Kirklees Most Wanted Returns

Following an overwhelmingly successful inaugural year, the Kirklees Most Wanted project is thrilled to announce its return in July, bringing even more unparalleled opportunities for artists, creatives, and venues across Kirklees. Building on the remarkable achievements of its first year, this initiative is set to expand its reach, offering a wider array of performance opportunities in diverse venues and spaces throughout the region.

The Kirklees Most Wanted Project is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse talent flourishing within Kirklees. This initiative champions local artists and bands, providing them with essential platforms to showcase their music and forge connections with a broader audience.

A Proven Matchmaker for Music Lovers and Local talent

The project’s successful two-pronged approach continues to deliver tangible results:

• Kirklees Most Wanted Playlist: Each month, our dedicated team curates a Spotify playlist featuring the hottest tracks from Kirklees artists. This serves as a vital discovery tool for music enthusiasts to unearth the next big thing in local music. Last year, our playlist proudly featured 60 talented artists, connecting them with a growing audience of music lovers.
• Kirklees Most Wanted Gigs: Partnering with local venues, we offer artists featured on the playlist the invaluable opportunity to perform live at expenses-paid gigs. At the culmination of the project, we will host a grand showcase event featuring a selection of the most popular artists at a key venue in Kirklees. In its first year, the project facilitated 10 live venue performances, providing crucial exposure for local musicians. Our showcase event at NQ attracted a sellout crowd, demonstrating the strong community support for local music.

Quantifying Our Impact: First-Year Successes

The Kirklees Most Wanted project has already made a significant impact on the local music ecosystem:

• 60 artists and bands were involved in the previous year, showcasing the breadth of talent in our region.
• We partnered with approximately 20 performance venues and 72 passive venues across Kirklees, significantly expanding the reach of local music.
• The project also provided substantial support to artists through 60 reviews and 6 interviews, helping them build their professional profiles and gain critical recognition.
• We’ve also secured further performance opportunities for artists that have participated in the project post the Kirklees Most Wanted project period.
• We have liaised with larger independent record labels recommending acts to key label figures & A&Rs for potential signing opportunities.

Benefits for Artists: Elevating Your Career

Local artists and bands participating in the Kirklees Most Wanted Project can expect to:

• Gain wider exposure: Reach a larger audience through the highly-curated Spotify playlist and dynamic live performances opportunities.
• Build a fanbase: Connect directly with new fans and significantly grow your following.
• Earn performance income: Get financial support & receive payment for your showcase event performance, supporting your artistic journey.
• Network with industry professionals: Forge valuable connections with fellow musicians, key venues, and influential music industry representatives.
• Showcase talent: Have your music heard and appreciated by a wider audience, gaining the recognition you deserve.

Benefits for Venues: Enriching Your Space

Venues eager to become an integral part of Kirklees’ vibrant music scene can reap a multitude of benefits:

• Attract new audiences: Tap into a growing fanbase of local music lovers actively seeking fresh sounds and experiences.
• Support the local scene: Play a vital and recognized role in nurturing and developing Kirklees’ exceptional musical talent.
• Enhance your venue’s reputation: Be recognized as a dynamic hub for discovering and promoting the best local artists.
• Promote your business: Gain valuable exposure through our project’s website, social media channels, and targeted mailouts.
• Artist Booking: Enjoy the opportunity to book featured artists for smaller events at little to no extra cost, enriching your programming.