Leading music names to support ‘Music Potential’ in Belfast

Guest mentors include Ivor Novello winner and Grammy nominated artist, writer, composer and producer Iain Archer (James Bay, Snow Patrol, Jake Bugg, Liam Gallagher), and world class voice and R&B/Jazz artist Leah McFall (The Voice UK, Will.I.Am. MNEK, Ghetts, Ester Dean, Leona Lewis, Arrow Bengamin).

Other facilitators include upcoming Northern Irish songwriter Callum Stewart who has already worked with the likes of Labrinth, Johnny McDaid and Frank Walker, while LA based R&B artist Aleem (Little Mix UK Arena support 2017) will take part in a special Music Potential Q&A. More names will be added over the coming weeks.

The project, which has being rolled out by Capital XTRA Radio in other cities across the UK (Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, London), is one of the largest talent searches and intense music training schemes to ever come to Belfast, and is tailor-made for aspiring young music makers and industry shakers aged 18-25.

Sixty young people will go on to take part in a ten-day MPX course beginning on 19th February in one of their chosen areas. Each discipline will include guest facilitators, mentors, producers and industry professionals who will share expertise, present master classes, offer advice and prepare groups for a local showcase in April 2018. Some participants will be actively writing, performing and producing music, others will be involved in presenting and producing radio packages, while budding events and business managers will learn from key events and industry mentors.

Music Potential is completely free and includes a qualification. All lunches and travel will be covered. There are opportunities to visit hubs in some of the other cities, and there's a chance to be involved in an all expenses paid trip to the iconic KOKO in London for a national showcase on May 31.

Speaking about the event, Sian O’Neill from Oh Yeah Music Centre said: "This is an amazing opportunity for young people to gain experience and make connections through the all expenses paid program. No other opportunity allows you to work with some of the best in the industry, have it all paid for and come out with a qualification at the end, I am really excited to help launch this in Belfast!"

Find out more details at: www.capitalxtra.com