Music Competitions in Yorkshire blogged by Believe in F.A.T.E.

Live and Unsigned Music Competitions in Yorkshire, have uncovered the best original, unsigned talent in the region, such as Live and Unsigned Area Finalists Believe in F.A.T.E., who have created a blog about their competition experiences for the chance to win a great prize.

Live and Unsigned Area Finalists have been asked to write about their progression through the music competition to be in with a chance of winning a prize of £500 worth of recording studio time. The best blogs from the acts involved in this year’s Live and Unsigned music competition are going online for a chance to win. The best blog will be decided by which act receives the most likes for their blog on the Live and Unsigned Facebook wall.

We’ve had a great response from bands and acts wanting to share their experiences of Live and Unsigned, and now they will be shared with you for the chance for acts to win time in a recording studio.

Throughout the week we’re going to put up an act’s blog entry for you to join in the fun and read, if you like their blog, vote for them on our Facebook page by pressing the Like button or commenting positively on their work. The act with the most support for their blog within one week of it being posted will be the winner of the recording studio time prize.

The best of luck to all of our bands and acts who have shared their stories of the Live and Unsigned music competition - get voting for your favourite!

Blog 6: Believe in F.A.T.E.

Wow what a journey!!!!!

Gemma Holloway: Our Journey started one dark, wet December night; we were having a pow pow in one of our York locals. We were discussing a new project, our first music video – but hey that’s another story!

Ashley (drummer) arrived looking very excited with herself; she announced to the group that she had just seen LIVE AND UNSIGNED advertised on Facebook. She listed off the array of prizes, the tour, the judges, the whole shebang! We were all agreed – this was a fantastic opportunity, this could be are big break!!!

Literally as soon as I got home I registered the Band, the auditions were in Sheffield and were only 6 weeks away!! We knew we had work to do! Christmas came and went then, first practise we had decided within a few minutes what song we wanted to perform for our audition. We choose F.A.T.E our self-titled track, confident that it had that ‘something special’ to get us to the next stage!

The audition day was so much fun! However our roadie / driver took us on a slight detour that nearly took us half way to Derbyshire!!! On arrival at Sheffield City Hall, it hit us that we were part of a MASSIVE competition. The room was full of musician’s, everyone had their guitars out, every nook and crannie of the room was filled with hopeful auditionees!

The colour had drained from Danny’s face, Joel and John were hyper and Ash was calm and collected. Everyone was thinking the same thing, ARE WE GOOD ENOUGH??

Bringing two drivers along meant that we bystanders added to both the excitement and the nerves. After what felt like eternity the band were called away and off they went.

 We waited ….

Over to Joel (Guitar):

It hit us, we were being judged on something that we had WRITTEN!

How different this is to performing a cover song, this was our own words, our own music – this thought was enough to turn Danny (lead singer/guitar) INSANE!!!

As we sat in a corridor we waited with three other bands, able to hear the competition audition – our first chance to see what we were up against.

We took a moment: knowing no matter what the outcome, we were happy. If we didn’t make it through, we knew that we were just not what they were looking for. Putting ourselves forward for this, we were safe in the knowledge that THIS IS WHAT WE ARE!  Like us or not, we would go away with our heads held high.

The Performance...

As we entered we were asked who we were, and if we were ready?  Spilt seconds of getting the guitars right we nodded to each other – we were ready!

We played the shortest minute of our Lives! This four hour trip had boiled down to just 60 seconds!!!

We played to them as if they were 5000 people, not 5.

I accidently unplugged my guitar, by stepping on the lead – within half a second I’d plugged back in and continued in true ‘rock star’  style, Danny’s eyes widened, John  (bassist) rocked out . We put everything into it.

The breakdown came; John and I caught each other’s eyes- bumped fists in TRUE EPICNESS kicked in to the last 23 seconds (as seen on our YOU TUBE)

With a shout of 1, 2, 3 LET’S GO!!!

We put in the last ounce of effort within us, leaving us completely drained. They had heard enough….

What came next we were not prepared for; questions flew at us, where had we played? When was our next gig? How long had we been together? Without hesitation Ash (drummer) and Danny listed off previous venues, gigs and future gigs (one the next following week) whilst we had to dodge the next hopeful act entering the room. Ending with a massive thank you and a wave …

We stepped out wondering and hoping … WAS THAT ENOUGH????

The next 20 minutes felt like three hours, as Danny pondered about this ability as a song writer, a guitarist, the leader- carrying the weight of everyone on his shoulders. We sat there watching group after group, who had played both before and after us each getting their decision … we waited …

Being one of only four acts left; some of us were convinced, we hadn’t made it …

We were all called up, then it was simply announced “congratulation’s guys you made it”

We leaped up – so proud at what we had done!!!

