Liverpool’s Sound City has announced the launch of Rip It Up, an all-encompassing bursary programme for Black, Asian and diverse artists and industry professionals aged 18-25.
The project, supported by Youth Music Incubator Fund, looks to provide the framework and opportunity for young creatives to immerse themselves with a rich knowledge of the industry they wish to enter.
The bursary has been created as a direct response to continuing racial equality within the music industry.
The programme will consist of eight sessions, covering areas within the music industry from campaign strategies, publicity and management to recording, production and distribution.
Confirmed speakers include Gorillaz bass player Seye Adelekan, rock duo Nova Twins, Facebook’s Global Client Partner Vanessa Bakewell, Killing Moon MD Achal Dhillon and Liam James Ward of digital agency Be-Hookd Digital.
Seye Adelekan said: ‘It's a big honour and privilege to be a part of Rip it Up, sharing my experiences with young people taking part. I mean, I didn't go to Uni or Music College, but what I lacked in that formal education I made up for by learning from great players and producers who have come before me and those who continue to create to this day. I think hearing from people first hand is really going to benefit the young people involved in Rip It Up and I count myself fortunate to be a small part of that.’
Course leader Yaw Owusu said: ‘Rip It Up is a solution-based response to challenges in the music industry for emerging black artists and creatives based in Merseyside. I am happy to be supporting this by working with the participants to learn, develop and share, in the hopes that their experiences, skills and opportunities improve in regard to their careers in the music industry.’
Applications for the 10 bursary spots are now open, with entries closing on 15 February. Successful applicants will be chosen by a select expert panel and will be notified in advance of the programme beginning in March.
