unsignedAct

Good luck to those who made it through, good luck to those that didn't, anyone who makes music will inspire, and that's where music will never lose, no one has lost in this whole scheme of things, keep writing, keep inspiring, the world needs more artists.....i love you all for being my inspiration

Mark
www.myspace.com/mjthompsonmusi c

See you all there it`s going to be a GREAT DAY!!!!!!! Love from Rhondda. www.myspace/rhonddauk

Hey
Will the Keyboard have a sustain pedal with it, and is there a piano sound on it?

NK
x

Anyone coming to London for the open audition on Saturday may want to check out
RETURN OF THE FURIES - ASTORIA2 - FRIDAY 9.00
RETURN OF THE FURIES - HEADLINE ASTORIA2
It should be a really good gig and party, worth the effort
RETURN OF THE FURIES - www.myspace.com/returnofthefur ies

I cant help but feel that rap acts are slightly marginalised at this stage of the competition. In particular I'm refering to the "You must play acoustically - we will supply drum kit and keyboard (nothing else)" and with acts unable to bring their own equiptment I dont see how this is fair on artists that fall into the urban catogory. The best example I can give is that hip hop acts dont use drums perhaps they use turntables, an MPC or at least a backing track... at all times. Im not saying it is impossible for a rap act to do an accapella but I feel this would be left to one side unless it was extremely lyrical. The competion seems biast to more traditional genres as it only accomidates for bands and not rappers although it clearly advertised for all music types.

Hummmm....

Im sorry if this seems rude and a bit of a rant but I'm sure other rap acts will feel the same and you will get less rap artists applying.... whether anybody cares or not is another matter...

Peace and love

www.myspace.com/onewishmc forever

THIS COMP IS GREAT PEACE ON EARTH

Sean don't give up, you may win, who knows. Don't you believe in your music? Never ever give up on an oopportunity. Good luck to all of you. I think you should all be winners. Orange should make a double-double album of all the bands favourite songs - it would sell like hot cakes. Good for you, goood for them.

Yeah, because everyone in London gets stabbed. All the time! You are right, it's probably safer to stay at home!

Aww thanks Tha Last King, restores my faith in mankind..and the offer of transport from Yvonne Marie Evans to anyone who is struggling..what a star!! I'm going to sit out the auditions, but I hope you both win and go onto world domination!! I'd buy your album anyway!!

Seanx

Sean if you really want something that badly you will do anythhing to achieve your dreams. Read the messages there are plenty of kind offers helping other muscians out. I'm sure you will find a way.

Hey guys!
I was just thinking, Im up in aberdeen and Im going to be driving down to London through the night on Friday, so I'll basically be driving the length of the country... I have a 7 seater chysler and there will only be me and one other person so theres room for 5 other people in it, so if any of you stranded musicians out there need a lift I'll be driving down the whole of the M6 basically, covering- aberdeen- dundee- glasgow- newcastle- manchester-leeds, birmingham- etc etc... so if you are stranded for a ride give me a shout back on here & I'll check the blog tomorrow...Ill only pick up from service stations down the M6 so you'd need to get to one.x

"PEACE WTHIN THE MUSIC" YME

sounds cool bandrepublic...im registering

Hey sean you can borrow my guitar

London, This really pissed me off. Is London the centre of the universe? No it is not. How do you expect people from The North to travel on a train with their gear, Pay A Huge Fare, wait in a line for their turn...possibly get stabbed and then drag their sorry arses all the way home... Not On Mr Organisers...this is very poor indeed!!

Luxon Bute,Luxon Bute...wot a band..Bit unfair to hav auditions in London,we are 200 miles away.We all know north bands are the best...lets hav auditions in the north as well!!!!!!!happy days!!!

What about i buy an acoustic Bass and rent it to every bass player that requires it on the day for £1.50?

Does anyone know if there will be at least a DI for bass players etc?

I'm having great difficulty getting hold of an acoustic bass to borrow

Also like to add that if we're unsucessful with the voting bit, we'll definately be attending the open audition in London. We is hungry like the wolf for the rock! So any interested parties can look us up if they like and we can talk turkey about this little fling with the road then!
Again Good times
ACM

Hey we are looking for three bands to take part in a mini Barfly tour with us. How it works is each band books a headline gig at they're local Barfly and the rest support. All four gigs need to be in a row. The three supporting bands will be rotated each night so that everyone plays in alternate places on the bill over the four dates.
Eg,
CARDIFF - (this is our local barfly, the bill would run like so)
Along Came Man
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
LONDON
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
Along Came Man
LIVERPOOL
Band 3
Band 4
Along Came Man
Band 2
BIRMINGHAM
Band 4
Along Came Man
Band 2
Band 3
Headline band provide the backline each night, so nobody has to take all their gear with them just breakables. It's beautiful. Any bands that want to give this a go contact us on our myspace page.
myspace.com/alongcameman
Good times
ACM

Would be great to attempt an acoustic act haha

shame we live in the northwest and it would cost about £100 each on the train to london and back which is wayyy out of our price range lol

Torn Asunder i would love to see u live but my mates have a water rats gig that nite, if they're on l8er tho i may be able to pop in and c u first...

no joke! i think i got this virtual bug thing thing for real, sore throat/shivers AND a gig to do 2moro...aaaarrrrrrrrrghh!
oh well... show must go on...Rock n Roll and all that..

lauren if i'm better, i could kidnap u... : )

longest day, sounds gr8 but think i'll be spending eve with mrs.lemsip

f*** results 2moro!... i feel like a fruitbat hanging on while the world spins about me ...reckon acts prob know by now...*sigh*

Wench Love
WE ROCK!!!
x

London is a bit disappointing as it's a national competition. We live 300 miles away and simply can't afford the journey. Why aren't there regional events? It's very unfair on struggling bands/musicians with great potential and little or no spare money. In any case good luck to those of you who can make it!! Best wishes, Paul from Skinwalker in Cumbria. http://www.myspace.com/skinwal keronline

What are other bass players doing about this instrument-wise? - every acoustic bass guitar I've played has been too quiet to keep up with a 6 string acoustic.

