The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) is kicking off a new partnership with Amex Unsigned by hosting an exclusive event on the Amex Unsigned Stage at All Points East’s In The Neighbourhood.
In The Neighbourhood is the free-entry festival that operates during the midweek of All Points East in London’s Victoria Park. The event is run in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council between August 17 and 20.
Amex Unsigned is an American Express initiative that helps to create breakthrough opportunities for emerging music talent through access to live gigs, ad syncs and mentorships.
The FAC will host a takeover of the Amex Unsigned stage from 5pm on Wednesday, August 20. This will include a discussion titled Showcasing the importance of grassroots music in & around the community moderated by FAC board director Roxanne de Bastion, and featuring guest speakers Dave Edwards, VP, demand generation at American Express, artist and performer Kelli-Leigh, Welsh soul artist and Amex Unsigned artist Nia Wyn (also a member of the FAC’s Artist Council), and Chloe Pean, promoter at AEG Presents.
This will be followed by a performance from Nia Wyn, as well as by further performances from Kianja and Ben Kidson. There will also be a closing guest appearance from a UK artist to be announced on the day of the show. Full details can be found here.
Gary Reid, head of partnerships & programmes, Featured Artists Coalition, said: “It feels apt to enter into this partnership with Amex Unsigned at In The Neighbourhood. Practically every artist who graduates to a festival stage begins their journey with grassroots shows. This is the foundation of our organisation, and, as we will discuss on August 20th, it is increasingly vital that we can support upcoming artists to develop their craft and empower them to reach their potential.”
Practically every artist who graduates to a festival stage begins their journey with grassroots shows
Gary Reid
Dave Edwards, VP of demand generation at American Express, said: “Through Amex Unsigned and our resulting work with emerging artists, we know all too well the hurdles artists can face when trying to break into the increasingly tough music industry. We are excited to be partnering with the FAC and supporting their panel event on the Amex Unsigned stage at In The Neighbourhood. We hope that together we will be able to create more opportunities for aspiring artists in the UK.”
Amex Unsigned provides opportunities for new UK talent and its core values align with the FAC goals of ensuring fairness, equity and transparency in the music industry.
“This partnership between the FAC and Amex Unsigned backs UK grassroots music, helping to create visibility for emerging music talent through unparalleled access to live gigs, ad syncs and mentorships,” said a statement.
Earlier this year, the FAC announced a UK Artists Touring Fund with the aim of distributing revenue collected from a ticket levy on 5,000-plus capacity music events, and ensuring artists are provided with greater support to underwrite the increasing costs of live shows.
All Points East returns to Victoria Park with headliners Cleo Sol (Friday, August 15), Chase & Status (Saturday, August 16), Barry Can’t Swim (Friday, August 22), Raye (Saturday, August 24) and The Maccabees (Sunday, August 24).
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