More Judges Confirm For Live and Unsigned 2010

With the Live and Unsigned Festival fast approaching, more high profile names from the music industry have confirmed their place as a judge for L&U 2010. Take a look to see the latest line up…

Sophie Daniels

Sophie began her career as a performer, writing and performing original songs in various pop and rock/country bands and worked on her own solo material. An inevitable career in the music industry was to follow and Sophie moved on to work in the record business for Sony UK and S Records. She’s worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Simon Cowell, Westlife, Kelly Clarkson, Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow. She also product managed the 2002 Eurovision entry with Jessica Garlick. She is now a full time lyricist and songwriter. Sophie’s also a trained singer and vocal coach and plays piano and keys.

Darren Ashford

Darren has been playing the drums professionally for almost two decades and he’s studied with some of the UK’s best including Bob Armstrong, Dave Hassel and Neal Wilkinson. He’s also played alongside some of the worlds most recognised musicians including The Drifters, Will Young, Phats and Small, Sean Paul, Will Smith, Joss Stone, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Shola Ama, Black Eyed Peas, Beverley Knight & Roy Ayers. After touring with the Drifters extensively throughout the world he later became their musical director. As well as playing the drums and teaching, Darren also contributes for the UK’s best selling drum magazine Rhythm.

Me’ sha Bryan

Me’sha is a highly in demand vocalist whose versatility has seen her recording and performing in many areas of music. As a session vocalist she has recorded on albums for Bryan Ferry and Russell Watson and she’s sung on tracks for Kylie Minogue, Victoria Beckham, Groove Armada and many others. She has also performed with a variety of established acts including The Counterfeit Stones, Beverley Knight and Bryan Ferry. Her TV appearances include Jools Holland, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross and the BBC 6 Music Sessions. Me’sha’s CV also boasts musical theatre experience, with a starring role in Ragtime in the West End.

Vic Bynoe

Vic is a very experienced and dynamic singer with a voice ranging from old school R&B to Pop. He has been a vocal member of The Drifters and has toured worldwide & performed with artists including, Sir Bob Geldof, Eric Clapton, Jocelyn Brown, Alexander O’Neal and the late great James Brown. As well as live and recording sessions, Vic had a lead role in the stage production ‘Big Time’ at the Talk Of London, Drury Lane. He currently produces and writes with a new band called Soul Assembly and sings and provides vocal arrangements for the Gospel Choir Souls of Prophecy.

Dan Black

Dan is an experienced radio presenter and DJ and currently presents for 8 of the biggest radio stations in the UK. He has worked for top titles including Kerrang! and currently presents for Q! Radio and Metro radio. Dan has also presented various music events and festivals across the country, including broadcasting to over 75, 000 festival go-ers at Download Festival. He is also a rock-club DJ and has been a judge for the annual Trillian Rockbar Battle Of The Bands since 2006.

Paul Stanborough

Paul trained at Bath Spa University in Creative Music Technology and specialised in composition, the digital audio environment and performance. Paul’s credits include working extensively as sole engineer, programmer and in-house producer for renowned song writer and producer Guy Chambers. Paul has worked with some of the best names in the industry, leading programming and engineering sessions for artists like Robbie Williams, Kelis, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Cathy Dennis, Jamie Cullum, Mika and Julian Lennon. He also plays guitar and bass and can be heard on various tracks for artists including Ian Brown, Tina Turner and Natasha Bedingfield.