A naff little combo or scope to DI an electric bass into a little vocal pa would be far easier on the potentially hundreds of bass players attending on sat.

Russ

After you lovely people have finished the auditions why not make your way to Kings Cross...... THE LONGEST DAY are playing at The Monto Water Rats so come on over and see us..... plus lots of other bands to!!!

20th September..... kicks of at 6!

http://www.themonto.com/

www.thelongestday.biz

www.myspace.com/longestdayuk

Cheers guys..... and best of luck to everyone at the auditions!!!!

[TLD]

ATTN All Londoners...

Torn Asunder wants to invite you for a night of fun, frolicking and general frivoloty! Now, I hear you ask yourselves "What could they be on about?" Well, quite simply, we're playing down at STORM nightclub in Leicester Square next Friday (26th September). We're on at 20:00 and only on for a half hour, but it is being recorded for posterity. Also, after we're done and packed up, we plan on hitting THE CROBAR, which is THE rock bar in London. A lot of musos and journos hang out there. It's defintely a place to be seen and heard.

"Why, Torn Asunder, we must attend. Pray tell how we might get flyers for this wonderful event?" we hear you cry in desperation! Well, it's rather easy. Simply go to our page and look at the blog entitled Storm. The picture on the blog is the flyer. Just print off the page, cut out the flyer and you're there.

It would be great to meet some of ya and shoot the breeze and meet some of the peeps that we have been chatting with over the last 4 or so weeks.

:)

yep, london, now why doesnt that surprise me.

Lauren... This is one of those occasions that you need to develope a stomach bug NOW, that will gradually get worse during the week, and come Saturday, you're gonna be feeling rough... I mean REALLY rough, and there's no way that you could work like that, and let's face it... You dragged yourself around all week when you should have been resting!

We feel your pain Lauren....

work

why?

I can't go :(

I believe that Sam said yesterday that there'd be a further blog providing all details as to what kit is provided, as we had a question about the drums.

Does anyone have any idea what keyboard will be supplied on Saturday. Our keyboardist provides the bass in our band so its a pretty integral part of our setup. We would probably struggle with a bontempi or casio :-) Might put an interesting spin on our sound however. If you could let me know that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Paul.

Big Up to Huw Stephens and Ras Kwame for playing my track "What Does It Say About You" on Radio 1 and BBC 1xtra. Hearing my s*** on radio is crazy!!!!!
Woooooooooooo hoooooooooo!!!

such a mission, but never know your luck I guess. Good luck all.

Lots of people saying that the finalists are announced on Wednesday - where does it say that? If this is true, i assume as with all of these types of competitions that the bands will be contacted by phone the evening before. If this is the case, anyone who doesn't receive a call today probably didn't get through.

I'm hoping we get through as I don't fancy spending my Saturday queing up all day only to find out we're not even gonna get an audition lol!!

No problem mate. Used to live in London and have travelled those bloody tube lines like no-one's business.

ok, sorry bout that. i've just realised what it was....i think it was cause we were playing witha certain band at the wizard festival. obviously that is a very offessive word! Had to cut it out! I wont even let me post it with asterixs!! so looks like you will never know!! hahahaha

Anyway sorry for spamming of kinds!

Ok that worked... lets see if this part does too....

Not a band i caught personally, sadly but as with any time i have seen them, they impressed. Gigging recently as a 3 piece, this 4 piece rock band that resembeled the stone roses and described set was described as "Mixed". The organisers of this festival (wizard) thought enough of their demo to give them a slot and it seemed to have paid off. 4/5 - Gary Cruden

Hi
Sorry I missed your gig on Sat nite at Ash Bar, I couldn't be everywhere at the same time, but I have it on good authority that you went down a storm. (2 of my daughters were there all night)

What an amazing weekend for our 1st Montrose Music Festival. I hope you enjoyed it :D

Hope to see you next year ;)

Lynne
Events Secretary
Montrose Music Festival

****************************** ****************************** ****************************** *****

And some recent comments from the new fans too.....;)

Emma Dougary
Top gig in Drummonds on Sat night! I shall most definately be voting for you chaps!

Em

1 week ago | Reply

Ally MacLeod
Great gig last night! will definitely be voting for you on usignedAct

1 week ago | Reply

Hackett
OUTSTANDING!
best gig at wizard festival!

A Few things that have been said regarding our demo and Live shows:

Do you like straight up fuzzy dirty rock n roll? If so you're gonna love these guys. Hailing from Scotland this three piece create more of a racket than a mortar explosion. Their uncompromising assault of the senses is thrilling in the most visceral sense, no jingly jangly guitars here. Kashmir Red are another prime example of the North's ability to avoid the pitfalls of southern poncy indie by playing from the heart.

