PRS for Music backs nationwide music competition

PRS for Music is backing Next BRIT Thing

PRS for Music is backing Next BRIT Thing - a major music competition for young people aged 11-19 supported by the UK music industry, The BRIT Awards and the Government.

PRS for Music is specifically supporting the Composition award of Next BRIT Thing which is looking for young musicians in any genre to share their original musical works, compete in online charts and perform live. 

The winner of the prestigious PRS for Music award will receive a day’s studio session with a top music producer in Strongroom Studios, Shoreditch - part of the world famous AIR Studios Group. The AIR Studios Group is the recording home for many of today's top artists including Coldplay, Muse, George Michael, Arctic Monkeys, Florence & the Machine, Patrick Wolf, Placebo and Pixie Lott. 

The judging panel will consist of Simon Darlow, a top songwriter and musical director, Ellis Rich OBE, music publishing guru and former Chairman of PRS for Music and British film composer Julian Nott, best known for his work in the Wallace and Gromit films.

Many young stars including Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott and Paloma Faith are supporting the scheme.

The other two awards are General (covering Pop, Rock, Urban, Folk and Jazz) and a Classical award.

Next BRIT Thing is open to all 11-19 year olds whether in formal education or not.  It offers entrants a raft of prizes and money-can’t-buy opportunities, including the chance to perform in front of thousands and exclusive support and guidance from famous musicians and songwriters.  

Members of the public can listen to the entries and place their vote via the competition website at nextbritthing.com, via Facebook at facebook.com/nextbritthing and by using the competition’s free iPhone app. 

The regional events take place in the first week in February 2012, with the finalists going forward to the national final at the O2 Indigo in March 2012.

Young people entering Next BRIT Thing also have access to high-quality tutorials and resources to help them improve their skills, develop confidence and explore careers in music or other creative industries.

Some of the UK’s biggest music stars are supporting Next BRIT Thing and encouraging young people to get involved:

I would have loved there to have been a nationwide music competition like this when I was at school. The Next BRIT Thing will give young musicians a chance to get themselves heard, to be creative and show off their talents to the whole country. I'm really looking forward to hearing some great songs. Good luck and get involved if you haven't already!

Music is the only global language and an opportunity for young people to put their views and emotions into lyrics and melodies is a great thing.

It's tough to get started in the music industry and Next BRIT Thing is a brilliant competition that gives all young people in the UK a chance to make it big. If you love music, get involved.

I am so excited about the Next BRIT Thing. Music is such a rush...I can’t wait to hear the entries.

If you want to get a break in the music business, entering the Next BRIT Thing competition is a really cool way to get your music heard.

This is massive... Get involved yo...Showcase your talent... Could be the beginning of BIG THINGS for you.

The Next BRIT Thing is an exciting thing! I am constantly hearing great new music coming from all over the country and it's going to be great to focus on new artists and see new talent get the recognition it deserves!

Get involved! What have you got to lose? Nothing!! It’s exciting that an opportunity like this even exists!

As a band we know how hard it is to get your music heard in the beginning. Next BRIT Thing offers young musicians a brilliant chance. I’d encourage everyone to get involved!