Guinness have today announced Amplify, their brand new music project aimed at supporting emerging musicians in Ireland. The scheme aims to provide a range of opportunities for Irish artists, including free studio time, workshops and the chance to share the stage with some of the biggest names in music across the length and breadth of the country.

Guinness Amplify aims to bridge the gap between musicians and their potential audience by providing artists with the resources and expertise they need to make it to the next level and you can find all of the latest news, updates and information right here on entertainment.ie.

Stephen O'Kelly, Marketing Director for Guinness, said at today's launch: "Ireland has an incredible music heritage and is recognised all over the world as a hotbed of exceptionally talented musicians. The combination of live performance, promotion, recording time and rehearsal space, as well as the opportunity to learn from experts within the industry, is something that we know can make a real difference in helping musicians to develop."

There are several key elements to Guinness Amplify:

Guinness Amplify Live will offer Irish bands the opportunity to perform in hundreds of pubs across the country across five weekends from the 11th September to 12th October in five markets (Leinster, Ulster, Connacht, Munster and Dublin, which gets its own weekend).

Not only that, some big names will be a part of this playing surprise gigs at various locations including Kodaline, Ellie Goulding, Walking On Cars and Daithi (and loads more!).

Kodaline performing at the Guinness Amplify launch

Guinness Amplify Studios will offer 60 days of free studio time to musicians chosen by the project's panel of industry tastemakers, along with workshops from First Music Contact. Log on to www.guinnessamplify.com for more information on this.

Following all the live performances, studio recording, rehearsal time and workshops, a selection of acts will be chosen by the expert panel and given the chance to perform at Guinness Amplify Live Stages - a series of five events in some of Ireland's most prestigious venues in February of next year.

Speaking at the launch, Kodaline threw their support behind the initiative, saying: "Guinness Amplify will help to open doors for so many people through the roadshow of pub gigs around Ireland, providing access to experts in the industry and ultimately helping musicians to fulfil their potential. We know first-hand the hard work that goes into launching a music career and this level of support is invaluable".

Full details of the Guinness Amplify programme are available on www.guinnessamplify.com. Bands and musicians interested in taking part in Guinness Amplify have until July 31st to log on to www.guinnessamplify.com and upload their details.