THE search for the region’s best emerging vocalists, MCs and rappers is under way.

The UK’s leading music development agency, Generator, is targeting local artists to take part in its VOX programme, which aims to provide mentoring in production, songwriting and recording skills from some of the area’s best music producers.

The programme is aimed at people aged between 16 and 24 wanting to break into the mainstream music industry and will run for 10 weeks.

As part of the scheme, participants will receive more than 25 hours of support tailored to their needs.

VOX forms part of Generator’s Fast Forward programme for emerging music producers and vocalists and is funded by Youth Music, meaning places are free to all participants, but limited to just five.

Bob Allan, artist development manager atGenerator, said: “VOX is an amazing opportunity for aspiring singers, rappers or MCs in the North-East.

“Unlike controversial courses that prepare people for the disappointment of X Factor auditions, VOX has an emphasis on creative and professional development; there is a long-term approach with mentoring from expert producers.”

The programme will be led by successful regional and international producers Wayne McDonald (The ILLionaires), Mark Lowry (Shindig), Smoove (Smoove and Turrell), John Elliot (Trafik) and Oscar Cassidy (Nick Pride & The Pimptones).

VOX was last run through Generator’s urban music training programme in 2013, and has a track record of unearthing and developing great talent from the area including Lulu James, Cape Cub and Eva Stone.

Graduates from the course have gone on to release singles, support high profile artists and achieve airplay on national radio.

The successful applicants will be revealed next Monday.