The British music industry may be up in arms over YouTube‘s ‘carpet-bombing propaganda‘ in opposition to Article 13 – but it evidently loves a large check as much as the next business.
Around five weeks after YouTube Music was revealed as a headline sponsor of the 2019 BRIT Awards – and five weeks after the 24 execs to join the YouTube Music-supported Accelerator Programme for Managers were revealed – the Google/Alphabet platform is digging into its pockets once again.
This time, it’s for a cause few working in the UK industry could argue against being a very good thing: the BRIT School…
Music industry charity The BRIT Trust and YouTube Music have announced the launch of a brand new studio at The BRIT School.
The facility is called the ‘YouTube Music Studios’ and will be located in The BRIT School’s existing TV, film and media production suite, which will be refurbished with new equipment, including a 16-channel audio desk, three studio cameras, playback screens and monitors.
The new studio will open later this year and YouTube Music will also provide emerging talent with mentoring, masterclasses and other guidance.
The South London-based music school’s alumni include Adele, Amy Winehouse, King Krule, Kate Tempest, Leona Lewis, Loyle Carner, Rex Orange County, Rizzle Kicks and Jessie J amongst many others.
The BRIT Trust, which is funded largely by proceeds raised through the annual BRIT Awards, exists to promote education and wellbeing through music, and to date has distributed over £21 million to a range of progressive causes and charities, including The BRIT School, East London Arts and Music (ELAM) and Nordoff Robbins music therapy.
“We’re passionate about the work that The BRIT school does, and we’ve been lucky to be able to support them for a number of years across several partnerships at Google.”
Azi Eftekhari, YouTube
Azi Eftekhari, Head of Music Content Partnerships, UK and Ireland, said: “We’re passionate about the work that The BRIT school does, and we’ve been lucky to be able to support them for a number of years across several partnerships at Google. YouTube Music has seen first-hand the power that video can have in transforming the lives of emerging musical artists.
“We are committed to fostering the next generation of talent in the UK and are so pleased to be working with The BRIT Trust on the launch of the YouTube Music BRIT Studios.
“We look forward to seeing the success of future students from the programme and the impact they have on the world of music in the UK and beyond.”
“This is an exciting opportunity to have world class facilities that will help train our students to work in a creative sector that is growing at a rapid rate.”
Stuart Worden, The BRIT School
Stuart Worden, The BRIT School Principal, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to have world class facilities that will help train our students to work in a creative sector that is growing at a rapid rate.
“The BRIT School has always celebrated new voices in music, performing arts, TV, film and digital arts. This major refurbishment will allow us to develop the talent of thousands of creative artists for years to come.”
“This incredible support from YouTube ensures that our TV studios and radio suites on the School’s site in Croydon can now replicate the professional world as this is critical for them if they are to succeed when they leave and go onto jobs in the industry.”
John Craig OBE, The BRIT Trust
John Craig OBE, Chairman of The BRIT Trust, said: “One of the challenges of running The BRIT School is ensuring that the students have access to the latest equipment and technology.
“This incredible support from YouTube ensures that our TV studios and radio suites on the School’s site in Croydon can now replicate the professional world as this is critical for them if they are to succeed when they leave and go onto jobs in the industry.”Music Business Worldwide