But these guys aren't just a one way street. Wasted Lake is a beautiful song that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.

So, a knack for a decent melody molded to a gruffness only the north can provide make Kashmir Red the perfect soundtrack to a night out swimming in stale lager and dirty kebabs. Sounds like a dream to me! - www.music-news.com

Yep! we r on that too! slice the pie! Its quite good for feedback on top of everything else!! With regards to this open audition thing. We would, because we are just as able to pull of our stuff acoustically becuase thats how we start it and build our tunes but as i said before we can. its not phyically possible. Firstly because our guitarist is on holiday till the 3rd (back in time for the first stage) ;) and even if he wasnt... we're from Aberdeen and with jobs etc and short notice its just not possible! So folks... on the inside.... please take note! have a look at votes! i've broke my balls gettin people to vote from all our "fanbase" on all our sites and people here. I just tried to post another blog here but it wont let me. i am gonna try and cut and paste now, see what happens.

Thanks

P.S no it didnt work!! urrrrghhhhh!

Thanks for the help guys!

Slice the Pie (the site that Zenyth recommended) is great. We've received nearly a hundred reviews so far... some good, some great, some not so great.

However, the funniest thing is the complete and utter illiteracy of the reviewers. Some of the most creative spelling EVER!

No idea... Well be there as long as necessary!

Anyone know what time it all ends on saturday? or will it go in to the night? x

Oh Christ... You.re a hop, skip and a jump away from Old Street. It's pretty close!

All you need to do is get the NORTHERN LINE towards Kennington or Morden (Southbound) and change at OLD STREET. Then follow the directions above.

Or get a cab, as suggested.

St Pancras.

Hi Guys,
Re travel. If theirs more than a couple of you, catch a cab. Not much diffence in costs, and at least you protect your guitars against the loonies on the tube. and check the weather forecast, no point in trying to look cool if youre freezing, soaking wet, and youre make up is running (that last tip also applies to the girls)

What station you arriving at from Perth?

We're travelling all the way down from soaking wet Perth!
Any tips from Londoners on how to get to the place? Train line, tube line etc.

If we go, we're gonna be a 4 piece instead of a 5, but we've made sure that the song we perform will be a song that sounds good as a 4 piece. We've also done unplugged shows in the past as well.

Besides, a bit of a busk on Saturday will be a right old laugh!

Hello there folks.
If anyone is organising an evening of ELECTRO acts that didn't get through (but are good;-)) then please let us know: init.hq@gmail.com
LOVE and good luck to all

No electric equipment?!!! Well that's me fonked! I play acoustically as a side line, but my whole act is built around electronics. Without them, you may as well be watching a completely different artist, so I will have to concede defeat on this one.

Aphex Twin and The Orb would have a very similar problem.

Have fun guys.

Pressure. This ones already been answered. No, you dont need the full band, but you will be judged on your act on the day. In other words if 2 of you turn up, you will be judged as a duo. No point in saying when you get there 'but we sound better as a 5 piece'.
Lets also bring a bit of realism to this as well. It would have been sensible for the show to have a few acoustic guitars and bass available, but you need to bring your own as some of you will be required to busk whilst waiting.

David McMenamin, you live near Wembley? Cool, I'm in Harrow, 2 minute walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill tube station. Ooooh I might be all famous soon, better not let on any more. oO

I'm going to travel down from Derbyshire on Saturday, does anyone know if the whole band has to play? It states that you can't use amps, so surely we could strip the lineup down to the acoustic bones? Don't want a wasted journey. Bring it on!

We played Barhouse a few weeks back. Defintely got a good sound there, although the stage is a little small for a 5 piece like us!

Hmmm I got this email!!!

good night all

haha!

DAKIJOOOOOOE!

Glad I haven't missed too much tonight. I'm getting voting withdrawl symptoms! Role on wednesday!!!

night everybody

at there is a lot of genuine cameradery(spelling?) on this site.....night

cheers lauren--i do think that th

and I'll put a good word in for you:)

Hi guys,
Might see you at the auditions on Saturday, just me and my guiiiiiitar!

Whilst I'm here a friend of mine owns the best Live music venue in Chelmsford, Barhouse so if you're up for playing look me up on myspace.com/bulletproofmuzic add as a friend with a quick note saying what its about

Simon Paul xx

Good 4 u thevilflowers

:)

ood luck to all who make the auditions

further to what MARIA ROSA YOUNG says....this is the sad scenario for me and an inditement of the state of the music industry today.Despite the fact that half of this contest is a very sad Big Brother vote thing I wanna give this competition my best shot cos I wanna make a living making music.On the day of the auditions I am travelling to London from the north to play a gig at a sold out Shepherds Bush Empire so therefore cant make the audition.So what you perhaps say...youre gigging Shepherds Bush....yeah I gotta support slot with a band who wont get paid a penny from the gig and itll cost us to get there ,travelling back the same night to gig the next night with another band up north to get paid from that gig.... if im lucky maybe a tenner....but g

do you have to apply for this open audition by a certain day ?

Yes, Brentwood (Essex)

Are you close to london Lauren?

feeding them to whom :)

Lauren, should you not get through you should defo do it, I'm sure you'll go far!

actually i was being melodramatic cos of PMS, i put heart n soul in everything i do (even feeding my goldfish)

should definately do it!

