A pioneering new music project is officially launched today, combining a search for the next new musical talent with life saving rail safety messages.
Developed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) for use by industry partners, the national MusicTraX scheme is being piloted by the UK’s largest train operator Northern via the new NorthernTraX website, www.northerntrax.net.
The project is aimed at reducing deaths and injury caused by rail trespass, with eight children under the age of 16 killed on the railway last year. The scheme will also help reinforce railway safety messages among communities and young people.
Through the venture, supported by global music giant EMI and backed by top recording artists including the Kaiser Chiefs and Lemar, budding musicians are promised an instant audience, uploading their material onto the NorthernTrax site, whilst also legally downloading music from other bands.
Following the NorthernTraX pilot, RSSB will launch the nationally focused MusicTraX campaign that will target local communities, promoting the performing arts and other interactive projects to encourage young people into exciting activities away from the railway.
Aidan Nelson, RSSB’s Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, said: “In essence, the initiative is a form of musical collective, providing the perfect platform for young people to have their music heard.
“It also helps promote important rail safety messages by tapping into community activities, helping keep young people away from the railway, especially during school holidays when we tend to experience the most problems.”
NorthernTraX is already proving a winner, with over 50 tracks uploaded and an average of 2,000 visitors daily. The site includes an on-line magazine, album reviews, features, a photo gallery and crucially, provides a platform through which critical rail safety information and messages can be delivered.
One of the key attractions of NorthernTraX is the chance for young performers to have their music voted for on-line by the public, with the best acts winning a variety
of prizes, including having their music professionally recorded and engineered.
Heidi Mottram, Managing Director for Northern commented: “We’re delighted to be working with RSSB to launch this initiative. Music plays a big part in the lives of many
young people and NorthernTrax gives them the chance to put their sounds in the spotlight, whilst also highlighting the importance of rail safety.
“ Northern is committed to working with colleagues in RSSB and the wider industry to develop schools and community based initiatives that give young people a real alternative to committing crime and anti-social behaviour on the railway.”
Karen Millard of EMI Music UK added: “We are pleased to be supporting this very worthwhile initiative, designed to help keep young people safe whilst also recognising that music plays a large part in their lives.”
Top Leeds based band the Kaiser Chiefs have also backed the campaign and commented: “We love the NorthernTraX idea. We have had the best time of our lives, touring and working on our albums. This competition is an amazing opportunity for any aspiring young artists to make their break into the music industry. We are looking forward to hearing the winning tracks and the sounds of our upcoming rivals!”
In support of NorthernTraX, January also sees the regional train operator host a series of ‘Techno Trucks’ – mobile recording studios giving young people the chance to make music right on their doorstep. The Techno Trucks will be available throughout the Northern region during the next three weekends. For details click here to view Editors notes.
In addition, RSSB has developed for the industry a creative arts based version of MusicTraX, entitled MakingTraX aimed at secondary schools and encouraging pupils to come up with creative ideas in music, multimedia, drama and art, with the results to be used by the rail industry in wider educational campaigns.
Commented RSSB’s Aidan Nelson: “By promoting diversionary tactics, we hope to persuade young people that there are far more fun and productive ways to spend their time than trespassing on the railways, putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk.”
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Visit the NorthernTraX website at www.northerntrax.net .
To view the EDITORS NOTES please click here.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Sue Nelson at the Rail Safety and Standards Board on 01904 448439, (mobile 07876 246125) or the Northern Rail press office on 01904 524853, or press.office@northernrail.org.
