New Voices Championed the Voices of Young Womxn

8 March 2023

This International Women's Day, we reflect on a first in Union Chapel's history back in 2021, and how the ripples from this wonderful project went on to do even more good for a fairer tomorrow.

In 2021, we launched New Voices with Lyrix Organix; our first youth music talent competition for young people from underrepresented background, supported by Arts Council England. The programme launched with a performance from Che Lingo and the following competition of, over 40 young people, was judged by Frank Turner and Emmy the Great alongside Lyrix Organix, Acoustic Live, and Women Connect

The 15 shortlisted artists were supported via our social media and received workshops, mentorship, and bespoke developmental feedback from trained professionals. The finale saw 6 young womxn performers take to the Union Chapel stage in December 2021 alongside headliner Sophia Thakur and Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, with an additional 30 free tickets given to youth centre partners.

“The young people were very impressed with the talent. They also said that they never knew what went on inside the building. There's definitely a whole group of kids that just don't go to gigs, so they never get to experience it and get the feeling that live performances aren't for them, so this was a great opportunity” (Youth Centre, Islington)

The finale was also livestreamed to allow for more engagement, platform, and inclusion for those unable to make the live event.

“Playing Union Chapel was a huge dream of mine. As an emerging artist it’s really important to have venues that allow you to play support slots so hopefully this is something that myself and other emerging artists are able to do more of” (Ashaine White)

New Voices Talent Competition Winners:
Ashaine White
Chloe August
TÁLTSIE
Ella Clayton
Maddy
ZEBBIE

Watch highlights from the live event here

Lyrix Organix went on to train a group of disadvantaged youth producing hybrid events occurring at Union Chapel in Spring/Summer 2022 and Union Chapel is exploring the next stage of the New Voices project.

#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity #InternationalWomensDay