That could be interesting to Scary Mary

btw by entertainment I mean being able to watch pre audition rehearsal whilst drinking a nice pint of magners, watching the sun set in the background and a few complaints from the neighbours!

That could be interesting Lauren

I've contacted a booking agent in London about this gig idea with some of the good acts that don't get through, and he's going to give it some thought. May also contact another.

Hiya Scary Mary

They would look a bit silly announcing the 50, only to have a number withdraw. Also believe those going forward would hear direct, rather than find out though a website. Although I could be wrong on that.

I might be offering accomodation in return for entertainment, so cheer up chickens and watch this space!

why do they have to confirm with each band before Weds?

True Darkjoe, and lets face it, the industry/life IS unfair... so it's all learning and experience to get ahead in the game x

my point exactly!

Why the surprise re the open auditions? They did exactly the same last year, and devoted one episode to them. Surely artists would have looked at the format for last year and prepared. i.e. if you get through, expect a call from SG to write a song by next weeks episode.
Another thought. Last year some bands declined the invitation once they were picked. If the announcement is on wed, they will have to confirm with each band before that. So do some bands already know?

all my cash goes on music too so if i lived outside london i would find it financially tight, but i reckon i would try and get mates to drive me up if i wanted it that bad. whats that saying 'faint heart never won fair maiden'.... one thing i dont think is fair tho is that peeps are not guaranteed an audition... i for one have put a lot of heart and soul into this, as many of us have, so thats my one bugbear...but lets not forget, this ain't mary poppins, 'tis the music industry! : D

doesn't that make it more exciting?

I think the bad thing about this open audition is the short notice... then again, if you really want it....

bit of a mind screw. Saying that, I feel very lucky

easy to forget a pupil or gig lol!!

LAST KING... of course every job has its difficulties... what I meant was the hard thing about doing music as a job, working for yourself, is all the juggling of different jobs, of course can sometimes take the fun and energy out of you.

BTW Crash Course are DEAD COOL and have listened to them loads

I can completely understand those guys who have that tough choice (like lc21 going in the studio), but I would also hope that those people would have enough respect for those who do go. Sometimes breaks happen like that. Unfortunately for those who are way outside London, that's where these people are based. It's not like the X-Factor where they have auditions all over the place. It's gonna be where the industry is, and the industry is in London. Just like Hollywood for movies is.

Man this sucks, i feel that I have an unfair advantage being in London, at least I hope you guys have better views, although I walk past Wembly on the way home! which is rather humbling. Like I say anyone want a guitarist I'll do my best

This is just an additional chance to be part of what you all entered. The company/programme ahsnt changed by offering this. I dont see what the big deal is - if I was in a band I'd jump at it - Torn Asunder has the perfect attitude - surely you all summed it up before entering on this site?

I know lots of people who'd pay for beer!

torn asunder - agree - but for the cost of us getting up there - i could cut another track in a decent studio in bristol - and if i did that - i know i'd come away with something - its a graet opportunity if you fairly close to hand - we're not sadly - otherwise we'd be in that queue

Yes, i agree, its not the taking part its the winning that counts : D

*waves a positivity wand*

p.s my mum was 1st runner up for miss. north thames gas, pmsl

I'm a proper artist too, I hope!

I have only just finished recording and these were demo's cooked up in 3 days

but Lauren thx for the warning

lauren - thanks - lc21 is a cypher to protect my real identity - those who have been regulars on here will figure it out - but we're really chuffed - maybe you should check out myonit live - it looks a little rum - but we got played for free on rockstars glued programme last tuesday - whatever that was worth - what can i say? - they play proper artists and take advertising from budweiser

couldnt be any harder than recruitment or direct slaes or working on a site or in a chemist or warehouse for a clothing chain or picking or in a bank or going uni or playing everyday in westward Ho! during the summer

wow!

There does seem to be a lot of negativity regarding this offer.

To me, this sounds like a fairly last minute idea, and you can either try what you can to get there and audition, or else not go and deal with the fact that if you're not in the top 50, you won't get through this year. However, getting bitter and angry is counter-productive.

IF we don't get through in the 50 bands, we will be going to London and auditioning there. And we're glad for the opportunity.

And if you're out of the area, there is RyanAir/EasyJet as someone pointed out. It's not perfect, but it really depends on how badly you want it. If the auditions were in Glasgow and it was our only opportunity this year, you'd better believe we'd have Friday night flights booked!!!

i used to know a couple of chemists

Its now a chinese herbal shop, and when i walk past I always think of all those well spent saturdays

Congratulations ic21!

his name was Tony Geday, pronounced Jedi, and one day we were at work and he died in my arms, one of the best friends I ever had, we'd talk for hours bout movies, and his son Joesph was a special effects dude, and after that I had to look after the chemist and had to much ability to do what I wanted but I never missed a day!

you've gotta love it tho

It's wonderful last king, but flipping hard work! I do music for a living... paid covers gigs, and abba tributes, and some singing teaching... always juggling lots of balls, and keeping time to write, record, gig originals...

sorry lc21 - missed your question earlier - went to watch Eastenders (10 o/c)

Thats good that u used to be!
I worked in a chemist

lauren - sounds organised - we're currently looking for gigs in bath/bristol/ - we're getting played on tom robinson introducing this weekend - we're chuffed

Ha ha haaaa!

