Local Talent One Step Away From The 02

Catherine Hamer from Dewsbury wowed the crowd and judging panel at the Open Mic UK Regional Showcase held earlier this year at Cleckheaton Town Hall, and is now one step away from performing at the 02 in London.

Thousands of acts entered Open Mic UK 2010 and the best unsigned singers from across the country were chosen to perform at the regional live shows. Catherine performed in front of a live audience and professional judging panel.  Having impressed the panel she is now set to perform at the Area Final at Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday December 11, for a chance to progress to the National Final at the 02 in London on Wednesday January 15.

Open Mic UK is the exciting national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists. It’s open to all genres and acts can perform a cover or original material.

Those who made it through the audition stage took part in a live regional head to head battle alongside the best talent in their area.  Acts performed in front of hundreds of audience members and industry judges for the chance to grab a break through recording contract.

A spokesperson for Open Mic UK commented “We are searching for an act that not only has the live ability to impress an audience, industry judges and A&R associates, but an act that has the potential to become a professional recording artist. The standard was high last year and this year it has been even better. Acts that have made it through to the Area Finals will really need to give it their best performance because they could be performing at the best live music venue in the country!”

The competition is divided into age categories: under 18, 18-25 and 25 and over with all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK. 

There’s over £50,000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30,000 investment.  They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.

There are plenty of development opportunities available to acts taking part courtesy of ICMP, who will be offering song writing courses and master classes throughout the competition. The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from National Radio, BBC Introducing and Regional Press.

For more information go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk

Live and Unsigned Auditions Rock and Roll into Town!

 Thousands of unsigned acts have been eagerly awaiting its return, and now the wait is almost over… auditions across the country for Live and Unsigned 2011 are coming soon with local auditions taking place at Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday January 9, followed by the West Yorkshire heats on Saturday March 26.

Live and Unsigned is the UK’s biggest original music competition for bands, vocal groups and solo artists. Travelling across the nation, the competition searches for the ultimate and best UK unsigned act.

All acts are auditioned live in front of a judging panel, which is what makes Live and Unsigned so unique; there are no demos or recordings.  All genres are encouraged to enter the competition so whether you’re into pop, RnB, punk, rock or acoustic, the competition has it all.

Those who make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A&R associates and celebrity guests in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues. And those who make it to the Grand Final will get to share the stage with some of the UK’s best musicians at the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 in London! 

Over 10, 000 acts entered the competition last 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 competition’s aim is to find potential recording artists and the overall winner is offered a comprehensive winner’s package which includes a management and recording contract, UK tour, clothing, studio time and festival slots. There are plenty of other prizes up for grabs for acts taking part including exclusive master classes with ICMP, equipment and recording time.

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.

Acts are now being urged to enter as places are in high demand and auditions are limited. For information on how to secure your live audition for 2011 go to www.LiveandUnsigned.uk.com and register today!