New Music Competition Launched: Sound Of The Times

The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), Time and Leisure Magazine, and Creative Youth are proud to announce their joint launch of Sound of the Times.

Sound of the Times is a brand new competition celebrating the best in new music. Open to solo artists, musicians, and bands, aged between 17-26, who live, work, or study in South West London or Surrey, Sound of the Times winners can expect a whole host of prizes that will help launch their music careers.

A diverse range of entries are expected in all genres. Graham Mead from Time and Leisure said “Time & Leisure is a massive supporter of the arts generally and is actively involved in supporting exhibitions, events and live performance across the whole of South West London and Surrey.  We are delighted to be involved in Sound of the Times as it should help identify fresh new talent and highlight local venues that keep live music thriving.”

Each act is encouraged to enter their best original composition and is limited to one entry.

Winners will receive;

  • A free recording and artist development session at ACM London

  • Free mastering of their recording at the world renowned Metropolis Studios

  • Inclusion on the Sound of the Times album to be released January 2018

  • Inclusion in the Sound of the Times winners showcase at the Rose Theatre in Kingston February 2018

With a shared passion for nurturing the next generation of talented musicians, ACM, Time and Leisure, and Creative Youth wanted to celebrate the fantastic music coming out of Surrey and South West London’s young people by giving them a platform for their music to be heard by the masses. ACM’s Head of Industry Development (and the guitarist in Skunk Anansie) Ace said: “We’re so pleased to be working with both Time and Leisure and Creative Youth on Sound of the Times. Both share ACM’s strong ethos of learning by doing so it’s fantastic to be able to offer a prize to these talented artists that not only opens the door to the industry for them, but that offers real world experience too. I can’t wait to hear the entries and get stuck in on the recording process of this very special album.”

Entries are open from now until September 30th. After the official launch at Creative Youth’s Arts Festival on Saturday. Robin Hutchinson from Creative Youth said: “This is a great opportunity to help identify and support a new generation of musical talent. Creative Youth is dedicated to giving young people the opportunity to pursue their ambitions by offering support and opportunities. Sound of the Times is the perfect vehicle for these aims.”

Judging will commence in October 2017, with an esteemed industry panel deciding a shortlist of 10 winners to be included on the inaugural Sound of the Times album.

If you have a great song that you want the world to hear, enter here.


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