Liverpool singer/songwriter Vanessa Murray will perform at the House of Commons after beating off competition from UK Music’s rehearsal rooms spaces across the country.
The 17 year old, who initially beat off fierce competition from four other local acts that use the rehearsal space at Knotty Ash Youth Centre, will now perform in the House of Commons after scooping thousands of pounds of musical equipment.
DJ Mike Read, UK Music CEO Jo Dipple and PRS for Music Foundation’s industry funds manager Laura Whitticase voted through Vanessa Murray from the artists who use UK Music’s 14 rehearsal spaces to go forward in the Rock the House competition.
Read said: “I thought Vanessa was brilliant, a great songwriter. The structure of her song was good and it is a song that is very coverable by a lot of people.”
Jo Dipple said: “Vanessa’s song writing ability is incredible. She has a bright future ahead with the full support of UK Music. Thank you to the Knotty Ash rehearsal room for offering her support. And thanks to all the rehearsal spaces and all the bands that took part.”
Laura Whitticase said: “It is amazing that someone so young has such intuitive songwriting abilities”.
A Rock the House close of nominations party, featuring some of the bands selected by MPs, will be held at The Cavern Club in Liverpool on April 25.
Rock the House features six winner categories and a vast array of prizes including festival slots, Gibson guitars, a masterclass in sound and the opportunity to release a single on the legendary Cherry Red Records.
The awards ceremony takes place on the House of Commons terrace on June 26 in front of music label executives, celebrities and press.
Phil Windever, service and community development team leader at the rehearsal rooms, said: “Liverpool has so much amazing talent and it’s great news that she has got through to perform in front of hundreds of MPs. She is one to watch for the future.”
This year Rock the House, which Weatherley established to encourage his MP colleagues in Westminster to learn about copyright, piracy and other issues impacting the music industry, features six winner categories and a vast array of prizes including festival slots, Gibson guitars, a masterclass in sound and the opportunity to release a single on the legendary Cherry Red Records.
The awards ceremony takes place at the House of Commons on June 26 in front of music label executives, celebrities and press.
