Dreaming of a North Yorkshire music industry (From Gazette & Herald)

Dreaming of a North Yorkshire music industry

A RECORD label run by young people for young people in North Yorkshire has been launched.

Called 6K Vision Records, the project is being co-ordinated by the Live and Loud initiative, which is run by the continuing education unit of North Yorkshire County Council through their Connecting Youth Culture (CYC) project.

"It's as much about empowering young people as it is about working in the music industry," said James Koppert, 23, of Scarborough, a solo artist and 6K's head of public relations.

"The dream, is that North Yorkshire becomes known for having its own music industry so you don't always have to go to London. We'll make it so the music industry comes to us."

The young entrepreneurs are already signing their first bands in a move to reach the raw talent that exists in rural North Yorkshire.

Live and Loud project leaders Andy Elliott and Richie Mitchell guide a five-man management team which includes James, PR assistants Jason Singh 18 and Lisa Martin, 24, A'n'R and producer liaison specialist Alex Cromarty, and A'n'R assistant Daniel Gilbank, 18, all from Northallerton.

Work is well under way recording the first album, featuring seven acts, with musicians aged up to 25. The CD is expected to be mastered by the end of May and it and the label will be officially launched at the country's biggest youth arts festival, due to be staged at Tadcaster on July 5 in front of an expected crowd of 3,000.

Professional producers have backed the project, including Leeds-based Will Jackson, who has worked with Embrace. The CD features a range of styles from hip-hop to rock, female solo artists to nu-metal.

The label is on the lookout for new talent. "We want to receive as many demo tapes and CDs as possible," said Alex. "Absolutely anything goes, don't worry if your demo's not fantastic quality, it's the raw talent we are looking for."

Anyone interested should send their tapes to Alex Cromarty, CYC, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AE.

Young musicians are also being urged to take to the stage in a nationwide talent hunt.

Showcase sessions will be held at Hambleton Forum, Northallerton on May 23, the Corner Caf, Scarborough on May 30 and at the Glusburn Institute, Skipton, on June 21. A grand finale will be held at the youth arts festival at Tadcaster in July.

Musicians will be judged by their peers with each band nominating a volunteer to sit on a selection panel to choose an overall winner.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Richie Mitchell on (01609) 780780 ext 3019.

Updated: 12:39 Wednesday, May 07, 2003