Music Competitions
Open Mic UK Audition are in Full Swing
Aug 19th
Thousands of unsigned singers entered last year and this year it’s set to be even bigger! Open Mic UK is the national music competition for singers and solo artists in the UK and auditions are in full swing!
2010 auditions kicked off at the start of August and are travelling across the country in the search for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists. It’s open to all genres, so whether you’re into RnB, Rap, Acoustic, Pop or Classical – Open Mic UK has it all! Acts can perform either covers or original material and they’ll be invited to a live audition in front of the judging panel.
Those who make it through the audition stage will go on to perform across the UK in live shows, in front of a live audience and judging panel, for the chance to sing at the Grand Final at the 02 in London. The panel is made up of industry insiders, A&R, vocal coaches and guest celebrities.
There are plenty of opportunities to win prizes throughout the competition. There’s over £50, 000 worth of prizes up for grabs and the winning act will be offered a recording and management contract to develop their music and release their single. Competing acts will also have the chance to perform live in some of the best music venues in the country.
The competition is divided into age categories; Under 18, 18-24 and 25 and over. All types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK. It’s all about finding an act that has the ability to become a professional recording artist.
So, if you think you’ve got what it takes, get on the mic for Open Mic UK 2010!
For dates, venues and more information go to www.openmic.co.uk
The Lottery Winners Shine At Live and Unsigned Festival
Jul 19th
Full to the brim with the best unsigned music from across the UK, thousands of music fans were bopping along to fresh music at the Live and Unsigned Festival this weekend.
The best under the radar artists took to the stage at the Indig02 in London on Saturday 10th July for the chance to be crowned the winner of Live and Unsigned 2010, and it was The Lottery Winners from Leigh who eventually took home the title!
The Lottery Winners battled it out in live auditions and live heats across the country to eventually take away the top spot. They were crowned the UK’s best Live and Unsigned Act on the main stage of the Festival in front of a sold out crowd and an array of industry judges.
Representatives from the music industry were out in force to meet enthusiastic newcomers at the Grand Final of Live and Unsigned, the biggest unsigned music competition in the UK for original artists.
Over 10, 000 acts entered the competition this year, and the Grand Final saw the cream of the UK’s unsigned talent showcase their music in front of thousands of audience members and the judging panel which included Slade’s legendary front man Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and RnB star Shola Ama.
The Festival played host to an eclectic mix of artists, with four genre categories performing throughout the day including Rock, Indie, Alternative and Pop/Acoustic/Urban. Category winners included rock band Underline The Sky, acoustic act Sam Garrett and alternative group We Beat The System. But the judges, alongside an energised audience, voted Indie band The Lottery Winners as the overall winner. Their winners package includes a management and recording contract, development of a clothing brand, publicity package and UK tour.
Chris Grayston, judge on the night and head of A&R at Future Music commented ‘The standard this year was fantastic. The competition has grown year on year, and this year has to be the biggest yet. The talent has improved, there have been some fantastic prizes up for grabs, invaluable development opportunities and Grand Finalists played on stage at the best live music venue in the country, the 02 in London. It was a great end to a great year. I am confident we have chosen the right winner. I am looking forward to next year’s competition and working with The Lottery Winners and I’m sure we’re going to be seeing a lot more of them.’
With over 30, 000 registrations in the last three years, Live and Unsigned has cemented its place on the UK music scene as the largest unsigned music competition for under the radar, original artists. The competitions popularity comes from its reputation for encouraging originality and it’ss open to all unsigned acts regardless of genre, so it’s got something for everyone!
Live and Unsigned 2011 auditions begin again in January 2011 and will be travelling across the UK. For more information go to www.LiveandUnsigned.Uk.com Auditions for Future Music’s National competition for solo singers ‘Open Mic UK’ start in August 2010 Openmicuk.co.uk
Check out The Lottery Winners MySpace at; Myspace.com/thelotterywinnersmusic
Samsung Mobile Live Launch Monte Battle of the Bands Music Competition
May 17th
Samsung launches live music talent show at venues across the UK
Samsung Mobile L!ve today announced the launch of ‘Monte Battle of the Bands’ – showcasing the best in live regional music talent from the UK. Unsigned bands will get the chance to play the gig of their lives and they’ll need to pull out their most rock’n’roll dance moves and best guitar strums to win the ultimate prize – studio time worth up to £10,000 to record their own album tracks.