BHWF

Yeah but wouldnt it be mental to play for a living and be able to make people happy, I do it all day at work and people always tell me to do something with my talent, I went on Britians got talent as Gollum, I met Orlando Bloom once too

i've shared a bathroom with a guy who did the artwork for a really obscure band from south wales .. oh and i used to be a drug dealer

thanks Ic21! Been gigging solo quite a lot around London on piano/vox, and just put a band together. Got some gigs lined up in Oct... cobden club 7th and troubadour 28th x

it all depends on how much you want this - get in the door this way or another way, the price is the same in the end. You'll still be dealing with the industry and all its faults.

And I wAS the real McLovin

I was in Michelle's Music and Drama classes, one day Miss Broadgate gave her a book of merit marks for killing someone in a play, I got mine for helping everyone pass their business coursework,

who ate lots of carrots

I was a cat in a former life

ha ha!

lauren just listened to decisions again - it's a quirky sort of pop - and i can see there's maybe a market for it - are you gigging much?

And went to Uni in Northampton square and went to uni in Bunhill, and played guitar outside a few times

"The Last King..." - YOU'RE IN!! LOL

Well, anything that makes good tv... right?! From what I saw last year I don't remember that many good bands.

I went to school with the Magic Numbers and played in a band with a dude from Dragonforce

ha ha! :)

And I was Accessory King and won an Invisio

laureen - like your style - oh yeah - i used to be a drug dealer

so I know my phones

The Carphone Warehouse the most funnist place you can work except for in the music industry

:) whats cpw?

And got to Kiss every member of Hope under the mistletoe at Christmas, twice ;)

Anyway I got the X-factor, I worked at CPW for a year

Always back the Network not the provider!

Ps I can also play guitar while drumming if you'd like that instead, I use my Jedi skills.

I think it's all to be almost expected in this industry. Although I would give this show/channel a little more cred than itv lol!

Ok, the king has a solution to your sample problems, I will be there on the day and am more than happy to organise to play guitar for you, have a drummer and keyboard player, we will work out the sample and play it for you...how cool am I!
All you need to do is blog me and me and the boys will get round to it, we record LIVE!

Well, I reckon anyone with an interesting story will get priority... someone close to them just died, they've been on tour with Arctic Monkeys, they used to be a drug dealer.....

Not that they're going to do that here

lauren - interesting - what will the researchers be asking the people in queues - they could have an advance pick list from those registered for audition?

They did this to us in X Factor last year... put 18 great bands through to boot camp, only to fix 3 bands together from solo audtionees, carefully picked out! Still, was an experience.

Another twist to the competition you see... it is after all a tv show

also - word to the wise - be a bit wary of matchbox recordings oxford

dakijoe - hello - what do we think?

I'd noticed that as well!

zenyth - interesting - princess tv you say? - same one as people on here are being asked to e-mail attendance confirmation to?

I think at the open audition (SAT) it says 1 song - acoustic.

Hi Soul
We only have the 1 computor as well so people tend to take turns as and when. I think theres alot of people like that - especially at Uni's - we'll have to wait and see I suppose

Hey everyone, how we all doin? Ok, a lil help with this blog please..It says "Acoustic" Well im a rapper, and do rap music, so that means i cant apply right? I mean yea ive got an acoustic rap track, but its only the one track, so that wont be enough to get me thru will it...one track?? hmmmm.... Also with the votin thing, I hope it wont go one the internet server, as I live in a shared house, and im the only one with a working computer so my house mates used my computer to put there votes in...A lil worried now..

If any body has the answers to my questions, please help...thank you!!

Erm, Sam...It being my birthday that day ive probably gotta leave at some point- is there a cut off point? What time do the auditions end and you throw everyone out? lol...or is that undecided..? I just need to know wether to book a restaurant or not! :-)

I've heard some wierd dealings with emergenza too and a couple of other bands. They tried to call me too for meetings and they wanted a deposit, odd. i declined.

They said we would be filmed etc at a giig and were not (Princess TV)

and we took like 60 people with 7 days notice and have not got a bean back!

JAR music... they took over the Emergenza competition. I dealt with them once. Seem like a really disorganised bunch. Wouldn't pay to play their gig, but they kept sending me "Congratulations!" emails for gig dates and meetings even though I told them that I wasn't interested and that the band I was in had split up. So, unless they've changed in the past year or so, approach with caution!

no, never heard of JAR music...

conspiracy theory 1: being used like puppets in a heartless industry. cue; violins...
conspiracy theory 2: peeps putting in frighteners on nervous muso's so that there's less competiton. cue: wind up toy

I just think people are not that dumb as to not make the right choices for them. karma and universal law will out!
peace.
;)

I live in Scotland, and I've committed myself to the cause, I'm heading down Saturday on my own, Easyjet all the way!! to much of an opportunity to miss!!

Lets hope i get an audtion!!
www.myspace.com/risesolo

See the cynic in me says that some of you aint who you say you are and are stacking this board...mmmm, who to back in the TV vs Music fight??? I think I know....

Has anyone done a showcase for JAR Music?

Who said we are all pesimistic failures, as the song says one for the dreamers!

sunshi9ne boots - think the odds are better than that - possibly closer to 100-1 - a long shot agreed

There's far too much negativity flying around here...if you believe in yourself then go for it and take every thing that comes your way :-)...I intend to and have the attitude of a WINNER not a pesimistic FAILURE!!

