The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), Time and Leisure Magazine (lifestyle publisher in South West London and Surrey) and Creative Youth (a not-for-profit charity supporting young people in Kingston) have just announced their joint launch of a new competition called Sound of the Times which celebrates the best in new music. The competition will be open to musicians, solo artists and bands who are aged between 17 - 26 and study, work or live in South West London or Surrey. Prizewinners will win a reward which will help kickstart their music career.

Graham Mead from Time and Leisure said “Time & Leisure is a massive supporter of the arts generally and is actively involved in supporting exhibitions, events and live performance across the whole of South West London and Surrey.  We are delighted to be involved in Sound of the Times as it should help identify fresh new talent and highlight local venues that keep live music thriving.”

Each act is limited to one entry and encouraged to enter their best original composition. Sound Of The Times is open to all genre's of music.

Prizes include:

A free recording and artist development session at ACM LondonFree mastering of their recording at the world renowned Metropolis StudiosInclusion on the Sound of the Times album to be released January 2018Inclusion in the Sound of the Times winners showcase at the Rose Theatre in Kingston February 2018

With a shared passion for nurturing the next generation of talented musicians, ACM, Time and Leisure, and Creative Youth wanted to celebrate the fantastic music coming out of Surrey and South West London’s young people by giving them a platform for their music to be heard. ACM’s Head of Industry Development (and the guitarist in Skunk Anansie) Ace said: “We’re so pleased to be working with both Time and Leisure and Creative Youth on Sound of the Times. Both share ACM’s strong ethos of learning by doing so it’s fantastic to be able to offer a prize to these talented artists that not only opens the door to the industry for them, but that offers real world experience too. I can’t wait to hear the entries and get stuck in on the recording process of this very special album.”

Entries are open from now until September 30th and judging will commence in October 2017.

Judges will include an acclaimed industry panel who will narrow down a shortlist of 10 winners to be included on the inaugural Sound of the Times album.

Robin Hutchinson from Creative Youth said: "This is a great opportunity to help identify and support a new generation of musical talent. Creative Youth is dedicated to giving young people the opportunity to pursue their ambitions by offering support and opportunities. Sound of the Times is the perfect vehicle for these aims."

For the opportunity to get your original song and name out there, enter Sound Of The Times here