Introducing MIF Sounds 2022: Meet the artists
We're thrilled to introduce our MIF Sounds 2022 cohort! Ranging from RnB and synth-pop performers, classical musicians and sound artists to producers and record labels, each will receive £1,000 as well as peer-to-peer support and access to our Talent Development programmes.
Bitez
Writer, spoken word poet, musician, actress and filmmaker Bitez will use the support to record their upcoming EP.
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"I am thrilled to be on the MIF Sounds programme; my gratitude is immeasurable. To have my art and ideas supported by the MIF Sounds team is unbelievably encouraging. I intend to craft ‘Vintage Destiny’ into a genre-bending surrealist Afrofuturistic EP exploring the changing nature of reality due to our reliance on cyberspace, and our resulting societal fragmentation."
Bitez
Dirty Freud
Electronic bassline outfit, Dirty Freud will release their Native Immigrant EP, exploring new ways of collaboration for them during its recording.
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“So gassed to be a part of this, I've always felt a strong connection to MIF's programmes and here I’m on it. I can't wait to show everyone what Dirty Freud can do!”
Dirty Freud
Edane Ng
Classical pianist Edane NG will be using the support to experiment creatively exploring the connections between animation and classical music.
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"This has helped me gain huge confidence and courage in my vision of bringing a societal purpose with classical music. It will allow me to pursue my ambition of digital animation which I hope to combine with classical music. As a classical pianist, I am beyond grateful that my unconventional ideas are encouraged and appreciated by MIF and I am looking forward to spreading the beauty of this genre."
Edane Ng
Fixed Abode
Jack Bowes who runs record label Fixed Abode will be equipping the studio which they share with other Manchester artists Blackhaine and Space Afrika.
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“It feels great to be a part of MIF Sounds, and I’m very thankful to have been allocated this support as I know the city is burgeoning with talent at the minute. Hopefully, I can utilise the money and support to galvanise the label, and the recent studio we have acquired.”
Fixed Abode
Ku'umba
Ku’umba a grassroots black-youth led label, band and collective of MCs, singers, musicians, performance artists and producers who will mix and master a new album celebrating their eclectic community.
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“We are buzzin’ to receive this support from Manchester International Festival and look forward to working with their team to bring our project to life. This will give us the chance to showcase the wealth of local talent we have in Manchester and give us a step up to reaching wider audiences.”
Ku'umba
Mali Hayes
A Neo-soul via jazz and RnB artist Mali Hayes will be using the support to release and tour her new EP..
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“Really overwhelmed and over the moon to have been chosen to be supported by MIF! IT really means a lot to me that I get a new body of work up and off the ground this year - I feel like the time is right and I’m really happy to be supported during this time.”
Mali Hayes
Obeka
Multi-disciplinary artist Obeka will be creating a new soundscape that references the sounds of South America, Africa and the Caribbean alongside usual field recording captured right here in the UK.
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“After two years of the pandemic greatly impacting the arts and my own musical profession, being awarded through the MIF Sounds programme has completely elated my spirit and focus towards further exposure of sonic identities within the beautiful cultures that connect to us all.”
Obeka
Sam Malik
Creative professional Sam Malik will be launching a new artist management company to support and develop British Asian musicians from Greater Manchester.
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“Receiving the MIF Sounds support has not only enabled me to initiate my project but also validated the need of supporting underrepresented musicians of Greater Manchester. Through this project we would be creating a platform to represent local British Asian artists to an international audience”
Sam Malik
SIBZ
Music producer, songwriter and visual artist SIBZ will be creating a new audio/visual story showcase alongside other Manchester artists this year.
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“The leaps of faith and risks that I take in order to advance as a producer and performing artist are all for moments like this. Luck is when opportunity and preparation align - and that’s exactly how I feel. MIF Sounds is the springboard into this next stage of my career.”
SIBZ
Test Card Girl
Synth-folk artist Test Card Girl will be using MIF Sounds support to enable the recording of their upcoming EP.
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“When I decided in February 2020 aged 35 to throw fear to the wind and attempt to become the world’s least likely pop star, I could never have imagined being chosen by MIF Sounds to receive support for the live launch of my debut EP. I’m excited for the journey and grateful beyond words!”
Test Card Girl