Sharp Shotz Unsigned launched

Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios and Bristol based charity, IDEAL have partnered up again to launch Sharp Shotz Unsigned. A national music competition that addresses knife crime, and drug and alcohol use through music innovation.

The Sharp Shotz campaign started in 2007 with the launch of the animation competition run in partnership with Aardman Animations and the University of the West of England. The following year IDEAL contacted Real World to see if they were interested in being involved in a music competition, and it returns now for its second year.

To enter the competition young unsigned musicians are invited to write a track that is original, delivers powerful lyrics, and can influence how people think about the issues of gun and knife crime or drug and alcohol use. Sharp Shotz Unsigned closes on Saturday 15th May 2010.

Eleanor Household, Studio Manager at Real World Studios said, "Last year was such a success. We worked with a diverse number of exceptionally gifted individuals. I'm looking forward to what this year brings us in the way of undiscovered talent."

The two winning acts will record their track at Real World Studios following the likes of Paolo Nutini, Massive Attack, Roni Size, James Morrison. They will also play at the Bristol Festival and a range of other gigs, and have their track used in the winning animations from the Sharp Shotz Animation competition.

Garry Brandrick development manager of IDEAL added, "Sharp Shotz uses the creative arts to provide young people with exciting possibilities to gain new skills and experiences, learn about difficult issues such as knife crime and drug and alcohol use, and ultimately produce something which can have a positive impact on the wider community. We are lucky to have the involvement of some of Britain's leading creative companies - Aardman and Real World Studios."

For more information, how to enter see the www.sharp-shotz.com website.