TOGETHER WE MADE IT!!!

Back to Gemma:

They text me saying they were through just before they re-entered the waiting room … They walked in, arms up in the air , the three of us cheered , making the whole room look up and see Believe in F.A.T.E had made it through !!!

Back home ….

More Joel: immediately we went to the practise studio, we took a moment to TAKE IT IN! We had a chance to play against the best bands in our region, before what should have been the arduous task of finding two songs that would fit together. This seemed to come quite easy, we picked two of our songs in standard tuning. Then it was a case of choosing the most powerful parts of each song, showcasing everyone’s skills whilst bringing the energy that we are all about.

By choosing our set opening song (Today is Tomorrows Yesterday) we knew this was punchy enough to grab the attention of everyone listening.

Also by selecting our most popular ‘sing-along anthem’ our cover of The Cranberries ZOMBIE we knew people would be on their feet!  After putting together what we thought was the best combination of songs, we put it too our fans.

WHAT WOULD THEY LIKE TO HEAR?  Guess what? They cemented our thoughts, unanimously suggesting ZOMBIE! We knew what we had to do!

So we practiced ….We did Radio interviews, practiced, spoke to the press, practiced some more, we did all we could do to spread the word and gain support!

Then with just days to go before the live show at Sheffield, we had the opportunity to give everyone a preview. Giving us feedback and confirmation that what we had done would see us through. Playing a gig to a buzzing crowd, WE WERE READY!

Regional Final:

The regional final happened to fall on our year anniversary, we had gone from playing in a kitchen to playing in National Competition in a Major City Hall it was incredible!!

Here's how the day panned out....

Myself (Gemma) and Joel got dropped off outside Sheffield City Hall, crazy excited and eager to register!!!

Danny, John and Ash appeared looking positive and not too nervous....

Danny and I counted the cash , beaming at the number of tickets we had sold, handed one over to our coach driver (couldn't miss him out !) and stood in line to register. Proud as punch I clutched my press pack (a beautiful purple folder - in case you were wondering) I had worked so hard, I was confident that I had done all I could at getting the band out there .

·         four York press articles

·         one Scunthorpe Telegraph article

·         7 minute long phone interview on FOXS DEN

·         10 minute long BBC Introducing band interview 

·         two large features on YORK GIG GUIDE

·         EPIC review of a local york gig

But was it enough????? 

Whilst queuing Danny and I spotted a fellow contested looking at my folder, Danny proudly opened it and showed him - his response was simply "WOW”. We were so chuffed; he didn't have any press coverage!!!! 

Our attitude has always been to work hard - if you are given a list of things to do to impress the Judges - Why oh why would you NOT do it????  Madness! To add to that, another band whilst registering revealed to the Live and unsigned staff that that had given out 34 of their tickets without taking payment!!!! 

Never in my life have I been so proud of my own organisational skills.

One Hour before sound check, three hours before show time .....

We could not have done it without our awesome loyal fans!!! We cannot thank them enough, filling a coach of 33 from YORK and three cars; we could not have been more excited!!!

Everyone was hyped weeks before the main event!

Then when the day finally came..... OH MY GOD we were one excited bunch!! The coach arrived with band in tow nice and early! Early enough for all our supporters to grab some food, drinks and duct tape! That’s right duct tape. One of our fans decided - after several pints in Lloyds Bar that he should get his ear pierced - another fan willingly did so, with a BURGER SKEWER!!! Yum!!! Then came the duct tape, several of our fans chose to fill the time by taping one fan to a lamp post!!! Foolishly she wasn't wearing a F.A.T.E T-shirt and this was her punishment!

Sound Check …

Joel: So we left the group to go and sound check. After so many “good lucks”, it dawned on us what we had to do … we didn’t want to let anyone down! The talent we heard before us was enough to bring us back down to earth, but that the same time made us focus our efforts.

Our name was called and we proceeded to set levels, discuss sounds and adjust to the stage size accordingly. We played half a song, and left thinking, we could have sounded better. Maybe that was because the competition was watching or maybe it was just nerves.

Either way we knew we would have to BRING IT!

We had an hour between sound check and show time. We re-joined our fans/supporters/family, who raised our spirits, assuring us that if nothing else they would TEAR THE ROOF OFF!!!

Backstage …We walked into the back, the corridor was full of guitars being tuned, tables being hit by drum sticks and a sober but jovial vibe.

We had just found out that we were third from last to perform. Once we had found our area, we sat and talked things through, ate snacks and chatted to other acts.

Show time....

Gemma:  I was quickly turning into a nervous wreck. Joel's sister EMILY HEWITT started to cry with nerves (she's 28- it was emotional)

It had suddenly hit us; this could be it - the end of the road!

