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Award-Winning Talent Development Programme Returns


Calling Local Music Creators – Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) Academy is back for 2021/22!

Applications are now open to be a part of the award-winning programme and the team are on the hunt for the best artists, bands and producer-artists aged 16-25 based in Liverpool City Region, to take part.

Since its inception in 2013, the LIMF Academy has seen over 4,450 young artists attend workshops and seminars, and perform at a variety of events

With support from – and partnerships with – BBC Music Introducing, BBC Radio 1Xtra, PRS Foundation, UK Music, Musician’s Union, Help Musician’s UK, Ditto Music, the Academy has grown to become one of the main platforms for developing and showcasing young artists and emerging talent in the region.

With an incredible track record for specifically honing the skills of the best up-and-coming and unsigned music talent, getting access to the Academy’s exclusive masterclasses and insider know-how has been career defining for many of the previous LIMF Academy alumni. Some of these include:

  • XamVolo – The neo-jazz singer-songwriter and producer went on to sign a label deal with Universal Records, has been championed by BBC Radio and Beats 1 and toured UK arenas as the main support on the Paloma Faith tour.
  • Eleanor Nelly – A folk-pop singer who went on to sign to Decca Records Management and have her debut EP produced by Cam Blackwood (George Ezra, London Grammar and Dua Lipa).
  • RVHEEM – The R&B/pop singer-songwriter has worked with a number of the UK’s top Black Music artists and has been named as part of BBC Asian Networks Future Sounds and has performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Those lucky enough to get access to the free initiative will receive a variety of benefits, inclusive of;

  • Performance opportunities at LIMF and other regular showcases
  • 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
  • Paid membership to the Musician’s Union and PRS For Music
  • Free global distribution for their music via Ditto Music
  • Mentoring, advice and signposting
  • Bursaries to help with their careers (between £750-£2,500)
  • Access to LIMF Academy partners

The three deemed to be ‘most ready’ will get additional support including recording studio time, year-round mentoring and life coaching and the creation of professional assets.

LIMF Academy alumni Michael Aldag said:

“I cannot overstate how pivotal the LIMF Academy has been in the development of my music and helping me launch my career.

“They have given me countless opportunities to perform, collaborate and meet amazing people in the industry. The additional support – be it funding, mentoring or career advice has been invaluable. For an upcoming artist, applying to the LIMF Academy is a no-brainer.”

Details on how to be part of this career-defining programme can be found at www.limfacademy.com.  Closing date for applications is 27 September at 7pm.

LIMF Academy partners include Liverpool City Council, BBC Music Introducing, PRS Foundation, Youth Music, Ditto Music and Sentric Music. The talent development programme forms a vital part of Liverpool’s status as UNESCO City of Music.