Isn’t it incredible that there is a major festival on our doorstep hosting the likes of the iconic Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Queen, The Police, Coldplay, Paul McCartney? And what is more, isn’t it incredible that young musicians resident on the Island can get to play on the same stage?
Well, that is what Wight Noize is all about!
The Wight Noize initiative was conceived by Platform One College of Music, who have continuously strived to develop opportunities for young bands, artists, and musicians resident on the Island since 1999.
Supporting emerging performers
Wight Noize is a mechanism to support young musicians on the Isle of Wight, which requires artists and bands to submit a simple application form with links to audio, video, and online promotion.
The idea is to support emerging performers who are actively seeking to take their next steps into the industry, by providing them with the opportunity to perform their original music at a major music festival.
Booth: There’s no buzz like playing the mainstage of a music festival
Andy Booth, Music Industry Liaison at Platform One, said,
“Having been through this process exactly 20 years ago with Wight Noize winners ‘The Nautical Theme’, it is so exciting that this opportunity still exists.
“There is no buzz like playing the mainstage of a music festival.”
Shortlisted artists and bands will be invited to play a live showcase at Strings Bar and Venue on Saturday 13th May, to a panel of industry guests. One artist/band will be selected to open the festival’s mainstage on Sunday 18th June, with the runner’s up being offered a performance slot on the ‘Platform One Stage’, which is based in the main arena.
Pontin: An industry panel who will carefully select acts
David Pontin, Director at Platform One, said,
“We are excited to see the return of the live music showcase for the shortlisted winners this year. All submissions will be viewed by an industry panel who will carefully select acts that are ready to perform at such an iconic festival.
“This is such a unique opportunity for Island bands to get involved with, and we are excited to see what new music the 2023 Wight Noize applications will bring us.”
Platform One has been involved in the festival since its rebirth in 2002. Opportunities for young musicians at the festival have evolved each year thanks to the commitment of John Giddings, who is one of Platform One’s patrons.
Giddings: Platform One do an incredible job of preparing young musicians
John Giddings, Managing Director, Solo (Isle of Wight Festival), said,
“I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One. I think they do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry.
“I like helping people and my work with Platform One feels the right thing to do – they have integrity, and they are good at what they do.”
These unique opportunities for young musicians on the Island confirm the ongoing support from Solo, the festival organisers.
Pontin: An amazing opportunity for young musicians
David added,
“Solo is extremely supportive of the ethos and work of Platform One.
“It is an amazing opportunity for young musicians to be involved in such a prestigious and successful festival.”
The Wight Noize Winners
The industry panel will decide on one act that is deserving of playing the main stage on Sunday of the Festival. This is full VIP treatment as well as the opportunity to play on the Platform One Stage during the weekend.
This is certainly an incredible opportunity and one not to miss, so if you want to get involved in Wight Noize 2023.
You can find the application form on the Platform One Website.
News shared by Dave on behalf of Platform One College of Music. Ed
Image: 2022 winner Beth Brookfield
