news; sound of belfast make waves across the capital

For some time now, Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre has worked tirelessly to remain the epicenter of the music industry for young people, and those trying to find their place within it. Be that in the beautifully maintained rehearsal rooms, the various recording studios and labels or indeed on stage, whatever you're into, the Oh Yeah Centre will support you.

For 'Sound of Belfast' month this year, the Oh Yeah Centre (alongside the dedicated Volume Control team) has been running various events to encourage young people's interest in the industry, starting with 'Signed and Delivered', a competition ran by The National Skills Academy. Here groups from Belfast Metropolitan College and the North West Regional College were brought together to manage the career of Shannon O'Neill, aka 'Sister Ghost'; planning out everything from her debut single, right up to a full album launch, via the Glastonbury Introducing stage.

Sister Ghost will perform at the Scratch My Progress album launch this Thursday in the Oh Yeah Centre...

Mentored and guided by a panel of industry experts which included the likes of Davy Matchett of Third Bar Management, Jeff Robinson of Jeff Robinson PR and (incredibly) our very own Taylor Johnson, each team then created and developed their own presentations to pitch to the artist herself, as well as the Oh Yeah's CEO Stuart Bailie.

After two detailed and enthusiastic pitches, a draw was declared, with Stuart claiming that "If Shannon could sign to both of your labels, she would!".

This strong start to the week continued yesterday, as BBC Radio Ulster's Peter Cinnamond then stepped in to brilliantly compère the Oh Yeah's 'Breaking into Music Conference', a day filled with Q&A's with yet more industry professional's (including representatives from Island Records & Smalltown America), a personal tour of the building and live sets from Connor Scott, Gemma Bradley and Volume Control Team DJ's.

Attracting a huge crowd, it was inspiring to see so many young people leaving with not only a greater understanding of the music business, but a greater belief in it to.

As summed up by Stuart Bailie, "Anyone who tells you the music industry is on its way out is completely wrong".

If a little solidarity goes a long way, imagine just how far this week will take us? Exciting times!