After nearly 21 years in the business, Grammy and Ivor Novello award winner, Eliot Kennedy, is opening his own artist development academy.
Kennedy built up his reputation and own worldwide recognition, by working with internationally acclaimed artists, such as the Spice Girls, Take That and Bryan Adams.
Eliot took the time out to exclusively chat to me late last night.
The venture, named the EKS Academy or EKSA for short (Eliot Kennedy's Steelworks Academy), will offer students a three months course, concentrating their development around vocal coaching, songwriting, engineering and production. Choreography, performance skills and drama will also feature heavily in the course programme.
Students will also have masterclasses in music business and publishing from industry professionals. At the end of the course, successful students will have produced a three song EP that will be released commercially and made available on key digital music sites including iTunes and Amazon.
Students will also receive advice on developing their own style, and will have the opportunity to be styled and photographed by a leading industry photographer. Outstanding students will also be selected to perform their three song EP at a showcase attended by record labels and management.
Eliot went on to tell me, "The idea is to offer a holistic development package to aspiring artists giving them a real chance to get to the right people and to be taught and developed by me and my team of professional engineers, writers and producers"
As a talent agent, I think this is a fantastic idea and something I will be recommending to my artists. Eliot's record of achievement speaks for itself and if anyone can help open doors to talented acts, it's him.
More information will be on the website www.EKSacademy.com in due course.