Young people  from Scotland are being encouraged to register for Next BRIT Thing – a major new UK music competition backed by the UK music industry, The BRIT Awards and the Department for Media, Culture & Sport.

Open to all 11-19 year olds, Next BRIT Thing is on a hunt for young musicians of all genres to share their performances, compete in online charts and perform live, with a raft of money-can’t buy prizes also up for grabs, including support and guidance from famous songwriters and musicians.

Encouraging Scottish talent, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP said, “Scotland is home to a wealth of creative talent and as a nation we can hold our own on the world stage. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop and showcase their creative skills and I would like to wish everyone who enters the best of luck.”  

A host of chart stars are also supporting the competition including Katie Melua, Dan Gillespie of The Feeling and Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts. Take That’s main songwriter Gary Barlow has also enthusiastically backed it, “I would have loved there to have been a nationwide music competition like this when I was at school. The Next BRIT Thing will give young musicians a chance to get themselves heard, to be creative and show off their talents to the whole country. I’m really looking forward to hearing some great songs. Good luck and get involved if you haven’t already!”

Prizes up for grabs include a recording session at Abbey Road studios, tickets for the BRIT Awards 2012 as well as regional prizes.

Non-musicians can play their part listening and voting for acts online, with a Scottish final being held on  February 5  to decide who represent’s the country in the UK final. In the meantime if you want to check out how the Scottish entries are doing, you can do so via the Next  BRIT Thing Scottish charts. 

For more information visit the Next BRIT Thing website.