he has quickly become a favourite on key streaming platforms. He signed a recording contract with 3 Beat Music/ Universal and has support from Apple Music, BBC Radio 1 and has sold out multiple national tours.
Jalen N’Gonda
Classic soul singer Jalen N’Gonda went on to sign a global publishing deal, tour the UK, Europe and US and perform at many major festivals across the world. He has recently signed a recording deal with Daptone and is considered to be a future global soul star. His UK Tour is already sold out and he will be performing at Glastonbury this year.
Tonia
Tonia entered the music scene in 2021, following the success of her debut single Flux. Impressing even the most seasoned professionals with her self-assured style and candour, Flux won Tonia radio fans such as BBC Radio’s Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Gemma Bradley and BBC Introducing. Tonia has recently signed to 3Beat / Universal Records.
Applications are now open and can be submitted online www.limfacademy.com.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 5 June with the final selection of artists being completed by 10 June. The selection will be made by a panel of independent advisors, including representatives from partner organisations and Academy alumni.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“We know that there is no shortage of creative talent in our region but we also know that it is hard to get a foot in the door of the music industry and even harder to stay in the room.
“This is what LIMF Academy is all about. It’s about looking at all the skills needed to work in the music industry to equip young people to understand and thrive in a rewarding but tough career.
“Thousands of young people have already found out about the value of LIMF Academy and we’re looking forward to supporting even more in 2024/25.”
LIMF Academy programme director and creative consultant Yaw Owusu said:
“LIMF Academy is a true Liverpool success story which has been committed to launching and building sustainable careers for thousands of young people for over a decade.
“The Academy is all about supporting talented people to develop the whole suite of skills that are needed to succeed in the music business today which helps build all -important resilience in an industry where competition has always been intense.
“From soul to folk-pop and neo-jazz, the sheer breadth of talent to come through the Academy is always astonishing. And I expect this year to be no different. We can’t wait to see who applies this year – and we’re hoping that you will be one of them!”
