On Song Festival: Birmingham

Academy Music Group, BBC Radio 2 and Arts Council England are delighted to present the 'On Song' Festival series 2007 in Birmingham to celebrate the 'art of song writing'. The events will take place in September at Carling Academy Birmingham and Bar Academy in Dale End, following a successful debut programme in London (2006) and the next festival will feature in Liverpool in 2008.

'On Song' will celebrate and showcase the finest song writers and artists, alongside local emerging talent. The month long series will focus on the whole process of writing, crafting and giving life to songs. 'On Song' will include established genres such as rock and rhythm and blues, as well as newer, contemporary urban styles which reflect the increasingly young and diverse populations of the major cities across the UK. The festival will be tailored to reflect the unique flavour and strong musical legacy of the Midlands.

"For years we've seen fantastic artists coming through our venues and we always felt a celebration of song writing was something that was needed to focus people's attention and inspire future generations. It's a pleasure to work with the Arts Council, BBC Radio 2 and other industry bodies to celebrate and develop song writing and performance across the UK. Birmingham has such a strong musical heritage and is a region where the Academy is key to bringing live music and performance to the City." says John Northcote, CEO, Academy Music Group.

'On Song' launched in the Capital in September 2006, hosting events at Academy Music Group's four London venues, Carling Academy Brixton, Shepherd's Bush Empire, Carling Academy Islington and Bar Academy. 'On Song' is also presented in partnership with BBC Radio 2 and the MCPS-PRS Alliance, British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, Performing Rights Society Foundation, Music Matrix and The Band Agency.

Each festival has an integrated education and outreach programme - including higher education institutions, national music industry bodies and local arts organisations - where established songwriters work with emerging local talent. 'On Song' will also schedule symposiums, workshops and showcases in Birmingham to discuss current song writing and broader industry issues. These discussions are an integral part in the development of the 'On Song' infrastructure and to encourage communications between the commercial music industry and public sectors.