Leicester-born singer songwriter, Mahalia and Birmingham’s hottest new soul artist, Madi Saskia, announce the launch of a new development programme for musicians from the West Midlands. Developed as a part of the Dr. Martens Tough As You initiative, the “I AM ME” Development Programme will offer emerging artists a series of workshops to empower them with the self-confidence, media know-how and promotional skills needed to succeed in the music industry, no matter where you come from.
Mahalia will also be leading her own workshop on managing mental health as a successful musician. Taking place on 3rd May at Illimitable Spaces, Birmingham, the workshops will be led by industry professionals, with artists then invited to perform at a live showcase on 5th May at The Rainbow.
As a musician born and raised outside of the M25, Mahalia knows first-hand how difficult it can be to find and create the same opportunities as artists living inside the capital. Determined to translate her own experiences into a roadmap for the Midland’s next generation of rising talent, Mahalia has teamed up with fellow Midlander Madi Saskia to co-develop a knowledge sharing programme designed to offer regional talent one-to-one guidance centred around issues that both Mahalia and Madi found challenging to navigate as artists from outside London. Musicians on the programme will be invited to take part in four carefully curated workshops, from managing mental health and understanding funding through to radio broadcasting and media training, including the chance to hear from Mahalia in the mental health workshop on her own story and struggles.
Through I AM ME, Mahalia and Madi want each of the six artists to leave feeling confident to create, release and promote their own material and have the resilience to take the stage and have their music heard. The programme itself has been made possible by Dr. Martens who provided venues, workshop hosts, mentorship and funding. Emerging musicians who would like to apply can sign up via this link before the deadline on 27th April.