Kasmel i left you a comment on your page

So with over 5000 bands and if the judges listened to just one song from each entry then that would take 11 days non-stop listening 24hrs/day so the chances of making the 25 are maybe just better than winning the jackpot on the lottery! for all those 4750 bands that don.t get through, keep on playing, being creative and making our live music scene in the UK the best in the world. Good luck to those who get through. For me I have vote every day fo Arcadian from York, as have many more but the efoort has probably been futile. It is important that all the bands get this competition into perspective!

I can kind of understand peeps anxieties on this but from the outset, if u enter a comp like this, you know whose bed your sleeping in and what type of performance they will be expecting from you...

True, this is a big kinky bed with all eyes upon us and we are here cos the music industry is changing and it is even harder to make it then it ever was. I guess the feeling here is that we hope to get plucked out of obscurity but at what cost? It is ultimately up the individual tho.

Warnings and preps arevital but I also think peeps should be encouraged if they want to do this. As far as I am aware singers here have to play an instrument (bands obviously already do). So, if u are truly musically competent and believe in what u do, as Adam Ant said "ridicule is nothing to be scared of" ...
AND, If your gonna laugh, if i go and u see me on the TV, laugh at the white stripe i will have across the bridge of my nose...
; )

haha,
I feel the same way 'kaesmel'

Hi Self Esteem
I have got that same feeling that I get with the lottery.
Even though I know there isn't a cat in hells chance that I will win I still buy a ticket and I still get a bit of joy in the feeling that it might be me.
Just enjoy the sense of hope.
Do you know I sometimes leave my ticket in my wallet for weeks before checking it. It's always nice to have a little hope tucked away.

what's the actual email address we have to email to if we decide to do this audition?

benjenner - think i might agree....

*skips over from other blog and settles down with popcorn waiting 4 a response*

This audition thing doesn't make sense at all? Why do this when we have voted and they say there are over 5000 bands?? Just listen to them or is there something else a little more sinister about this? Be careful of going on TV in this situation folks, think of X Factor participants they make fun of....this smells like TV dictating the music to me....don't know, what do you think. I suggest no one wastes too much money on this part! But if you do I will happily laugh at home watching you!

I cant imagine anyone would sign up for the open auditions until the results for the final 50 out of 54 are announced on wednesday i think. Am i right in thinking this? Seriously though the suspense in waiting for the results is killing me. Has anyone got an advice on coping mechanisms or something to do until the results are announced? This is a serious question so if anyone has any advive i would be very gratefull

R.I.P.Richard Wright.
We'll see you on the dark side of the moon.

Have I scared you all away!?

sorry, that was supposed to read: for those of you who were otherwise engaged EARLIER

sorry, that was supposed to read: for those of you who were otherwise engaged EARLIER

im just glad i live in london, lucky me....i agree with misstery. hello magic, nice to see you haven't disappeared =]

Hello All, for those of you who were otherwise engaged I just wanted to let you know that I live near London and may open my garden for tent pitching, will let you know by wednesday. Good Luck All!

Have to say I love this comp but think it is slightly unfair for Scottish bands (and other areas) - there should be an England open audition and a Scottish one too as it is very late notice to plan travel etc esp with the credit crunch.

how will we know whos thru????

This got nothing to do with me, but I thought I say hi, just to show, I haven't disappeared now that the voting is over :) .

Good luck to everyone who is making their way to London on Saturday!

Thanks Sam

evilflowers? calcius?

svein - done - but cant seem to 'add' you at min - just get msg screen?

Cheers bro!

svein - on it now

Hey LC... Can you message us details on MySpace?

Like we're on Slice the Pie at the moment. We'd happily include quotes like "Masterpiece from start to finish", but we wouldn't include "Cheesier than a truckload of Gorgonzola!"

Nah mate... If someone gives you a negative review, you look at what you critisism you can take away from it. The words you've describe are just negatives and let's face it, when was the last time you saw a movie poster that said advertised on it: "Worst Movie Ever"? They don't!!!

we notice that myonit live - are cavassing for unsigned bands to play a series of nights coming up in hertfordshire - could be worth a look

svein - cheers - in the interest of fairness we may also include the reviewer who commented 'dated' 'cheesy' and 'really dull'

i forgot about that

OHH lol i get it. im with you now ;)

william - nice one - your profile dont accept req from bands - hence msg

I'd be honoured. Please, feel free to quote me.

of course mark!

svein - you said some good things about a meg and mark song - they'd like to add bits of your review to their myspace page - it might sound sad to others - but we rate your opinion -

william - meg and mark have messaged you on myspace - friends?

You rang?

hi lc21, i know, thanks so much! i wrote saying thank you on another main blog post, god there are so many new ones now i dont remember which one. but thanks again! lol i also wrote a new post on my blog saying thanks to everyone; everyone go check it out! it has a picture of a smiley face in it.........

sorry Sam - I wanted to know whether the complete band has to show to be eligible as a band and also can you perform any song or only one of the ones we have uploaded to this site? Thanks

Cheers Sam. you know what drummers are like... picky buggers at the best of times!

Bums, Jim is out of the country and I am working and will definaely not be able to take the day off. Double bums.I've just finished my jazz son which would have been perfect.
I wonder if they would let me do it as an acapella over the phone?
Thought not.
You guys have fun,
Without us.
Umphhh

hello regulars - i have some thought on his - and i may share them later

william - you had my last vote - go echo
torn asunder - is svein about?

question for SAM
Does the whole band have to come along to the open audition even though they wont all be playing ?