‘Monte Battle of the Bands’ will give unsigned bands the chance to perform in their home regions in front of a Samsung Mobile L!ve audience.
Those wishing to enter should sign up at www.montemobilelive.com and submit a video of their band performing – the best talent will then be invited to battle against each other and have their performances uploaded to the web site after the events. The public will then vote online to decide the overall winners who will receive £10,000 of production time at well renowned recording studio.
All those who vote on line for their favourite band will have the chance to download exclusive Monte Battle of the Bands content for free, once the winners have been announced.
The events will be taking place at the following shopping centres:
Westfield – Merry Hill, Dudley: 22nd – 23rd May
Middleton Hall, The Centre: MK, Milton Keynes – 29th – 30th May
Manchester Arndale: 5th – 6th June
The brand new Samsung Monte has full social networking applications including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, allowing users to access their favourite bands profiles whenever and wherever they choose.
Advanced Instant Messaging capabilities mean users have access to all their friends at the touch of a screen. Available to buy now, the Monte comes in orange and graphite, or a black and silver design.
The first twenty people (aged 16 or over) on each day to purchase a Monte handset from any of the retailers in the Mobile L!ve shopping centre venues, will receive £50 worth of See vouchers.
Terms and conditions for Monte Battle of the Bands
Bands entering must have more than one person and all members must be aged 18 or over
Winners will be selected by a public on-line vote
No purchase necessary to enter
Full terms and conditions can be found at: www.montemobilelive.com
Radio 1 Legend Annie Nightingale talks to Live and Unsigned
Apr 7th
Annie Nightingale MBE is one of Britain’s best loved and well known radio presenters. She was the first ever female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and is now the stations longest serving ambassador. Playing an eclectic mix of new music on her weekend show, writing for television documentaries and DJ’ing at the biggest festivals in the country makes Annie one of the most recognisable presenters in the UK today.
Annie, who judged Live and Unsigned last year, is now preparing to sit on the panel again as she’s set to judge at some of the live shows for 2010.
Live and Unsigned caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for as a judge this year, what advice she has for new musicians and to talk about that bet with The Clash…
L&U: You judged Live and Unsigned last year. What did you look for in bands then, and what will you be looking for this year?
Annie: I think you are always looking for originality. I’ll be looking out for something that I’ve never heard before, something that jumps out. It could be any genre or style. I also think it’s important to see people enjoying themselves. There are so many reality shows out there and people end up copying someone else and it all becomes rather generic. I think the worst thing you can do is copy another artist. I want to see commitment and creativity and not playing it safe – I want to see more crazy!
L&U: Do you have any other tips for acts taking part in Live and Unsigned this year?
Annie: Be passionate and be committed. It’s all about confidence. I also think honesty is great – there’s something endearing about someone making a mistake or perhaps not being completely polished. Don’t try too hard to be anyone else and believe in yourself.
L&U: How should the winner of Live and Unsigned capitalise on their success?
Annie: This is great exposure – competing in a competition like this will get you recognised and winning it will attract interest. But there’s a lot more to it, it’s a long haul to be successful in this industry. I think bands need to ensure they are getting out there and building a fan base and getting hits on You Tube. Then it’s about finding the right people to represent you – making sure you have good people around you that can open doors. If you’ve got the talent, you just need to surround yourself with people who believe in it and can represent you in the right manner.
L&U: How important is social networking for bands to get recognised?
Annie: I think it’s very important. Lily Allen says that’s how she was recognised, through You Tube. I think acts taking part in Live and Unsigned will already be getting themselves out there, and I think that’s the most important thing. You need to be going to gigs, getting your name known and making something happen.
L&U: With the amount of demos you get sent a week, what makes a track stand out for you?