 BELIEVE IN F.A.T.E are amazing and very talented - but no way are they everyone’s cup of tea! They are rock/metal, they don’t really have an image, they are just normal people. The boys are definitely rough round the edges (the edges of their jaw bones) - Ashley is Blackburn born, salt of the earth (silky smooth jaw bones)

They brought 41 people with them!! Each member is warm friendly and outgoing more than anything they are LOVED!!!

As Joel's sister Emily sobbed I too started to tear up - This could not be the end. 

Joel: The show started, we could hear the rumble of applause, and the muffled sound of the announcer.

We received texts from all our supporters, as did all the other bands – we all shared the info received as if we were passing on the secrets.

Bands came and went, no one seemed overly confident as they returned backstage.

Before we knew it we were called up.

As we looked out to the crowd, we saw a wave of BELIEVE IN FATE t-shirts. They saw us and gave thumbs up, mouthing words of encouragement.  Thankfully the tension was then shattered as on stage a sing along of “high ho silver lining” took over the room.

Now high spirited, our name was called …

As soon as we stepped into the room, not even on stage, there was the biggest show of support we’ve ever seen. So much so the announcer couldn’t get a word in! The crowd were so loud!!

Guitars plugged in, and a shout of WHO BELIEVES?! Everything got turned up to 11!

The next three and a half minutes flew by, it was amazing to see and hear everyone.

We felt like rock stars, we felt like the HEADLINE ACT!!! The support was unreal!!! We left the stage, guitars in the air – with a drummer on my back!!!

Once in the green room, all we could do was cheer, laugh and smile, whilst faintly hearing the other bands say it was the biggest crowd reaction so far. We tried to tone it down but we couldn’t – we were elated!!!

We wished good luck to the band that we shared the room with and then bounced off the walls, over analysing what had just happened. Completely forgetting that not three hours ago, we could barely talk – through nerves! We were so proud of what we had done – once again saying – we COULDN’T HAVE PUT ANYTHING ELSE INTO THAT  

After another 15mins we were called back into the room, ready for the RESULTS.

The Results…

Joel: We sat together; we cheered and clapped as the first four winners were announced….

As our hearts slowly sank, knowing there was only one position left, we thought we hadn’t done it!

Until the longest pause of our lives occurred….. We heard the first syllable of BELIEVE and shouted so loud both with JOY AND RELIEF!!! As again the crowd were standing cheering, clapping and shouting with excitement!!!

We applauded each other, and the crowd – because if they hadn’t been there to spur us on, we might not have put in the same energy. At the end of the day we were there for them!!

Gemma: Without a doubt we were the loudest fans - we couldn't help but stand up , jump around, scream , clap and sing along - THAT'S WHAT FAN'S DO!!!!!

The Announcer was even put off by our loud cheers; he had to pause before announcing the next band.

It could not of been more tense, they called out the first three bands through... we realised they called them in order of performance.

Fourth band through…

Then the last guaranteed place.... I was shaking; Emily was crying again, Joel's Mum was white. I could see Ash's twin sister Donna looking tense. The compare dragged it out - true X FACTOR STYLE it was pure evil, this was it they had to be through ......and the "fifth act , the last of the guaranteed entries goes to .... BELIEVE IN F.A.TE”

Oh the screams!!!  Myself and Emily flew out of our seats!!! Crying, screaming so unbelievably elated!!! The band shouted and hugged each other on stage - amazing!!!

The announcer continued with "CLEARLY A CROWD FAVOURITE, TO SAY THE LEAST" As we drowned him out in screams!!

The joy continued all the way home and into the next day!  

Then to be greeted with more good news on Monday afternoon

-WOW, we couldn't believe it . 

WE WON THE EXPOSURE AWARD!!!!

One Blackstar Amp heading our way!! Hard work had paid off!! We all phoned round each other - sharing how amazing the night was, and just how good damn happy we were!!

Of course we spread the word to our fans via Facebook and Twitter - Who bombarded us with praise , and more support- 35 fans have already signed up for the coach to Manchester 48hours after Sheffield!!! As I said at the start what truly loyal fans we have!!

Bring on Manchester - we've already booked a 50 seater coach 

#we believe #in it to win it 

DANNY PORTER -LEAD VOCAL/LEAD GUITAR: 

WOW.....it's such an amazing feeling...the comp hasmade us tighter as a unit and more importantly closeras friends.....what an epic journey...I love all of u so much i can’t describe...keep shouting, screaming and most important of all......KEEP BELIEVING....with you guys behind us I already feel like a rock star....I am truly humbled

ASHLEY HARRISON - DRUMMER

"How do I feel? Excited, thrilled, amazed, and absolutely great after Sunday. The competition is not only giving us the chance to perform on a huge platform but it is also giving us the chance to meet some amazing people who all want to get their music out there as much as we do! I am enjoying every minute!!!" 

