LIPA GRADUATE WINS INAUGURAL MUSIC PRODUCERS GUILD PRIZE

London, UK: Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduate Henrik Barman Michelsen has become the first person to receive the Music Producers Guild (UK) Prize - a new prize aimed at rewarding the most promising student to graduate from LIPA's Sound Technology degree course.

MPG chairman Steve Levine and producer and MPG director Tony Platt presented the prize during LIPA's annual graduation ceremony, which took place on Friday, 30 July 2010. Also present was LIPA Lead Patron Sir Paul McCartney and Barman Michelsen's Head of Discipline Jon Thornton, who recommended him for the prize.

Tony Platt, who last year was himself honoured by LIPA with a Companionship in recognition of his contribution to the world of arts and entertainment, says: "The Music Producers Guild has established this prize in conjunction with LIPA because we want to recognise the student who, in the opinion of his or her tutors, has shown the most exceptional talent, initiative, commitment and consideration to the art of Music Recording and Production. This will be a great opportunity for Henrik and look forward to mentoring him while he establishes himself in his chosen career."

Originally from Norway, Henrik Barman Michelsen began playing guitar at the age of 10 and started experimenting with writing songs and recording at the age of 15. After high school, he enrolled in a music technology course in Trondheim, Norway, where he also played in several bands and recorded constantly. From there he was accepted into LIPA. He has already completed work experience assignments in London at Assault & Battery Studios (A&B1) and Miloco Studios, and he is currently working as part of a three piece songwriting/production team called JEM Songs that he co-founded. The team has undertaken work for a number of record labels including EMI, B-Unique Records, Roasting House Publishing and Rock Mafia Records.

The Music Producers Guild (UK) Prize will give Henrik Barman Michelsen a number of unique opportunities. As well as mentoring from producers such as Steve Levine, Tony Platt, Mick Glossop, Nicky Graham, Andrew Hunt and Russ Hepworth-Sawyer, he will also spend two weeks as an intern at Kore Studios, London, winner of this year's MPG Award for Best Studio.

His prize will also provide him with the opportunity to spend two days working alongside producer Paul Epworth, winner of this year's MPG Producer of the Year and BRIT Producer of the Year awards.

Other highlights include a day with Air Mastering engineer Ray Staff, a day with engineer Haydn Bendall learning his orchestral recording techniques and a day at Avid's UK headquarters receiving in depth tuition on the company's flagship D-Control console from one of Avid's top product specialists.

Prism Sound/SADiE has kindly offered to contribute towards the cost of Henrik Barman Michelsen's travel and accommodation expenses while he is taking up these opportunities.

Commenting on receiving the inaugural MPG Prize, Henrik Barman Michelsen says: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I am really thrilled to be the recipient of such a wonderful prize."

-ends-

Notes to Editors:
LIPA is located in Sir Paul McCartney's old school, the Liverpool Institute for Boys, which underwent a multi-million-pound renovation to turn it into a state-of-the-art performing arts higher education institution. It was founded by Sir Paul and Mark Featherstone-Witty and opened in 1996 with the aim of providing the best teaching and learning for people who want to pursue a lasting career in the arts and entertainment industry, whether as performers or those who make performance possible.

About Music Producers Guild (UK):
The Music Producers Guild (UK) is an independent and democratic organisation that encourages the highest standards of music production, and actively engages with other music industry organisations to campaign and lobby on matters of important mutual interest. The MPG represents and promotes the interests of all those involved in the production of recorded music, including producers, engineers, mixers, re-mixers, programmers and mastering engineers.

LIPA press contact: Allan Brown. Tel: 0151 330 3143 Email a.brown1@lipa.ac.uk