Ok, so you lot on the inside are taking note on here it seems.

I (We) do want to say a few things but there is no point really untill the Top 50 have been announced. But just to give you guys an idea, its short notice and not THAT logistical friendly for us to make it to london saturday morning 9 am from Grey old Aberdeen (as much as we would love too) with us all in old 9-5's etc. Our guitarist flys that day anyway for 2 weeks holiday so that doesnt help matters. Back on the 3rd in time for auditions. ;-)

Had all of us been around would prob would of drove we are that dedicated but as i said i do not want to say anything untill after the top 50 announcement as i think we warrant at least a slot in there anyway....!

From us all.

Tom, there wont be any complaining from us. Just happy to have someone giving it a go. Rather know that we have gone out trying then just forgetting about it....

It's OK... I'm as happy as a Frenchman who has just invented a pair of self-removing trousers. This is a great opportunity and if we don't get through in the initial 50, you'd better believe we'll be there, acting up, creating mayhem and generally being a nuisance!!! Only kidding! ;)

yeah whatever, there's plenty of time to chain yourself to a tv, throw it out of a hotel window aiming for the swimming pool that was emptied out earlier that morning whilst sniffing glue, high on a mixture of amphetamines, vodka and cocaine.

in the meatime, let's be excited...

Hi William :-), really excited now - not very cool or rockstar-ish
but who cares!!!!

i meant; hello Purple Bubble, sorry to hear the Bubble was feeling a little deflated last night, tbh I had a bit of the same but meh, all's well that ends well, everything happens for a reason etc...

Hello Bubble =]

Hi Sam: Any response to our drummer's question about kit?

Hey Yvonne... If you do that, I say we just let you through, 'cause that's DEDICATION!!! Although, not if it means we don't get though, of course.

I would imagine that you can do this on your own, as a group, whatever, but your representative is being judged, so peeps can't complain that they didn't get through 'cause only the drummer and triangle player showed up... :p

excellent - not necessarily giving us the best chance with half the band not there, but as people have said, gotta give it a go!

cheers

well..... It looks like I'll be jumping in my car and hop, skippin & jumping from aberdeen to London this Friday night then! LOL! EEK!
YME
Yvonne-Marie Evans & The YME's
www.yvonnemarieevans.com

Hi to all on here by the way, will be really cool to meet some of you!

Do the whole band have to turn up? Or can we have one person representing.... our singer and guitarist are away, so our bass player wants to give it a crack.....

Thanks INIT

OOPS!!! I mean Torn lol!! (torn asunder)

Hooray!!!! Felt a little down last night, it felt a bit like a fait accompli, and that our chances of getting through was in the lap of the gods(religion neutral).
Feel like we've been give a whole new lease of life in this competion. Have RSVP'd and are now sorting out wet weather gear, 'cos you know that if we have to queue for hours it will be pouring with rain and blowing a gale.....

cool shizzle. nice one! i'll be there.

Tom... what a good idea... I mean local venues, to attract local crowds, then a big one in London!

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Good idea this.

We do find it amusing that there are people complaining about this. This is an opportunity to prove yourself. You get out what you put in.

Personally, if we found out it was up in Aberdeen, we'd find a way up there!

awesome!

Actually, Underworld would be GREAT if we could get an all dayer with about 20 bands!

Actually, Torn Asunder have a question.

When you say there's a kit, is that just a basic rack toms, floor tom and snare, or does it include cymbals and pedals? IE, is it like a typical kit share where the drummer bring breakables, or are you supplying the entire kit?

If you cant perform acoustically then you wont get far in this competition. If you read the various stages, the 50 finalists are narrowed down to 16 - who have to perform ACOUSTICALLY and do an interview

Pardon my disjointed sentence construction.

Matt

Verile!? Or versatile ;oP Haha!

Sorry poor joke.

No, I meant to the dance acts. Indie/Rock bands should be able to play acoustically! I meant the dance acts. Some dance tracks work acoustically, but those that rely heavily on samples etc may struggle. But then, they could reinvent thier songs for this vehicle totally.

this sounds good to us!!

How is it unfair for indie/rock bands? Have you never heard of MTV Unplugged?

We're a rock band and we've performed unplugged gigs in the past. If you're veratile, you'll be able to pull it off.

torn asunder, I'm defo up for playing dublin castle (seeing as i only live one street away) i find after a coupla shandys thats especially important to me *liteweight* ;)
the underworld would be wicked too. i've played at both with my old band.

Yesssss! C'mon! This is brilliant news. Nice one, Team Orange Unsigned Act. See you all there.

This will really stretch the diversity of electronica and dance acts. Rap should be able to pull it off.

Seems a little unfair as this is right up indie/rock bands street.... Oh, I can see people have already said this below.

I suppose those acts are going to have to reinvent themselves for the audition. Seems a bit unfair that the researchers may just pull bands out of the crowd in any particular order, just as they may have a more aesthetically pleasing 'look'.

Im moving to university that day in manchester so wont be able to attend how gay!!! lets hope i get through! or il just amaze people up north and let the labels come see me, ha!! well you never know things happen!!

Our band is piano-led. What keyboard do you have, as I would not be able to bring an acoustic piano, and my keyboard would need plugging in lol!!

