Launch of Hebrides Sessions:
A new way for talented Outer Hebridean acts to make their move into the UK music industry
Wee Studio from the Outer Hebrides has joined forces with Black Bay Studio and An Lanntair, the major music venue on the Isle of Lewis, to launch their new project, ‘Hebridean Sessions’ – a new music industry-focused scheme which seeks to transform the future for some of the most talented musicians and bands from the Outer Hebrides.
So, what is Hebridean Sessions? Put simply, it will be a live music video festival and music industry support programme. It’s all about equipping talented musicians from the Outer Hebrides with the profile, confidence and wherewithal they need to successfully launch their careers in the today’s music industry. Outer Hebridean musicians and bands are invited to submit applications now to have the chance to be part of the festival, which will take place 18th to 21st September 2017.
Up to 8 lucky acts will get:
- Live Performance Videos: Three of their own original tracks filmed and multi-track recorded of a live performance on the main stage at An Lanntair.
- Recording: Tracks edited and mixed at Wee Studio.
- Performance: Opportunity to perform at the final performance of all the applicants on the last night of the festival week on the An Lanntair stage in front of a packed audience.
- Access to music industry specialists – mentoring/PR: Tailored mentoring and PR support in the lead up and after the festival week from highly connected, music industry specialists.
- Access to music industry workshops: A programme of industry-focused workshops for all successful artists.
A panel of expert judges from the UK music industry will select up to eight acts to come on to the programme.
How to apply:
Acts are asked to submit the following to Keith Morrison at Wee Studio to apply:
- A very rough, simple, video performance of one track uploaded to YouTube (this could be shot on a mobile phone or using any other simple media. The video can be set to public or unlisted for privacy).
- Links to all social media.
- Links to Soundcloud, Spotify or another platform with demos of existing tracks (to be eligible to apply, acts should demonstrate that they already have several existing tracks of original material).
Acts should be from or living in the Outer Hebrides, they should write and perform their own original music, and, importantly, they must demonstrate that they are motivated to succeed in the music industry.
Email to apply to: weestudiomail@gmail.com
Deadline for applications: Monday 31 th July 2017 at 9am
If bands have any questions or would like to discuss this before they apply, they are invited to get in touch with Keith directly.
The project is funded by £16,970 from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund in May 2017. This project is designed to give talented musicians from the Outer Hebrides everything they need to take their music and create real viable opportunities, income streams and industry success. Keith, Director of Wee Studio and creator of this project said:
“Too many great musicians from the Outer Hebrides have gone unnoticed because they did not have the resources or experience to take the next step. This project will give eight superb local acts professional videos, mentoring and the PR advice they need to take the next steps in their careers. Married with the workshops, this project will give each participant the knowledge of how to gain connections in the music industry. The aim is to create a simple, quick step to supporting acts to get to the next stage in their career. This support has been missing for too long.”
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland