Listening to your favourite musicians on the radio or watching them on MTV are ways to get close to the action, but how about joining them on the line-up for a live performance on one of London’s most iconic stages? One group of budding young performers have been given such an opportunity as part of What Next, a unique outdoor gig at London’s Somerset House, specifically designed for ages 14 to 18 and aimed at breaking down musical barriers and bringing together indie and urban music.

Coming from across the UK and aged between 15 to 21, this group of 24 breakthrough acts will open the event by showcasing the work they have achieved across a series of professionally-led musical workshops, before Ms Dynamite, Chipmunk, The Wombats, Ghetts and Lion Club take to the stage.

Coming from the urban side of the spectrum, Ms Dynamite says of the event: “It’s a real concoction of artists and audiences that may not usually meet in every day life – but that's what music does, isn’t it?”

Tottenham rapper Chipmunk, who at 18 already has a top ten single under his belt with his latest release Diamond Rings and was named Best UK Newcomer at the MOBO Awards last year, adds: “We‘re all from the same community – black, white, Asian, pink, blue, green, indigo, whatever – we‘re all just coming together.”

Representing the indie conglomerate, headliners The Wombats reveal they are just as excited about being in the audience as performing.

“We can‘t wait to play Somerset House! It‘s our only London gig this summer and we‘re looking forward to trying out some new material. The idea of bringing the 18s and under community together by mixing up urban and indie music is really cool – we‘re really excited about the Chipmunk‘s set and seeing all the supports.”

Also performing on the night will be Leytonstone singer Jelisa Smith, who got involved with the project through a friend who heard about it on facebook. The soulful youngster will take to the stage with another urban vocalist, two MCs and an indie-style band who have a “heavy guitar and drums influence”.

Speaking with the confidence of a seasoned-pro, Jelisa says: “I‘m looking forward to the performance. We have worked really hard and I think even Ms Dynamite and the headliners will be impressed with our ideas and what we have achieved.”

Telling me about the workshop process, Jelisa continues: “It‘s been good to share ideas with people who have a passion for music and to see what other people are doing. It‘s been a really good experience and opened my eyes to music I wouldn‘t normally listen to.”

In fact, the project has been a major eye-opener for Jelisa. From planning to study Law at Leicester University, the 18-year-old is now considering a career change.

“Music was always my back-up plan, but now I‘m thinking it‘s my passion and I should bring it to the forefront.”

Watch this space...!

What Next takes place at Somerset House, Strand, London, on Sunday, July 19, 6pm-10pm. Tickets: 0844 847 2317 or www.whatnextevent.org.uk (£15)