Leading international development agency Christian Aid has teamed up with Rockhill Music to launch a national competition to find new gospel talent to feature on an album that will be launching publicly in November 2008.
Following on from the success of Acoustic Gospel Volume (I), Volume (II) will raise money to help improve the lives of children in Africa through a variety of Christian Aid funded projects.
Regional auditions will take place in Manchester, Bristol, London and Birmingham between 19 April and 10 May 2008. The grand final will take place at the Commonwealth Church, St Marks, Mayfair in London on 17 May during Christian Aid Week.
The winning solo artist, duo, group or choir will work with professional musicians, recording at a London studio during the summer. They will also have the opportunity to perform at selected national events to mark the launch for the album, as well as representing Christian Aid at various live events and festivals throughout the following year.
MOBO award-winning singer and presenter of Radio 2’s Gospel Show, Beverley Knight said: ‘As someone who loves gospel music, from Sam Cooke right up to the present day, I am really excited about the idea of a new gospel act being discovered from this project by Rockhill Music and Christian Aid. The fact that young kids in some of the poorest parts of Africa will benefit from the proceeds of the album is all the more reason to support it. I hope many go to the auditions and can’t wait to hear the winning act.’
£1.50 from the sale of every CD will be donated to Christian Aid. The CDs will be sold through high street retailers including HMV and Wesley Owen and online at www.Acousticgospel.com
Dionne Gravesande of Christian Aid, said:’ This is a very exciting project and Christian Aid is delighted to be working with Rockhill Music. Gospel music has a strong cultural and social background and reaches out to people of all ages. The album will not only give a new talent the chance to launch their recording career but will also be raising vital funds for a fantastic project helping children to build a better life for themselves.’
To register for an application pack logon to http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/events/harmonise.aspx
or contact Oby Eriken [email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 7523 2240.