JUDGES TALK BACK FROM BRIGHTON AND MANCHESTER AUDITIONS

This weekend Live and Unsigned auditions were in Brighton and Manchester. Here the judges tell us who strummed their hearts out for that all important place at the Live shows and who needed a bit more practice…

BRIGHTON

Chris Grayston, A&R at Future Music commented, “The amount of bands we had the auditions was amazing - it was a really hectic weekend! In Brighton it was good to see some familiar faces – former Area Finalist Si Crockett ">www.myspace.com/sicrockett came back to give the competition another go and was very strong on the day. Offside ">www.myspace.com/offsideuk were also finalists in 2007 and impressed the judges this weekend – if they give it 100% they will go far in the competition. Astro Physics ">www.myspace.com/astrophysicsband were a really fresh and funky group and I think they will definitely go places. In Tyler We Trust ">www.myspace.com/intylerwetrustuk stood out because of their image as they performed in boiler suits! Redman Re ">www.myspace.com/redmanred reminded me of last years 900 spaces who went all the way, it was good to see a female lead vocalist and I look forward to hearing more of them. Anastasia Baker, famous for making it to the judge’s houses alongside Alexandra Burke at Cheryl Cole’s pad on the X Factor in 2008, auditioned and impressed the judging panel.”

Tini Leonard, former Miss Brighton said “World Wide Underground really impressed me with their vocals and all complimented each other well live. Morning Sound stood out of the crowd because of the sensational drummer. Nathalie had some great original tracks and the voice to match. Duplex Gage had great chemistry on stage and Burning Condors ">www.myspace.com/burningcondors had fantastic stage presence.”

Hannah Northedge, Vocal Tutor thought “Paper Face ">www.myspace.com/thisispaperface were really strong – their female drummer was great and their songs were really catchy. New Street Adventure ">www.myspace.com/newstreetadventure were very solid and had impressive harmonies. They had an interesting image and reminded me of The Jam! My favourite on the day were Virgin Soldiers ">www.myspace.com/wearevirginsoldiers they had fantastic string arrangements and I had their songs in my head long after I left the auditions!”

Danny Brittain from Danny Brittain Band Management said “Beautiful Word and The Small Print performed really well although I thought their drums needed improvement and a bit of polishing. New Street Adventure reminded me of the Style Council and were very good. Paperface and Raised on Replicas ">www.myspace.com/raisedonreplicas really impressed me too.”

MANCHESTER

Chris Grayston, A&R at Future Music thought “The standard in Manchester was so much better than last year. Cheap Cuts ">www.myspace.com/cheapcuts were fantastic and were like a new version of the Kaiser Chiefs. Odd Squad ">www.myspace.com/oddsquadband were a young, lively band and I can see them developing well in the competition. The soloist to watch is definitely Ali Craig ">www.myspace.com/aligraigmusic . It was a really successful weekend!”

Andy Kostek, Vocal Tutor and Guitar Teacher said “Counterpoint were really different, they demonstrated a great use of light and shade. Coal House ">www.myspace.com/coalhouseuk were very engaging and just made me want to sing along! Deccade ">www.deccade.com played some brilliant choruses and original songs – I would be really keen to hear what they are like in a studio. Junker ">www.myspace.com/junkeruk brought some rock tunes to Manchester and brought them in style – Nickleback watch out!”

Simon Keegan, Editor of the Salford Advertiser thought “I loved Drake’s Rebellion ">www.myspace.com/drakesrebellion because they had a fantastic lead vocalist. Drama ">www.myspace.com/musicdrama came across as very slick and professional. Jocelyn had a lovely voice and a real soulful performance, her personality shone through on stage. Odd Squad could be great in the future and Heroes of She ">www.myspace.com/heroesofshe were very different and extremely entertaining!”

Mark Armor, Manchester Events and Gig Promoter commented “Drake’s Rebellion were a great young pop punk band with bundles of energy although I thought their vocals were a bit too American. Sofio demonstrated good voice control and Cheapcuts ">www.myspace.com/cheapcuts were very tight and polished. They showed great professionalism and it was great to see a Ska act.”

Talena Smith, Vocal Tutor thought “Joe Robbins ">www.myspace.com/joerobbins1 really impressed me and shone at the auditions. I also thought Ali was very good and performed well live.”