You can now apply for be part of the LIMF Academy class of 2021/22

Calling local music creators – Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) Academy is back for 2021/22!

Applications to be part of the award-winning programme are now open 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 more than 4,450 young artists attend workshops and seminars and perform at a variety of events.

With support from – and in 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.

Check out the application video from last year:

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.
• Michael Aldag – With more than half a million TikTok followers, Michael’s electro-pop sound is racking up big numbers on streaming sites and he has signed a record deal with 3 Beat Music / Universal.
• PizzaGirl – The electronic singer-songwriter and producer has been championed by the likes of Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne and has toured the UK and Europe and received international support by key music sites. He has just signed to acclaimed indie label, Hit or Heist.
• 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).
• Jalen N’Gonda – The classic soul singer went on to sign a global publishing deal, tour the UK, Europe and US and perform at many major festivals across the world. He has recently signed a recording deal.
• Mary Miller – Dream-pop singer-songwriter and producer who saw her debut single release hit no 1 globally on Hype Machine and receive ardent support by the likes of Clash Magazine and The Line Of Best Fit as well as going on to perform at key music industries showcases across the UK.
• 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, including:

• 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
• Music making and collaborative opportunities
• Marketing support

On top of this, 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 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.

LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu, said:

“The pedigree of talent we see come through the Academy is a real testament to the creativity we have in abundance across the city region. 

“The achievements of our Academy graduates is massively rewarding, and shouldn’t be underestimated. Getting your foot in the door in the music industry isn’t easy and the fact that so many of our talented cohort members have gone on to get recording or publishing deals or launch themselves into a sustainable career shows the value of this programme.

“After the past 18 months, artists and creatives need as much support as possible and we’re here to do just that. So, if you are making great music, aged 16-25, unsigned and believe you are ready to take your creativity and career to the next level – apply now”

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 here.  Closing date for applications is 27 September at 7pm.