Travis lead the way at Academy festival

Sep 4 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

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THE On Song festival, a showcase of the best- established and up-and- coming musical talent, comes to Liverpool this year.

Staged entirely at the Liverpool Academy this month, highlights include Travis, former Guns ‘N’ Roses legend Duff McKagan, Ian McNabb and a special performance from Julian Cope and Pete Burns.

The On Song festival is part of a series presented by the Academy Music Group and Arts Council England, following events in Lon-don (2006) and Birmingham (2007).

Featured events will celebrate the process of writing, crafting, and giving life to songs and celebrate all genres from rock and folk to electro and indie.

“We're really pleased to be hosting the third On Song Festival in Liverpool,” said Daryl Robinson, of the Academy Music Group.

Each festival has an integrated education and outreach programme – including higher education institutions, national music industry bodies and local arts organisations, and will include workshops and showcases to discuss current songwriting and broader industry issues.

Showcases of local talent include Jajuka, Jack Roberts, The Crew and Ragz (this Saturday), The Jacs, Stephen Langstaff, Mission Babies, The Prestige (September 13), and Soft Toy Emergency, Strawhouses, Bells For Rene, and Little Fields (September 20).

Eddie Thomas, music officer for Arts Council England North West, said: “The On Song festival highlights the opportunities that can emerge through public sector and commercial partners working together to support talent and creativity. I am particularly looking forward to seeing and hear-ing the interactions between emerging and established artists, that has become the hallmark of this festival.”

A contest to find the Music Photographer of the Year is now also under way – top prize being to photograph Travis at their show on September 29, alongside acclaimed Liverpool photographer Mark McNulty.

To enter, email one low res (72 dpi) jpeg to academy.co.uk along with your name, age and what you think your picture says about music. Entries must be received by Friday, September 19.

For more information on the festival, please visit www.onsong-festival.co.uk

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk