Young people aged 11-19 from Great Britain and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to register for Next BRIT Thing – a major new nationwide music competition backed by the UK music industry, The BRIT Awards and the Government.
Next BRIT Thing is looking for young musicians in any genre to share their performances, compete in online charts and perform live. There are three awards up for grabs – General (covering Pop, Rock, Urban, Folk and Jazz), Classical and an additional award for Composition, supported by PRS for Music.
Next BRIT Thing is open to all 11-19 year olds whether in formal education or not. It offers entrants a raft of prizes and money-can’t-buy opportunities, including the chance to perform in front of thousands and exclusive support and guidance from famous musicians and songwriters.
The lucky winners – to be chosen by a team of influential artists and senior music industry executives – will be crowned Next BRIT Thing and receive a unique award in the run-up to the 2012 BRIT Awards.
Young people entering Next BRIT Thing will also have access to high-quality tutorials and resources to help them improve their skills, develop confidence and explore careers in music or other creative industries.
The competition is a major learning opportunity from Government and the music industry with wide appeal, enabling 11-19 year olds to develop their creative talents, confidence and skills.
Take That star Gary Barlow said, “I would have loved there to have been a nationwide music competition like this when I was at school. The Next BRIT Thing will give young musicians a chance to get themselves heard, to be creative and show off their talents to the whole country. I’m really looking forward to hearing some great songs. Good luck and get involved if you haven’t already!”
Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey MP;commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome the launch of the Next BRIT Thing which will bring together the music industry, education and young people to celebrate the very best in musical talent across all types of music from all across the UK. It is a really exciting opportunity to showcase yourself to the industry and I hope it inspires all young people to get involved with music either as competitors or supporters.”
The Next BRIT Thing website at www.nextbritthing.com is already open for registration, and young people are joining in via www.facebook.com/nextbritthing and on Twitter – @nextbritthing.
From September 2011, entrants can submit video and audio of their performances to be assessed by their peers in an Official Next BRIT Thing weekly chart. The most popular entries each week will progress to regional finals in November 2011, culminating in a national final early in 2012.
Some of the UK’s biggest music stars are already supporting Next BRIT Thing and encouraging young people to get involved:
“Music is the only global language and an opportunity for young people to put their views and emotions into lyrics and melodies is a great thing.” Jessie J
“It’s tough to get started in the music industry and Next BRIT Thing is a brilliant competition that gives all young people in the UK a chance to make it big. If you love music, get involved.” Pixie Lott
“I am so excited about the Next BRIT thing. Music is such a rush…I can’t wait to hear the entries.” Paloma Faith
“If you want to get a break in the music business, entering the Next BRIT Thing competition is a really cool way to get your music heard.” Tinchy Stryder
“This is massive … Get involved yo … Showcase your talent … Could be the beginning of BIG THINGS for you” Chipmunk
“The Next BRIT thing is an exciting thing! I am constantly hearing great new music coming from all over the country and it’s going to be great to focus on new artists and see new talent get the recognition it deserves!” Eliza Doolittle
“Get involved! What have you got to lose? Nothing!! It’s exciting that an opportunity like this even exists!” Dionne Bromfield
“I think all young musicians should grab this chance to get their music out there.” Cairo, Encore
“Be the Next BRIT thing! This is your time to get your music out there, go for it!” Siva, The Wanted
“As a band we know how hard it is to get your music heard in the beginning. Next BRIT thing offers young musicians a brilliant chance. I’d encourage everyone to get involved!” Dappy, NDubz
For further information, please contact Adam Liversage at BPI on 020 7803 1326 or on email via adam@bpi.co.uk.
Next BRIT Thing is supported by Government (through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Education (DfE)), the devolved administrations and the music labels trade body the BPI.
The competition is delivered by a partnership of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, Radiowaves, NUMU and Musical Futures, with support from the BRIT Trust, PRS for Music, the Official Charts Company and the Music Industry Association with media support from Metro newspapers and Global Radio.
The competition is open to UK residents between the ages of 11 and 19 years. More details about specific competition entry requirements will be available when the competition fully opens in September.
All entries must be uploaded on the Next BRIT Thing website, winners will be chosen through online charts, voting and judging panels at live performances. Entries can be uploaded from September 2011 and anyone can register now to receive information and updates.
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