Students from Man Met team up to showcase new music talent as part of Brits awards in Manchester
- Featured image: PA Media
For the first time since they began in 1977 the Brit awards are being held in Manchester.
The relocation up north is not the only exciting news this time around, as this year will see the addition of BRITs Fringe alongside the main event.
BRITs fringe is a new initiative dedicated to showcasing and encouraging aspiring young artists in Manchester’s dynamic music scene by harnessing the power and profile of the BRIT awards.
Professor Kirsty Fairclough, research and innovation lead at Manchester Metropolitan university’s School of Digital Arts (SODA), has been involved with the project from the beginning.
“It’s all about inspiring, up skilling and empowering the next generation of Manchester’s musical talent”, says Kirsty.
Brits Fringe Lab
On Friday (27 February), the day before the BRITS, Fringe Lab will take place at New Century Hall. There will be a series of panels and the event will culminate with a performance from four upcoming artists.
The event promises to ‘bring together emerging artists music professionals and creatives’.
“There will be talks, hands-on workshops immersive masterclasses, then there’s a live public showcase which is spotlighting four of Manchester’s potential future BRIT winners!”
There will also be three ‘First Steps’ sessions taking place in the run up to the BRITs. These workshops will be dedicated to giving emerging musicians guidance on how to find their footing and successfully launch their careers.
First Steps sessions
First Steps into Songwriting – Monday, 23 February at Band on The Wall, in partnership with the Manchester College
First Steps into Building An Audience – Wednesday ,25 February at The Holden Gallery, in partnership with SODA
First Steps into Selling Your Music – Thursday, 26 February at the Royal Northern College of Music
“If you’re someone who’s done a few gigs and you’re wanting to develop your career a bit further these will be quite intensive sessions. It’s not just going to be general panels,” Kirsty explained.
“It will be people working with you from various record labels who will be giving detailed advice.”
Students from Manchester Metropolitan university have arranged paid work experience at the BRITs this year, which Kirsty is “really, really pleased about”.