On Thursday 1st April the launch of Brixton Voices will be announced, a competition in search of south London’s next big musical talent marking the opening of BRXTN Studios – a new state-of-the-art music recording studio located in the heart of the Grade-II listed marketplace, Brixton Village.
The competition will encourage local innovation and celebrate the historical diversity and creativity of Brixton, offering the chance for an aspiring musician to have their voice or musical talent heard, regardless of experience to date.
Forming part of BRXTN Studios, a new cultural hub for Brixton Village, the music recording studio and accompanying art space and studio lounge spans across 2,382 sq.ft. and resides in Market Row, home to a vibrant and diverse array of global cuisines and independent traders. BRXTN Studios’ creative team, led by Brixton resident Karl Lokko, aims to generate an innovative space that champions both emerging and established artists and bring their work to the forefront of Brixton’s community.
Open to all applicants over 16 years of age and living in Lambeth, the competition calls on all gifted musicians, singers, rappers, producers and poets to audition by sending a digital audio or video file of their performance which will be reviewed by the BRXTN Studios team.
A shortlist of 20 finalists will be invited to attend a live audition on the Studios’ Instagram channel hosted by Peckham-born social media personality Harry Pinero in early May. The eventual winner of Brixton Voices will be awarded 50 free hours of recording time in BRXTN Studios with accompanying advice from an industry creative who will be on hand after the final to support the winner to refine their artistic vision, introduce them to a creative network and offer advice on a long-term career in the music and performance industries.
As well as providing an incubator space for artists, BRXTN Studios will work closely with local schools, colleges and community youth centres throughout the year to encourage young, home-grown talent to nurture their skillset and explore the inner workings of a recording studio.
Karl Lokko says, “Being a ‘Brixton boy’ I’m familiar with the various financial limitations many of its residents face in the pursuit of their goals. This competition is an important one as it will remove this barrier for one aspiring artist from the locality. The body of music they go on to create with these 50 hours could be the catalyst needed to help share their sound with the world.”
