The next cohort of music makers have been given access to the award-winning LIMF Academy talent development programme.
The Academy is an initiative with ambitions to improve skills and career opportunities for emerging music talent based in Merseyside aged 16-25 years old. The Academy gives exclusive access to activities, networks and insider know-how from the music industry.
The class of 2021/22 has been announced and will see unsigned artists enrolled in one of the sector-leading platforms for developing and showcasing emerging talent across the city region.
Ten artists have been enrolled, and will benefit from a year-long initiative including masterclasses, showcases, bursaries, life-coaching and advice.
The three ‘most ready’ artists, which this year boasts an all-female line-up, will also receive extras such as studio time and the creation of professional assets.
The artists are:
Amber Jay (Most Ready) – Delicate vocals and very experimental when it comes to production.
Lazygirl (Most Ready) – A pop, multi-instrumentalist who draws on her LGBTQ+ identity for inspiration
Ni Maxine (Most Ready) – A neo-Jazz singer-songwriter; exploring themes of home, identity, self-esteem and belonging.
DAYZY – This Liverpool-born rapper, singer, songwriter has a melodic sound.
Hannah-Morgan – With a flair for harmony, Hannah is influenced by pop, RnB, garage and gospel.
Superlate – This young producer crafts records filled with soul, drum and bass.
Philly D – A Ghanaian-born rapper who is a talented lyricist.
Cures and Curses – Already generating a buzz online, artist Aaron Akpojaro is making waves with his alt-po-rock sound.
Vaunce – An eclectic artist influenced by rave, hip-hop and classic pop.
ALEXNDER – This 17 year old from Wirral, is a self-taught guitar player whose skills lie in song writing and production.
For full biographies on each artist, visit the official Academy website.
You can also watch live performances of the three Most Ready artists here – Amber Jay, Lazygirl and Ni Maxine.
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.
LIMF Academy partners include Liverpool City Council, BBC Music Introducing, PRS Foundation, Ditto Music and Sentric Music. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has also supported the Academy with its Strategic Investment Fund.
LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu: “This year’s Academy line-up is one of our strongest to date – all of them are so different to each other, offering up real diversity in so many ways.
“After such a tough couple of years for the music industry, and specifically for emerging artists, we are very happy to double down on our efforts to support this new cohort with a better-than-ever programme.
“Myself and the wider Academy team are excited to start working with these artists and see what difference we can make together and hopefully set them on the right path to achieving their music ambitions.”
Ni Maxine: “I applied to the LIMF Academy to take my music career to the next level. I’m really looking forward to working with industry professionals and collaborating with other artists to hone my artistic identity and record and release original music in a creative and supportive environment.”
Amber Jay: “I knew having the support of the Academy would be key to my progression as an artist. I can’t wait to meet the other members of the cohort and I’m looking forward to growing all aspects of my artistry with the help of the Academy.”
Youth Music has given support to the Academy via its Incubator Funding pot which will focus on a new career and creative music development programme aimed at black music artists between 18-25 from Merseyside.
The talent development programme forms a vital part of Liverpool’s status as UNESCO City of Music.
