The Rural Music Network, based out of Frome’s own Cheese & Grain, is offering a life-changing experience to the young musicians of Somerset.
The Network says, “Over the next four months, acts (a number of whom are from Frome) all under the age of 19 hit the road on an extensive tour.
“The aims of the project which is supported by Young Somerset are to increase young people’s access to the music industry and to increase young people’s skills and confidence in music through three music pathway strands:
“Music Performance – playing solo or in a band, dj, mc or singer songwriter
“Music Production – sound and lighting engineering, live music events, stage management, and studio and recording
“Music Promotion – artist and music promotion, music events management and artist management.
“The project will enable young people to select a pathway they wish to develop through engaging with the Rural Music Network Tour Programme.
“This year the lucky participants are Markus Smith, Elliot Garcia, Lauren Diffey, Mischa Jardine, Patchwork Poet, Lewis Poole, Swingray, The Marianas, The Front Runners and Otto Wilde. These musicians and bands have been selected from a large number of applicants for their talent, passion, determination and professional approach to their music careers. They will tour the best of Somerset’s venues…ranging from Bridgwater and Taunton venues, to Moles and Komedia in Bath, to The Fleece, Bristol, and of course Frome’s Cheese and Grain.
“Over the past five years this project has developed its partnerships, such as BBC Introducing in the West and Michael Eavis (The Glastonbury Festival) that has helped shape the project’s model of delivery. The network provides a full backup service to the participants in the shape of advice, feedback and guidance from industry professionals from live promoters, band managers, record label bosses, successful touring bands and press officers.
“The tour kicked off in March to receptive audiences who were treated to a wide spectrum of musical genres and performances, from guitar wizardry through experimental cello, shoe gaze indie to no wave punk mayhem and everything in between. It’s so exciting to see new original music being played in the counties’ venues by its young musicians.”
