With the help of one relatively new kid on the block - the double Brit Award winning Emili Sandé - and one legend of the British music scene - the UK's longest-serving female DJ Jo Whiley - Gucci Timepieces & Jewellery today launched the UK leg of its Music Fund. First established in China in 2012, the groundbreaking initiative has been created to discover, nurture and promote young musicians around the world.
In real terms that means a unique opportunity for some of Britain's most talented youngsters. Gucci, in partnership with The Recording Academy - organiser of the GRAMMY Awards® - will be giving 10 students from the World Heart Beat Music Academy in London the opportunity to audition for GRAMMY Camp® in Los Angeles. The two most promising music-makers will spend 10 days at the live-in music industry camp this summer for an intensive introduction to the music business that will better their chances of a successful career.
Speaking at the event, Emili Sandé - a solo artist with the world at her feet since her starring role in the London Olympics closing ceremony - said: "It's crucial that young people today have the chance to express themselves through music and are given opportunities to do so. Projects like this make music available to everyone; disadvantaged youths, in particular, will be able to tell their story and get their voices heard. These are issues that are close to my heart, so I'm really proud to be part of it."
To support the Music Fund programmes, Gucci Timepieces & Jewellery is launching a special new-edition Gucci Interlocking timepiece in stainless steel, with a steel bracelet and black dial, designed to be worn by both men and women. The black dial, with its circular-grained surface, echoes the grooves on a vinyl record, a reminder that music is, and has always been, essential to our collective culture. "The UK has produced internationally renowned musical legends," says Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "We are looking forward to welcoming students from London to GRAMMY Camp and offering them this unique experience and the opportunity to expand their knowledge."