Annie: It’s got to be different. It’s got to make me think ‘oh, I’ve not heard something like this before.’ Some people send demos purely to see what you think. But unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time so I’ll only really pick up on something that is amazing. Before a band sends a demo, they should make sure it’s the best thing they’ve done. I also think it’s crucial to put the good stuff at the start! If you have a fantastic musical idea, put at the start of the song and get people interested!
L&U: Any artists at the moment that stand out for you?
Annie: There are too many! I think Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz and Dizzee are creating the most interesting pop music at the moment. I’m a big fan of drum n bass and like Doorly and Drumsound and Bassline Smith.
L&U: You’re the longest serving ambassador for Radio 1 – how do you feel about that?
Annie: I don’t quite know how it happened! I’m so busy I never really have time to look back. I am always looking to the future. I can’t quite believe it – it’s been great!
L&U: What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you at Radio 1?
Annie: Norman Cook actually text me about this last week! When The Clash released London Calling, I bet them it would go into the top 10 and I bet them a Cadillac that it would. Well, it actually went into the charts at number 11 and I was left wondering how I was going to get the band a Cadillac! A listener phoned in and said he had an old one and would have it delivered to the Radio 1 studio. He went to quite a lot of trouble to have it delivered and when it finally arrived The Clash were very grateful but simply said ‘We don’t drive!’ Which was quite funny! In the end they auctioned it off for charity.
L&U: What’s the best thing about presenting on the radio?
Annie: I love music and I get to listen to it all the time! It’s a dream job. I have always been emotionally involved in music and I would have loved to have been in a band. Unfortunately I can’t sing or play any instruments, so this is the next best thing!
L&U: What’s your favourite kind of music?
Annie: That’s hard to answer. I love the fact that music is changing. We have a fantastic youth culture in this country which we should definitely continue to encourage. I have always encouraged new music.
L&U: What do you think the internet has done to the music industry?
Annie: I think it’s a music culture, and the digital age has certainly changed things. Music is so accessible nowadays. I often find myself going on ITunes and buying songs I already have on vinyl, just because I can.
L&U: If you weren’t a radio presenter, what would you be doing?
Annie: I would be keen to work in movies. Working on music in movies would be great.
L&U: Tell us something people won’t know about you?
Annie: I am really into architecture.
L&U: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Annie: To be yourself. I understand that can be difficult at times, but I think you should always keep that in mind.
L&U: What one thing has happened in your life that has affected where you are today?
Annie: I was on holiday in Cuba once and I was mugged. I had my leg broken in three places and it was a really serious incident and definitely shook me up. But I think you can choose to be beaten in situations like that or stand up and be stronger – which is what I did. It was quite inspiring in a way as I found a lot of inner strength that I didn’t realise I had.
L&U: What’s your philosophy in life?
Annie: If something bad happens, put it behind you and try to get on with life. And don’t harbour grudges.
L&U: Finish this sentence ‘I like music because…’
Annie: It lifts me up. It’s very mood altering and can draw people together through a common interest. It brings elation and I love it!
For more information on Live and Unsigned, please visit liveandunsigned.uk.com
The Talent Tour sets out to discover Musicians and Singers across the Country
Mar 29th
THE TALENT TOUR. …another exciting experience brought to you by TopoftheOx..First stop SWINDON
The Talent Tour is the drive to discover musicians and singers across the country – and is seeking participants in YOUR area! The tour kicks off in Swindon over the Easter and there are a few more spaces left!
Hauling the tried-and-tested ‘battle of the bands’ concept into the 21st Century, The Talent Tour is based in and around a professional recording studio housed within a 27-foot-long vintage Airstream caravan. Armed with multiple TV screens, a PA system and an array of quality musical instruments, we can bring a unique environment and a truly innovative musical experience – straight to you!
Contestants will be photographed by a professional photographer and recorded inside the Rockhopper Studio, with every moment filmed and broadcast live to the crowd outside. All contestants will then be able to relive the fruits of their labours with an individual copy of their recording and an HD YouTube video, which will be later uploaded for members of the public to judge. Once voting has finished, each entrant will be entered into a national chart with the chance to win a recording deal.
The Talent Tour is the talent contest where everyone wins! Recordings, HD YouTube videos, the chance to buy mastered CDs, DVDs and promo-packs, and an all-round unforgettable experience.
