New contest Salute-ing music makers

Feargal Sharkey: ex-front man of The Undertones is the face of Salute Music Makers

An original music competition with a £50,000 cash prize is launched by Salute, an enterprise designed to empower UK talent

Salute Music Makers is an enterprise that is aiming to launch the next generation of songwriters with a new independent competition. The idea is to create an accessible and fair opportunity for a diverse range of music makers to showcase their talents, with the opportunity to win a life-changing, no strings-attached cash prize of £50,000.

The project is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Lars Bylehn, Jean-Claude Charnier, Patrick Butterfield, Minesh Patel and Michael Bylehn, who have employed solo artist, music industry executive and ex-front man of The Undertones, Feargal Sharkey, as the face of the Salute brand.

“British music can justifiably claim to conquer the world but that incredible success is built upon one thing, talent,” commented Sharkey. “In an age of television static and bewildering musical consumer choice, it is now more important than ever that we give the right, focused support and opportunity to the next generation of great British talent. Salute is set to make that happen.”

Initially, only 5,000 ‘music makers’ will be allowed to upload a recording of their music to an app via their phone, whereupon a listening phase will follow. During this time, the Salute team, along with respected curators, will listen, rate and evaluate the applications, narrowing down the applicants to a top 100. Simultaneously, music lovers and applicants will be able to share music through social media and the app, whilst interacting with others, rating the music and building playlists.

After this stage, the top 100 will be whittled down by a public vote to a final six who will each receive £10,000 and participate in the Salute Finals TV show. With a different theme each week, contestants will be required to create original material to perform, moving away from the karaoke style of current talent shows. Contestants will be in pursuit of the ‘Salute Music Maker’ title and a prize of £40,000, taking the total winnings to £50,000.

The competition opens 3 April 2017 for access to all entrants, whilst the ‘listening phase’ commences 15 May, ending in July when the top 100 will be announced and the music will be showcased via the platform. It will then go to a live public vote to determine the final six, with the live shows beginning in September and the winner being announced in October. To find out more, visit: salutemusic.uk

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