Sound of Belfast Launches

A new music programme in Belfast will take place from November 12th-16th this year. ‘Sound of Belfast’ will feature live performances, industry workshops, talent development sessions for emerging artists and community music initiatives. The week long initiative has been set up by the Oh Yeah music centre, which was founded by Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and former NME Deputy Editor Stuart Bailie in 2007.

It’s a not-for-profit organisation providing rehearsal rooms, studio, gigs, business incubation, help, advice and support for new music talent. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Help Musicians UK and First Music Contact are all supporting Sound of Belfast, with input from Queen’s University Belfast and Belfast Metropolitan College.

BPI’s Head of PR Lynne McDowell said: “The UK’s creative industries are a growing sector and music, in particular, holds enormous potential for economic growth, business development, tourism and community engagement in Northern Ireland”.

McDowell continued: “We know that Belfast is bursting at the seams with promising songwriters, artists and performers and we believe that there has never been a better time to focus on turning that buzz into a sustainable business”.

Find out more here.