Rockpoint Records provides new opportunity for young aspiring artists in Merseyside

Bar and live music venue Rockpoint Records is providing a new opportunity for young aspiring artists in Merseyside.

The venue on Victoria Road in Wallasey has launched a brand new open mic night with the sole aim of supporting original work by up and coming artists.

‘The Sesh’ takes place every Thursday from 7:30pm onwards, and provides a unique experience for performing artists.

Event organiser and musician Paddy Turner said: “It’s all about nurturing that young talent and giving them the space to grow.”

“People from any walk of life or the creative arts can come in and talk about what they’re doing, we want to nurture anything creative”.

There are no restrictions on genre, and a ‘no covers allowed’ ethos will soon be introduced with the hopes of highlighting the original talent of performers.

Each week there is an opportunity up for grabs for performers to win a paid headline slot at Rockpoint Records the following week.

Alongside Paddy, the crowd will play a central role in deciding the winner of the week, and the chosen winner will return for a paid slot.

The unique opportunity the night offers aims to provide a fresh chance for live music in Birkenhead to thrive.

Paddy Turner said: “All the bands in the Wirral, they go over to Liverpool to be provided that atmosphere where they can be nurtured. And we don’t really have a sense of that on the Wirral.”

“Nothing trickles down, there’s no kind of support network for grassroots music venues like Rockpoint Records who are doing this. We’re massively underfunded, but we still feel we can provide that space to nurture these young acts.”

Performances at ‘The Sesh’ on Thursday 19^th February highlighted the range of artists and genres Rockpoint Records welcomes.

Sixteen year-old singer/songwriter Sam Taylor performed at Rockpoint Records for the second time, receiving loud applause from the room after each song.

Sam said: “It’s a great opportunity for grassroots artists to play live. It’s welcoming and I get a great response when I play there.”

Local artist Niamh McNally performs regularly at Rockpoint, and said: “It’s really really good for kids just starting and beginner musicians because absolutely no one judges anyone. Everyone gives each other advice and the time of day to listen to other people songs.”

“It’s a really good way to build your confidence performing in front of people and a good way to do some networking with other artists.”

The opportunity for networking ‘The Sesh’ provides was highlighted by organiser Paddy, who said “I’d love for people to come over and use it as a networking space.

“If there’s young people coming they can find friends and maybe even start a band together.”

Successful rock band The Mysterines are among artists who have previously played at Rockpoint Records, and the venue hopes ‘The Sesh’ can provide a first stepping-stone for many other artists to come.

Co-Creator Wayne Saunders said: “For many local musicians, open mic nights are an important first step, but they rarely offer tangible progression. Rockpoint Records’ new format changes that by turning a single performance into a potential launchpad. We’re excited to see what talent we attract with our new concept and who knows — we might get to witness the next big thing!”