Appeal for young musical talent

The applications process is now open and talented young musicians from across the region can apply for one hour of one-to-one advice and unique insights from the award-winning musician.

The money-can’t-buy opportunity has already proved an enormous success in developing the careers of two young mentees from the 2014 sessions and this year eight lucky youngsters will be chosen for the sessions taking place on October 17.

Elliott Lampitt from band Dorey the Wise and singer song-writer Rachel Wilson were both successful applicants in 2014 and have seen their careers go from strength to strength and their public profiles rise enormously in the intervening months.

They made such an impression on their mentor that they were both invited to support Tim and his Keane band mate Tom Chaplin at the sell-out Back to Battle concert at Battle Abbey in August.

In a strong show of support for the mentees, Tim and Tom invited Rachel and Dorey the Wise to join them on stage to perform a duet each.

Rachel said: “The gig at Battle Abbey was a truly wonderful experience and opportunity, one that would not have been possible without the aid of Battle Festival and the mentoring sessions with Tim.

“The warm reception from the crowd during my set was very humbling, though joining Tim and Tom on stage for a duet was a real highlight for me.

“After the show, I had fans from countries as far reaching as Australia and Taiwan coming to speak to me about my music and have since seen a surge in activity online so the exposure this event provided has been undeniable.

“Looking back to last October, I certainly didn’t expect to be presented with such an opportunity ten months later therefore a huge thank you is in order to everyone involved!”

To be considered for a mentoring session with Tim Rice-Oxley, applicants must upload one track to the Battle Festival SoundCloud page before midnight on October 1.

It does not need to be a professional recording, but must be an original song that you have written yourself.

This opportunity is open to both bands and singer/songwriters aged 10–22 who live in 1066 Country, which stretches from Pevensey in the east to Camber in the west and as far north as Bodiam and Hurst Green.

For more information, visit www.BattleFestival.co.uk

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