This is the first session in the new i-MegoTopTrakz competition series, beginning on the 1st of September 2010. Unsigned bands and solo artists are invited to submit an original song of their choice. Only two entries per band or artist are permitted, but there is no restriction at all on style or genre. All entrants must be based in Europe. The judges’ decisions will be based partly on artistic judgement, and partly on support for entrants expressed by their fans. For each entry received, the artist or band will be given a URL where their fans can leave a vote for their band’s track.

Full entry instructions may be found at http://events.myspace.com/Event/View/6917715, or by visiting our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Imego/364438985044. Entry forms for the TopTrakz Challenge are available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TopTrakz1.

The i-MegoTopTrakz competition is designed to promote bands and artists who do not yet have a commercial contract, and help these unsigned bands to further their work. Each session of the competition will award a first prize of a professional studio day. Ten runners-up will receive one of i-Mego’s high quality audio products. Every entrant, and every fan who votes for their entry, will receive a rebate voucher/code for selected i-Mego products.

A shortlist of thirty second-round tracks will be chosen by the judges, before moving on to the final selection of one winner and ten runners-up. The shortlist, runners-up and eventual winner will be widely publicised in the final stages of the competition.

Miranda Hudson, Marketing Director for i-Mego, comments, “As a brand that is committed and connected to the emerging music scene, we are delighted to be launching this competition to highlight the work of all those excellent musicians whose work is not backed by major commercial marketing campaigns. We hope that taking part in the i-MegoTopTrakz challenge will provide an exciting experience for participants, a great publicity boost for shortlisted entrants, and a real accolade for runners-up and, of course, the overall winner .”

i-Mego

i-Mego is the global audio accessory brand that broke onto the market in 2009, and now has a distribution network across Europe, Scandinavia and North America. Bridging the gap between cool and quality, i-Mego headphones not only produce high-fidelity sound, but are also stylish gear for street, club or studio.

i-Mego products may be found at http://www.i-mego.com

TopTrakz entry forms are at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TopTrakz1

Sky Rocket Love

Favorite decade for music?
Probably 70’s and 80’s…. and 90’s (We disagree a lot)

Do you think artists these days are too Manufactured?
Absolutely, a lot of them anyways

Do you think there is to much attention on Fashion within Music?
We all know russ wishes he could play music in his “Buttwiswer” T-shirt all the time.

What do you think of the current Music scene?
Well there is definitely some room for improvement……..

Who is your Guitar hero?
Eddie Van Halen and Satchel from Steel Panther … and Jonny Greenwood

What qualities do you think artists need?
You can’t define what an artist is, its subjective.

Favorite singer of all time?
Steven Tyler, Bono, and Thom Yorke

Name one act who is similar in sound to you?
The Killers

What is your definition of a well written song?
A good hook, solid form, and makes you feel tingly

What level of success do you hope to achieve from your Music?
We just want to share our music with as many people as we can

What do you think of talent competitions?
Talent competitions are over rated

How do you feel about famous Music Managers such as Simon Cowell?
If they came knocking we might answer to say the least…

Do you think the Music Industry is a flooded market?
Over the internet it is very flooded however on the radio it is very controlled.

Why should people go and listen to your Music?
Because we’re awesome

Do you think CD’s will become like dinosaurs?
No probably more like drink coasters

Do you think there is any money to be made in recorded music anymore?
Most of the big money all comes from touring these days

What part of being a Musician/Band do you like most?
Being able to play in front of tons of people is definitely part of it.

What is the one problem you feel is holding your music career back?
Finding the right people to get us to the next level

Do you find it easy to write songs?
Some tend to come easier than others, some you can tell are just meant to be.

Who do you think is the best songwriter of all time?
Lennon/McCartney

Which Band/Artist are you embarrassed to admit you like listening to?
Miley Cyrus…shes got a sexy voice

How did you get your first gig?
Universal Bar and Grill invited us

How did your first gig go?
Good for a first gig

Any advice for artists trying to find Gigs?
Be wary of anyone who makes a lot of promises, but asks for money
upfront.

Where do you see yourself in 6 months time?
The Skyrocket Love van…. down by the river!!!!!!

Where do you see yourself in 12 months time?
A tour bus down by the river

Have you ever played an outdoor Music Festival?
Yeah in Vegas and we’re playing Evel Knievel Days

How do you generally promote your Band?
Skyrocket Love Condoms and internet stuff…

Do you struggle to pull in people through the doors at gigs?
Its getting easier and easier to draw people as we build a fan base.

Do you think social networking is useful to Promoting your Music?
Yes, its essential.

Do you think there is enough opportunities to get exposure?
There’s opportunities. You just have to be on top of it and take advantage of them.

Who is your favorite upcoming artist?
The Temper Trap, the Broken Bells but they’re more of a super group really. http://www.thetempertrap.com/ http://www.brokenbells.com/home.html

Any music achievements?
We won Music Aid’s Best Band of 2009, the DIY Music Festival in 2010, and Music180’s Theatre Contest last month.

