Beyond Music, the innovative NGO dedicated to initiating global change through music is offering UK artists the opportunity to appear on the upcoming album from the Beyond Music series. Expected to be released in August 2024, Beyond Music Vol.4, ‘Songs for Social Change,’ will unite talented, emerging artists from across the world on one album that addresses contemporary world issues.
Co-founded by the late Tina Turner, Beyond Music is a social networking platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on album projects. Aimed at connecting musicians from all cultures to drive impactful social change, Beyond Music leverages the combined forces of music, technology, and community to drive significant social transformation.
The initiative offers successful applicants the opportunity to record a socially impactful track alongside renowned African stars, including five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo, Nigerian Afrobeats star Pheelz, who featured on Usher’s 2024 track ‘Ruin’, and Ghanaian pop sensation Wiyaala. The winning artists will receive travel, accommodation, and a chance to perform in a music video.
Additionally, three singles will be submitted to the new Grammy Best Song for Social Change category, and contributors will be awarded $85,000 cash prizes. A total of 20 songs will be mastered and released on the Beyond Music Vol. 4 album.
PROCEDURE AND SCHEDULE
Collaboration phase: Participants are asked to connect within the Beyond Music community and collaborate on original pieces reflecting the theme of social change. A minimum of three artists, with at least two from different cultural backgrounds, are required. All genres are welcome.
Submission phase: Each artist can contribute up to eight submissions; the same collaboration can submit up to three songs. Entries should be semi-professionally recorded, and compositions must be unpublished.
Winner selection phase: Guest artists Angélique Kidjo, Pheelz and Wiyaala will choose their favourite submissions based on musicality, vocals, instrumental performance, originality, and lyrical significance.
Song production phase: The artists involved in the winning songs will travel to a chosen city to work in a studio with the respective guest artist.
Beyond Music helps musicians push through the boundaries of mainstream music and break the confines of the traditional music industry through an invite-only online collaborative platform for musicians, composers, and vocalists.
Submissions are due by 16 April. Further information about the project and how to apply can be found here.
