Mike Weatherley, the MP and music industry champion, is today launching a national music competition with the help of Wirral marketing agency ICE.

The 'Rock the House' competition is intended to unearth new music talent and at the same time raise public and political awareness about artists' copyright and intellectual property rights.

ICE's PR and marketing team have been working closely with the Hove and Portslade MP ahead of the competition's launch, in front of music industry professionals and politicians, in London today.

Charlie Simpkins, the Fightstar and former Busted frontman, and newly-signed bands Blackout and Rizzle Kicks, are lending their support.

Anna Beaumont, ICE's head of press and PR, said: “The issues around artists’ copyright are really topical right now, and it’s great to be working with a high-profile political figure in a PR and lobbying role to help raise awareness, shape public opinion and influence other MPs around key issues that will support the UK’s music and arts industry in years to come.

Weatherley added: "There seems to be a growing public perception that creative work should be ‘free’ but I believe that protecting an artist’s intellectual property is vital for the future of the UK music industry.”