For more information on Skyrocket Love please visit Skyrocketlove.com

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

Do you think social networking is useful to Promoting your Music?
Absolutely 

Rock Links:I see you are a Band of many words!

How did your first gig go?
The first time we (Jimmy, Jesse, and Warren) played with Brennan  we didn’t have the ability to rehearse.  So taking a few hours to listen to the tracks, we showed up at the gig and played through the set without ever playing it together.   It went well considering, but sounds much better now…

How did you get your first gig?
From a local bar owner who listened to our music online

What is the on problem you feel is holding your music career back?
Exposure.  As I said earlier we always receive a positive response from the listener,  just need more of them!

Which Band/Artist are you embarrassed to admit you like listening to? 
…Brennan really enjoys a good dose of Adult Contemporary Female Pop Stars…

For more information on Monarch check out myspace.com/monarch.band

What qualities do you think artists need?
Toni: Patience, determination and ability to withstand alcoholic beverages. Loads of all

What is your definition of a well written song? 
Antti: Catchy & dramatic melody with intensive lyrics
Olli: If you write a brilliant song and it´s widely covered, but none of the new versions get even close to the original rendition, I think then it is well written and impossible to be arranged better.

What do you think of talent competitions?
Toni: You mean Idols, X-Factor and such? Effortless money for labels.
Hape: They waste many really good talents by making them sing crappy songs.

What part of being a Musician/Band do you like most? 
Simo: Playing live. Studio sessions. Hanging out with the boys. Touring. The whole thing!
Antti: I agree! 
Toni: Playing live is pretty much the best you can do with your pants on..
Olli: ..or off

How did you get your first gig? 
Olli: DIY, We organized our own party and played there.
 
How did your first gig go? 
Toni: Oh my god! We played it through with great enthusiasm no doubt but it’s embarrassing to watch it now though. Hopefully it never ever finds it way to YouTube.

Who is your favorite upcoming artist?
Simo: Tuonas Skopa: http://www.myspace.com/tuomasskopa(sorry, it’s in Finnish

For more information and to listen to some tracks from the Spyro please visit www.myspace.com/thespyro

Millie (Vocals Co-Founder/SongWriter) and Nzoyi ( Guitarist Co-Founder/songwriter)

Met after Nzoyi placed an add in the “Loot” paper. Frank (Bass) joined a year later after responding to an add in the Gumtree and Michael (Drums)was an old acquaintance of Nzoyi who also joined at the same time as Frank.

What makes you different to other Bands?

After being on stage with so many other bands across the country, we have found that our sound, songs and stage performances to be totally different to all the other bands. Our complicated rhythms and unpredictable urban, punk indie sound is nothing like the current sound!

We have developed an indie sound that is of Folk roots, Urban, Funk, punk, Pop and our stage performances can be described as being poetic, musically unpredictable and theatrical at the same time!

Do you think there is enough opportunities for Bands to get noticed?

The opportunities are their for bands to get noticed and they have always been their but for unsigned artist’s, the two most important friends we need and do not have are money and time. You cannot have one or the other, you have to have both. But if you are patient, focused and willing to adapt and improvise with your limitations, you may have a chance.

We are doing the best we can and so far so good!

What are your views on the current Music scene?

Originality is a creative process that sets you apart from the norm and inspires those who are looking to belong and be part of something special. The current Pop music scene seems to be lacking inspiration and creativity, but away from the Pop scene, the FolkRoots and World music Scene looks and sounds very exiting.

Do you prefer buying CD’s to Downloads? Explain why

CD’s will always be the first choice. With CD’s there is something special about reading the sleeve of a new album, finding out tid bits of info, lyrics and thank yous- makes you feel closer to Artist/band. It makes you belong and have ownership in a Musical statement.

There is no physical connection with an MP3 file or a physical emotional attachment to it and as emotional beings we need that. However, MP3 files are very useful in a world were we need instant access to music.

How did you get your first booking for a gig?

Before the full band was set up, Millie and Nzoyi had been playing Acoustic Open Mic Sessions and promoters got to know us well. When the band was fully formed, we were offered a gig at the “Spice of Life” in Soho and from their own, we just kept on going to other venues!

Do you have a favorite Unsigned Band?

http://www.myspace.com/clawofpanther

Do you use social networking to promote your Band

We do use Social Networking to promote our activities but we also use text messaging aswell as other forms of advertising. All very useful and used to their full effect, they can be very rewarding!

myspace.com/secondsendmusic

Scribble: App has been designed and developed by digital media agency Scribble: The first App version is an interactive communication tool for music artists, musicians and bands.

With their very own branded iPhone Application, artists, musicians and bands have the power to create a unique user experience and stronger connection with fans and followers, ultimately increasing exposure.

The Scribble: App which costs £499 can be created, built and placed on the iPhone App store in under one week by a team of music and technology specialists.

It performs as a multiple platform application helping to instantly stream music (which can be purchased on iTunes), feature video content and images, syndicate social media activity, promote events, sell tickets, send alerts and sell exclusive content to a captive audience, as well as attract new fans.

