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Bradford Council backs local music network

A local music network in Bradford has been set up with the aim of supporting musicians, producers and promoters and help to develop them in the industry.

Bradford Music Network is backed by Bradford Council and Music Local, and puts musicians in contact with available opportunities, additional funding, and a chance to take part in events.

The network is supported by volunteers and is funded by Lottery and Arts Council England.

Sam Nicholls is the director of Music Local and is involved in supporting the network.

“The network will be built and driven forward by the music community in Bradford.

Nicholls is also a senior lecturer of Music at Leeds Beckett University and started the Music:Leeds project in 2017. He was also guitarist for the band ¡Forward, Russia!.

“The recruited steering group will play the leading role in which it develops.”

Yorkshire Voice Photo of Centenary Square in Bradford. Photo by Chris Downer.

The network is urging local musicians to join for the additional support and advice they need to progress in the music industry.

Jack Stephenson is a musician in Bradford, and thinks it is extremely important.

“It [the Bradford Music Network] is very important because it allows musicians to make contact with others, which is important when growing as a musician,” he told Yorkshire Voice.

Stephenson plays guitar in a local Bradford band and has participated in various competitions and gigs at St. Georges Hall and other venues across West Yorkshire.

“It will help musicians like myself take on opportunities and receive well needed advice.”

The music network is currently looking to fill vacancies such as the Music Instigator Role and are also looking for people to be involved in the Bradford Music Steering Group.

Project Director Lisa Mallaghan (Bradford Producing Hub) and Project Coordinator Nicole Raymond (Music Local) are already involved and supporting the project.

The local community in Bradford appear to be supportive of the music scheme.

Bethany Wilkinson is a Law Student at Leeds Beckett University and is local to Bradford.

“I think it’s the perfect time to start the network. Because of the pandemic, the Bradford Music Network is something new and exciting for musicians.

Funding for something like this is a perfect use of it in my opinion.”

For more information about the roles, how to apply for available positions, or how to join the network, click the link to access the website or follow the Twitter account: https://linktr.ee/BradfordMusicNetwork @bradfordmusic.  

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