A competition offering local musicians the chance to win 50 free hours of professional studio recording time launches today (1 April).
The competition, Brixton Voices, coincides with the opening of BRXTN Studios in Brixton Market.
BRXTN Studios is run by Hondo Enterprises, which manages Brixton’s covered markets on a day-to-day basis.
Plans to launch the studios in March last year were hit by the first lockdown.
At the time, Hondo Enterprises said the new space, originally conceived by Darren Romanelli, would be home to events, embracing all mediums of creative expression including visual art, design, film, performance, spoken word, music and dance.
It said the studios’ principal aim “is to champion emerging artistic and creative talent and bring their work to the forefront of Brixton’s cultural community”.
Brixton Village would offer the space to creatives in the form of residencies, allowing versatile opportunities for cultural events.
The studio in Market Row haa a recording, mixing and mastering facility as well as spaces for artists and performers to work together. The recording studio, art space and accompanying lounge has an area of 2,382 square feet.
The studios are planning to collaborate with schools, colleges and youth centres in the Brixton community to provide opportunities for young people interested in learning more about the music industry.
The team behind BRXTN Studios is led by Karl Lokko, a community activist who was once a gang leader.
Karl, also the co- founder of DBK studios and Brixton’s Block Workout, now uses his experiences to advise businesses and advocate for the inclusion of Black entrepreneurs.
“Being a ‘Brixton boy’ I’m familiar with the various financial limitations many of its residents face in the pursuit of their goals,” he said.
“This competition is an important one as it will remove this barrier for one aspiring artist from the locality.
“The body of music they go on to create with these 50 hours could be the catalyst needed to help share their sound with the world.”
This chance to get heard is open to singers, rappers, musicians, producers and poets over 16 years old. You must live in Lambeth to audition.
To compete, send an audition via digital audio or video file to submissions@brxtnstudios.com.
A high quality image and artist bio are also required.
The last date for entry is 30 April, when a shortlist will be compiled.
The 20 successful acts will be invited to attend a live audition on 6 May.
The live finals will be conducted through BRXTN Studio’s Instagram and hosted by South London content creator Harry Pinero.
The Peckham-born entertainer has interviewed Michael B Jordan for the MOBO Awards, and hosted red carpet coverage of the BRITs.
As well as the 50 free hours of studio time, the winner of Brixton Voices will be supported by industry advice and networking to promote sustainable success.