Other options include ‘Push Alerts’, which delivers instant news to fans regarding new tour dates, concerts, gigs and events, appearing on their mobile screen – keeping them permanently in the loop. An additional bolt-on called ‘VIP Area’ offers exclusive content to include big news announcements, secret location gigs, back stage footage and VIP competitions.

With over 3 billion Apps downloaded to 14 million iPhones, and 4.5 billion mobiles used worldwide, mobile technology will soon be the dominant delivery mechanism for content and entertainment.

The revolutionary new Scribble: App which will also soon be available for the Android market, provides the ultimate platform for artists and bands to take promotion to another level broadening their exposure to the people that really matter – the audience.

Scribble is also currently developing the Scribble: App for music festivals; watch this space…

For media enquiries, App info, and further information please contact David Mitchell at Scribble: on 07952 545 536 / 0845 871 8011 info@scribbleuk.com

For more information check out www.scribbleuk.com

WEESP (Minsk / Belarus)
http://www.weespband.com
http://www.myspace.com/weespband
Belorusian rock band Weesp are fresh, exciting and a great example of good European music, a few Western influences I admit but this is a great band full stop. Alternative is a great word and although this may not be the best fitting genre description I think you’ll find that Weesp when you give them a good listen are such a fuse of styles and music that you’ll just love them. The last time I heard a band with this many styles and sounds was when I first got into Faith No More, this is a totally different band but there is a lot of the same excitement here. For a first time check out ‘Exodus Origins’ and I think you’ll be very impressed. Weesp are a rare and talented breed.

ILLIDIANCE (Russia)
http://www.myspace.com/illidiance
Illidance hail from Russia and are what I call great makers of cyber metal. If you’ve never heard of cyber metal before then all you need to know is that these guys are good at it and the music is like robots having super sex. Fast paced, technical. This band should appeal to music fans who loved Fear Factory and American Head Charge and want something a little different. Yet again, a little European swing to it, but some great tunes and that’s what it’s all about really. Check out tracks like ‘Infected’ and give these guys a serious listen. Illidiance make me want to go to Russia.

LAST UNDER THE SUN (Birmingham / United Kingdom)
http://www.myspace.com/lastunderthesun
One of the greatest (if not the greatest) bands to come out of England in the past 10 years. That’s a bold statement and yes I made it because I totally believe it too. This band is brutal, hard hitting, powerful, with deep lyrics, genius, talented and amazing live too. I could go on, and I will. The guitars and riffs this band produce are world class and will fuel the hardest stomper. The best of the best at what they do. They are hardcore, they are punk, they are metal, they are a million other great things, Last Under The Sun are the band I want playing at my funeral. I think that says it all really. If a band makes you want to hear them after you are dead then that truly must be the ultimate thing.

…..Okay freaks that’s the end of this months column oh and below is my latest music video. Just to show you that I know a little something about music here’s the latest WEAK13 music video WAKE DOWN directed by the award winning Chris Stone and produced by Craig Leonard who runs the amazing Props Resources Dept. Oh and top tip if you are a film maker and need a set and costumes then contact him (see I have to plug everyone).

The underground may well be filled with music but only those that display originality and balls make it to my column. You can hear all these bands on basementsound.co.uk but more importantly you can go and watch them Live, download their music, write about them and get a f**king tattoo of them on your arm. This is Nick J.Townsend signing off. END OF MESSAGE.

At the AVID stand, up ‘n’ coming bands, singers, and songwriters boarded the Rockhopper 1960’s airstream caravan to record a track and video. The Rockhopper studio is powered on AVID Pro Tools – a professional software system used in top studios all over the World.

The result of the show was the discovery of four excellent bands: The Hold Up, Tom Dibbs, This Eden and A bit Too Far.

One of these lucky bands now has the chance to win a Rockhopper four song EP package, and two AVID software packages; Pro Tools Recording Studio and Pinnacle Studio HD.

All they need is your vote. Which band do you think cuts the mustard? Place your vote now http://j.mp/AvidComp

Voting closes Wednesday 28th April at midnight. Winner will be announced on Thursday 29th April.

If you’re an unsigned band or just someone with a penchant for singing, keep an eye on Rockhopper’s Talent Tour schedule as you too could get the chance to take part in this amazing experience thetalenttour.co.uk

Events and music go hand in hand so Broccoli Events has an advantage on the rest with sister company Broccoli Music feeding them the best emerging artists on the scene. Companies want links into the youth market and thats what Broccoli Events has the ability to offer. Companies like XFM and Nokia were using Broccoli Music’s connection with bands and the scene that comes with them to link to the youth market and this is a valuble tool that Broccoli Events has to offer to clients.

So what do they do? They do parties, that’s what they’re known for, be it a private party, after show party, brand launch or beyond. They work closely with you developing ideas and designing an event package that ticks all the boxes.

What else is different? They have access to a network of affiliates, all of which are proven industry professionals, so whatever the event requires they can put together a specialist team.

Broccoli Events are always on the look out to add to their team of affiliates so check out the website and get in touch.

Broccolievents.com

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