Are you an aspiring DJ, producer or music promoter based in Kirklees? A new initiative has been launched which could help kick start your music career. 

Officially launched to the public on January 3, The Saving Grace Collective alongside Bassment Studios, with support from Kirklees Council and Saving Grace Music, revealed an exciting new talent and skills development project entitled ‘The HF Development Initiative.’ 

The HF Initiative is an evolution of the organisation’s vision from the first Highest Frequency project compilation with a goal to further nurture local talent by including:

· Audio production and mixing assistance;

· Showcase and performance opportunities;

· Marketing and promotion of your finished song to all major digital music platforms globally;

· Event management/promotion workshops and opportunities;

· Industry advice, guidance and support for your first steps into the music industry.

The project will run for a total of six months and aims to provide applicants with the skills and real-world experience in music production, performance and release guidance as well as event management and promotion.

Funding for the project was received from the Gainshare Covid recovery fund alongside the ongoing support of the LEP (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) and Kirklees Council for the Year of Music 2023.

The HF Initiative will play a key role in the upcoming Kirklees Year of Music 2023 programme, which will work to strengthen the music sector across Kirklees and develop ways to support a strong and safe night time economy in the district.

The year-long programme will focus on facilitating world-class music education, training and skills, as well as unlocking the potential of music to enhance both physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

Commenting on the launch of the HF Initiative, Savvy aka Nigel Cudjoe, founder of the Saving Grace Collective / Music, said: “We’re so excited to be launching the HF initiative following the success of previous projects.

“There are so many budding music professionals across our region just looking for their big break and that’s exactly what we can offer here with expert guidance and programming. 

“Our goal is to continuously develop the initiative alongside Kirklees Council and our other partners year on year, creating more creative opportunities, spaces for inclusion and avenues for career development as we progress.”

Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, added: “We are really pleased to be working with the Saving Grace Collective on this exciting project to kick start 2022.

“It’s so important that we have opportunities for people in our region to develop their professional music industry skills, and initiatives like this are fantastic to gain new skills, understand your potential and develop your career. We are very much looking forward to seeing the work produced from this year’s initiative.”

Applications are now open and will close on February 7. If you would like to apply for a place on The HF Development Initiative please fill in the form via the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSff3dbw32E45iP9SLBB__c-X5gb_5KlW2wkVNZhqCrh3bidyg/viewform

For more information, please visit: https://www.saving-grace.co.uk/news/the-hf-development-initiative/