To book your slot on the tour, visit www.thetalenttour.co.uk or ring 0845 6800605
RnB star Shola Ama confirmed for the Judging Panel for Live and Unsigned Festival
Feb 24th
RnB mega star Shola Ama has just confirmed her place on the judging panel at the Live and Unsigned Festival!
Billed as one of Britain’s most successful RnB artists, Shola will be taking her place on the judging panel in July and casting her eye over some of the UK’s best unsigned talent. The London based singers debut album Much Love sold over one million copies and she enjoyed chart success with the top five singles You Might Need Somebody and You’re The One I Love.
The culmination of her critical and commercial success resulted in four MOBO nominations with Shola going on to collect two awards for Best Newcomer and Best RnB. She also impressed the industry and her fans when she was nominated for two Brit awards, taking home the title of Best British Female.
Amongst her many achievements within the music industry, Shola has collaborated on the Glamma Kid single Taboo, reworking the Sade classic to make it her own and scoring her another top ten single. She released her sophomore album, the critically acclaimed In Return, co-writing 11 of the 16 tracks with a host of international writers and producers. She’s worked with legendary names like Darkchild, Babyface, Stargate, Ali Shaheed Muhhammed, Angie Stone and Shaun Labelle. Her single Imagine remixed by Asylum, went on to become one of the biggest club singles of the noughties. Shola co-wrote her third album, Supersonic, which is one of her most personal works to date. Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live and Unsigned, commented, It’s very exciting to have one of the UK’s best RnB acts involved in the competition. She’s had huge chart success, spent years in the studio and knows exactly what it’s like to be in the spotlight. I’m confident that her appearance on the judging panel will be popular! I’m sure most of the acts in the Urban category of the competition will want to ask her lots of questions!
Shola is now back in the studio once again, writing tracks for her fourth studio album, due for release on independent label Dirty Canvas. The new single DJ Play has already received great reviews and lots of airplay! And of course, watch out for her at the Live and Unsigned Festival!
Main Man Of BBC Introducing Vic Galloway Joins Live and Unsigned
Feb 16th
The main man of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Vic Galloway, is set to join the Live and Unsigned 2010 judging panel.
With an extensive background in music and a thirst for unsigned, fresh acts in the UK, Vic’s knowledge and experience is sure to be a hit on the panel!
Currently fronting the BBC Introducing show in Scotland, Vic is obsessed with unsigned and established musicians. He was launched into the world of music after he witnessed his first live concert by The Damned, and as his obsession grew so did his record collection!
Vic began his career as a musician himself. He immersed himself in Rock ‘n’ Roll when he left school and set out to form a band, get into recording and perform music. And to prove his dedication, he busked his way around Europe for 6 months.
Vic moved onto to working on the other side of the industry, writing for fanzines, working as a venue lighting director in Edinburgh, helping to set up and develop independent labels and working as a press and radio promoter. It was when he was prompted to make a tape for his new regional Radio 1 show that he moved onto the airwaves.
Hayley Stovold, Press Officer for Live and Unsigned commented, “It’s fantastic news that Vic’s joining us for the 2010 live shows, he’s a very influential name. He’s already so busy with the station and his packed out events! He’ll be joining a few other famous names from the world of unsigned music, so we’re sure lots of bands will want to ask him lots of questions about the industry! And let’s face it; he’s always after new bands so some bands might even get played on his show!”
Nowadays, Vic fronts the Introducing show in Scotland and also writes and produces his own music – he’s currently working with prog-pop pioneers Deaf Mutes and punk band Family Man. You’ll also find Vic co-running a club night at the Glasgow Barfly every Friday, called the Funhouse. He’s been pulling in crowds of over 400 people for the last three years. He also spends a lot of time DJ’ing in clubs and writing a freelance column for The List magazine.
Vic lives in Edinburgh , likes getting tattooed, eats spicy food and wants World peace…
For more information on Live and Unsigned please visit http://www.rocklinks.co.uk/music-competitions/live-and-unsigned-2010-the-largest-national-music-competition-for-band-singers-and-musicians