Hi Flo: That's the beauty. When else would Torn Asunder, for example, get a chance to play in Worcester. Wouldn't even know what venues to hit up. Likewise, when would you have a chance to play in Colchester.

If anyone is interested in this, please email me on Steve@torn-asunder.com and I'll add you to the list. Once we have enough varied acts, we'll see what we can do... If we get loads and loads of acts, then what we can do is get groups of 6 in contact with each other to arrange their own tours, with maybe an idea to do an all dayer at somewhere like the Dublin Castle in Camden at the end of it all.

What a good idea...depends where you're from though right...I mean...anyone wanna come to Worcester..????!!! ..Thought not.
Actually, that said- I take the piss but its actually a pretty cool place.lol

Lauren: Further to that.

What my suggestion was that we get 5 or 6 acts (not just bands) from all over, and each act is responsible for booking a venue local to them on a Saturday night. That act is also responsible for getting the backline sorted out, as well as local promotion. Then the rest of the bands show up at the venue, plug in and play for 30 mins with a 15 min turn around. Next week, on to the next venue! And we all pitch in and get T-Shirts made.

Whaddya think?

Oh also...
Can you bring audience members to the Open Auditions? And will they vote? cause thats a bit unfair to people who don't live in london and cant ship their family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, cats along..etc! ...Kinda hope its just down to judges...?

Hah! Lauren: That sellaband.com thing sounds wicked!
20th of september is also my 20th Birthday...what a way to spend it..in a queue! How very British!

Lauren, you could ask this promoter if they'd like to organise such a thing. they are very serious and very good.
http://electroacousticclub.com /

Hiya Lauren:

Torn Asunder are in the process of trying to get something together.

Torn Asunder will be there with bells on... This is GREAT!

Hey Lucas, I have a question regarding the open auditions....

Ive just signed our band up for the open audition this Sat in London although theres a chance that our bassist and drummer won't be able to make it due to short notice for their workplaces. Would our singer and I be allowed to audition on behalf of the band? Id be most grateful if you could let us know as we'l be coming from Scotland.

Hopefully we can get through on the votes or via the judges though!

no idea

What's the maxim amount of people aloud to perform in one band?

that sounds like it qwould we good for the future.

keep us up to date yeh, g2g now, work awaits!!!

xxx

Have u tried sellaband.com? You should check it out... if u can get lots of 'believers' in ur music, they buy shares in u and when u have so many u get to record an album!

I think your music's cool! Very American... nice voice.

A variety of acts would be good. Alot of the bands that got into x factor bootcamp last year (including us) came a performed at this venue in Guildford I think.... it was packed!

cool, what kinda music is this gonna be?? have you heard my band??

we wanna get a grant so we can record our album and send it out, we have some really good songs just not recorded

oh... i was in a girlband at the time

Well, embarrassed to say I did X factor last year, and one of the girlbands that got quite far organised a reunion gig for the bands that didn't get onto to live show. Went down well, got publicity from it, newspaper came down and photographer.

sounds good to me, do continue??

DOES ANYBODY FANCY ORGANISING A TOUR FOR SOME OF THE ACTS THAT DON'T GET THROUGH?

Could be a great pr stunt!

may actually leave it and try again next year!!

Another way to get in, get in!

I've just moved so have boxes everywhere but if nothing else may be able to pitch a tent in my garden

Open auditions ey?! Always a surprise :)

scary mary i am listening???

Good Morning All, If it helps I live near London and in return for an evening of entertainment I may be willing to offer lodgings. Watch this space

no david, have not heard of those stories, i shall look them up tho ;)

p.s i'm actually scared of real horses, dont tell anyone...

zenyth, i agree but u can showcase yr best song acoustically, its just a shame the whole band can't play...

anyhoo...alex zane hates singer/songwriters so i am planning trapping him in a dark room and torturing him for hours with my tunes, ha! vengeance is mine!
cue: eerie music...

if u dont get threw via votes or the judges then u dont have it these open auditions r 4 wannabes

Wilds Stallions, Maria if you like Horses ever heard the Sentanta stories?

yea right enough seems to favour the singer songwriter more than the bands!

This extra bit will surely benefit solo/singer songwriters

p.s my imaginary horse is coming all the way from Avalon and is not signing a film release form under any circumstances! (not after that incident with the stallion)

We do have a song perfect for accoustic but one of our guys is away!
But how on earth can you Judge a Punk, Rock, Metal Electronic etc band from 1 accoustic track!

Yea right enough but you never know! i agree with the acoustic bass thing?? you think they would let you plug in the bass, do you lose merit if say just the acoustics play and no bass?? or do all members have to play??

haha nice!! is there really any point in traveling, there was more chance of getting through via the voting than say 1,000 people turning up and them picking 4

We are having to come from northern ireland!! see was gonna use XL but we all know what happended there........

fair enough!!!!
help!!

Thats what the Beatles said, and they had to go to America

does that mean one would need to purchase an acoustic bass???

this is so unfair to people who live the other side of the country!!

I am SO there!!!! Yay!!! I will also be doing an acoustic at The Fiddlers Elbow, 1 malden road, Camden this weds ;)

Will jo sign my Live Lounge album too?
I'll play her any Foo Fighters She wants

we live near liverpool!! how will we get to london!! for 9am in the morning??

help!!