A city music collective is set to release a second album showcasing musical talent in Southampton after tasting chart success last year.
Sounds of Southampton: Volume 2 will be released on 3rd December and will build on the success of Volume 1, which reached number one in the iTunes hip hop chart and entered at number 43 on the official UK download chart.
The album will feature 16 original tracks along with a collection mix which represents the best new music in rap, drill, garage and R&B coming out of the city and brings together 24 emerging artists and producers.
They include Melina Greene, Youngsta, Milson, Shannon B, Lash, Bmunii, Shani, Jade Jazmin, Nade, Drestar, Triggz Legacy, Forbes, Judethekid, Amy da Silva, Tia, Nadia Kazemi, Muru, Leah Tolksdorf, Joseph, Cam Keddy, Othree, Man Like Key, Bear Like and Lawzzy.
The initiative has been made possible by community music charity SoCo Music Project through funding from national charity Youth Music, Southampton’s Violence Reduction Unit and Southampton-based rapper Tyrone's SO Movement brand which includes a record label to help nurture young musicians and give them the opportunity to release tracks..
SoCo Music Project invited submissions from budding local music stars, receiving more than 220 in total. Those selected have had access to support from industry professionals, been given studio time and enjoyed help with marketing and promotion.
All tracks will have bespoke music videos and many of the artists will feature in a launch event for the album on Saturday, 4th December at Up The High Street shop (11 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DX).
SoCo Music Project, via its New Music Development Unit, has received ongoing support from Youth Music and the Violence Reduction Unit in Southampton to grow the music community and create a safe and supportive environment for talent to thrive in the city.
Tyrone, who is director of SO Movement, recently signed a major record deal with Sony Music under Relentless Records and has featured on tracks with artists such as Anne-Marie, Nathan Dawe and Bad Boy Chiller Crew.
He has amassed a following of more than 430,000 across his social media channels and more than two million streams on Spotify with his debut album Welcome To SO.
Tyrone is also part of Dance music group FooR who produced the soundtrack to the Coors Light TV advert last year and have previously featured in the top 10 of the official dance chart.
The group has a track record of supporting artists to reach the next level and the partnership with SoCo has provided an important progression route for young artists in Southampton.
“It is a pleasure to be able to provide and be a part of an amazing opportunity like Sounds of Southampton,” said Tyrone.
“It is important as a city for up-and-coming artists to work and support each other in their journey and this is exactly what this project does.
“I hope it inspires young people to get involved with music and help to inspire the great talent we have within Southampton - this is just the start of something amazing.”
He added: “The Sounds of Southampton album will grow year-on-year, bringing the spotlight on Southampton’s vibrant music scene at a time when the city is coming together to bid for City of Culture 2025.”
Matt Salvage, Chief Executive of SoCo Music Project, said: “SoCo strives to support music of all genres and at all levels and we set up the New Music Development Unit to provide visible and accessible opportunities for aspiring artists to find progression in urban music genres.
“We created Volume 1 through lockdown this year and to be here working on Volume 2 is a testament to the talent we have in the city and the commitment of our brilliant team of mentors.
“We can’t wait for people to hear this new collection of great music.”
Shannon B, Southampton-based singer and part of SoCo team added: “This project is super important to give artists across the city a platform to launch their careers and to be taken seriously as artists, whatever stage they are at.
“I’m really passionate about this project and so proud that we’ve been able to support another even bigger group of talented people and start them on their journey.
“It’s just a shame we couldn’t have everyone that applied there but the message for those unsuccessful this year is to just keep working hard and following your dreams.”