Musical youth set to rock the city
This month the Sounds from the City festival is celebrating 15 years of showcasing the best young rockers and musical talent in Brighton & Hove.
Organised by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Music & Arts Service, the festival has provided a platform for more 300 acts since its launch in 2001.
The next Sounds from the City takes place at the Brighton Dome’s Studio Theatre later this month on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March.
Potential acts for this year’s festival auditioned for their spots in February. The auditions took place before a judging panel of representatives from the local music industry, music educators and young people. Successful performers were chosen from an awesome range of musical talent and style.
The performers are aged between 11 and 18 years old, and have all been rehearsing hard in the lead up to the festival. There are 18 acts taking part over the two days - inspired by the likes Cage the Elephant, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, as well as Taylor Swift, Regina Spektor and 2 Door Cinema Club - with their own sounds to share.
Gordon Russell from Jam Brighton, who nominated a number of acts this year, said: “Sounds from the City is a fantastic festival promoting some of the best young acts in Brighton at a venue that has showcased the world's biggest names in arts and entertainment. I can’t wait to see the acts up on stage, if I can get past the mosh pit!”
Some of the young bands and soloists to feature in the festival in previous year now enjoy national and international success. Former Sounds of the City performers include members of Black Peaks (recently featured as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record), Grasshopper (currently supporting The Charlatans on tour), and Departure From Normal (previously Radio 1′s unsigned tip of the week and support act for Tinchy Stryder).
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Chair of the Brighton & Hove Music Trust, said: “Our city is famous for nurturing and developing great musical talent.
“This event is the first opportunity for local young rock bands to play at a professional venue which is a key milestone in seeing young talent reach its potential. Our Music & Arts service works across the city in schools, youth clubs and with other local community organisations to bring young people together, to inspire the next generation of musicians and bands and organise major events that showcase the city’s young talent.”
Ends
Tickets are available from the Dome Box Office, priced £7/£6
www.brightondome.org or 01273 709709
Tickets are also available from Resident Records
More information:
Please contact Holly Griffiths, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Brighton & Hove Music & Arts service, for further information on 01273 294831 or 07843200574
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Brighton & Hove Music & Arts Service www.bhma.org.uk