Following the launch of City Stages in Limerick last month, telecommunications giant Three are encouraging Irish musicians to apply for the special new initiative – which is designed to support the next generation of artists, currently performing on city streets, or in small clubs and venues, to progress their careers to the biggest stages in the country.

After the success of the launch event at Three's Cruises Street store – which featured performances from buskers Korey Power, Robert Dawson, Datqidexcel and Mel Maryns, as well as a special guest appearance by Wild Youth – City Stages will return to Limerick in January, and will tour Ireland over the coming months, providing a platform for buskers and emerging musicians across the country to perform to new audiences and promote their music, taking artists from the smallest stages to the biggest ones.

Daqidexcel. Credit: Brian McEvoy

Those chosen to perform will be given their own dedicated performance slot and recorded content of their performance. Everyone who enters will also open up the possibility of getting access to a series of mentoring masterclasses led by a panel of Irish music industry professionals. The mentorship will provide the burgeoning musicians with information on everything they need to help progress their music careers, from advice on management and booking live shows to increasing their fan base and pitching their music to media.

City Stages will also offer artists the opportunity to step up from the streets to the bigger stages, opening for big-name acts at some of Ireland’s most well-known venues, like 3Olympia Theatre and the 3Arena.

The initiative is presented by Three, in association with Hot Press, AIM Ireland and Sony Music Ireland. It's also being supported by its ambassadors, including Limerick hip-hop collective Narolane, and broadcaster Tracy Clifford.

God Knows and MuRli of Narolane Records along with RTE's Tracy Clifford and performers Korey Power, Robert Dawson, Mel Maryns and Daqidexcel. Credit: Brian McEvoy

Speaking to Hot Press, Tanya Townsend of Three Ireland emphasised the importance of supporting Irish music "at a grassroots level."

"We know how difficult it is to get that first step on the ladder, so we want to be there and support young talent," she said. “We wanted to make this as fair as possible. Anybody can apply for each stage – we’ll announce them as we go, with stages each month until Electric Picnic in September.

“It’s not just about a one-off performance," Tanya continued. "We are passionate about supporting musicians along the way. With City Stages everybody has an opportunity to open new doors and progress their careers and gain access to music industry experts no matter your level or experience.”

So, do you think you've got what it takes to bring your music career to the next stage? Apply for City Stages now – here.