A MUSIC store in Reading is celebrating more than a century-and-a-half by hosting a competition to find undiscovered talent in the town.
Hickies Music is marking its 160th anniversary by partnering with Connect Reading to hold a music competition.
Budding musicians aged 12-16 could be in with a chance to win a £500 Hickies voucher and perform in some of the town’s most celebrated venues.
Eligible entrants from secondary schools with an RG postcode are invited to create an original composition centred around the theme of growing up.
Submissions will be judged by CultureMix Arts’ Mary Genis, The Purple Turtle’s Neil Goulding, Tomson Chauke of Limpopo Groove, Nicole Allen from The Butler, and Empires Empires’ Simon Oliver.
Winners will then be invited to perform at three venues across Reading, including an opening event at the CultureMix Arts & Music Centre in October, followed by performances from five finalists at The Purple Turtle in November.
A finale event will be held at The Butler in December.
Lara Mackim, manager at Hickies, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the judges–who all have an extensive music background–for being involved in the community musical competition.
“We’re excited that Hickies are still at the hub of the Reading music scene on our 160th anniversary, whilst also being able to give young people in our community an opportunity to perform at some top musical venues in town in true Hickies tradition.
“This is our legacy to have created a platform in Reading for young performers to showcase their work.”
Tomson Chauke, of Limpopo Groove, said: “Thankful to be part of the Hickies/Connect Reading competition.
“When you are growing up there is a lot going on in your life and sometimes you do not have the experience so I will be looking for the energy that the young people bring, the kind of energy that will make a world class performer.”
Neil Goulding, of The Purple Turtle, said: “It’s great to be asked by Hickies to be a Judge and I’m pleased it will give young people the opportunity to play in a decent venue with a decent PA system.
“I will be looking forward to hearing what the young people produce.
“As someone who has been in the music business for over 25 years, I am looking for a song that will be melodic and lyrically rich.”
Nicole Allan said: “This will give young people the confidence to grow and play anywhere they are invited to.
“I am thrilled to be a judge, having seen people grow through the open mic nights I run at The Butler, I am looking forward to watching young people perform with their original song.”
Iridphore’s Simon Oliver said: “I am honoured to be a judge and as a musician I will be looking for originality, composition, and where they are drawing their inspiration from, as well as performing aspects.”
Entrants should upload a video of their submissions on Instagram or Facebook and tag @HickiesMusic.
More information about Hickies Music is available via: hickies.co.uk