JOHN HEAVER - BASSIST

I've spent the last 24 years in and out of various bands of different guises. I've never been on such a thrill-ride as I am on now. The music, the team, the focus and the fun we have surpasses, by far, all that came before. The competition has truly drawn the best out of us, win or lose, we have already gained so much from it. The last word must go to our amazingly loyal fans......and here words fail!.......I am truly in awe, humbled and amazed at your commitment to us.....so simply put.......YOU GUYS ROCK

JOEL HEWITT- RHYTHM GUITAR

I was just happy to play music that I enjoy, even getting to write songs. Anything beyond a small pub venue is a bonus but if we play that well in Sheffield I cannot wait to see what we will do on a bigger stage in Manchester.

Finally, I hand over to the wonderful ROB SCOTT of DISCERNING IMAGES , as he kindly reviewed the gig for us.

Live & Unsigned Sheffield – Believe In FATE www.discerningimages.co.uk York Photographer

Believe In FATE

Live & Unsigned

Sheffield Memorial Hall

3^rd April, 2011

Believe In Fate have been together as a band for a year, and in that time I have seen them grow musically and in confidence. I only saw them play last week at The Basement, and it is apparent that they are much more comfortable with who they are and where they want to go with their music than 12 months ago. Their sound is fuller and definitely tighter, they work extremely hard at what they do and it shows.

Live & Unsigned is a massive competition which allows 10,000 hopefuls the chance to display their talent in the hope of a record contract and being recognised within the industry as well as the global masses. It also gives the bands the chance to play to new and larger audiences. A one in 10,000 chance of ‘making it’ are pretty tall odds.  It’s supported by established industry folk who seem to know what they are talking about.  The X Factor has it’s place in the market, however the wealth and undoubted skill of Simon Cowell alienates a vast number of ‘real’ musicians because it manufactures and manipulates with incredible hype the artists who eventually get onto the live shows. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they have discovered the likes of Rebecca  Ferguson & Leona Lewis, but their career paths will eventually take them away from the general public into the pampered world of super stardom.

Live and Unsigned artists play and sing live. They practice and gig constantly – honing their craft. Some are brilliant, inventive and fun, others aren’t, but at the end of the day – if they enjoy themselves – does it really matter? Music is not all about making a shed load of money for 99.9% who take it up. This competition dangles the carrot and for a rare few the dream may become a reality.

Believe In Fate made it through to the national semi-finals in Manchester on the 8^th May on the judges vote.

Why & How?

The competition was pretty stiff; all acts had something different to say covering genres from punk, folk, rock, boy band, metal to indie – a diverse offering for the industry bods to choose from I hear you say.

·         The bands musical heritage – as mentioned before, the band works very hard at what they do. Sure they may not be to everybody’s taste – but they are a sincere group of musicians who aren’t ‘up themselves’, clearly love what they do and play with a force that draws the audience with them. York has many great bands/artists  – which is probably the world’s best secret – from The Fallen, Glamour of the Kill, WOTB, Beyond All Reason, Tidal Fury, Kid Ego, Shed 7, Elliot Minor, Miles Cain, Holly Taymar, Jess Gardham, A Joker Rage, Bitter Image, The Pauper Kings, Dead Rebellion, Hot Fudge, Testtone 3, etc  (if I’ve missed you out sorry, I’m trying to make a point) – all say something different, but at the same time they all compliment the talents and potential of York.

·         The Band – everyone will expect me to start with front man Danny Porter, but I’m not, I’m going to lead with drummer Ashley Harrison & bassist John Heaver (love watching him work). Bass & Drums control the whole song and these two combined are tight, melodic and just bleeding good at what they do. Ashley is a very experienced musician with influences from big band right through to metal. Having a pretty lady drummer might seem gimmicky & I wouldn’t dream of making any patronising comments because that would be totally unfair – she’s the real deal, she gets on with her work and certainly stands up on her own within the quartet. Charlie Watts was once asked what was the best thing about being in the Rolling Stones for 40 odd years? He said “making millions of people dance to my beat” – and it’s true. Drummers make your feet tap, fact – Ashley is no different. Guitarist Joel Hewitt has come on in leaps and bounds – the first time I photographed him playing live I couldn’t see his face. He was ‘head down, rock hard’ but there was little connection with the audience. A year on he smiles, engages the crowd and obviously has overcome any initial nerves to perform bleeding good thrash rhythm that fills out the sound of John & Ashley, he’s also got bags of energy which goes with the whole set up.  I love front man Danny Porters voice – I’m not sure where the hell it comes from but it certainly hasn’t been honed from milk & honey, I think maybe more Jack Daniels and TNT, but I digress. It’s a dark, deep growl from somewhere way down – in tune and in the words of Vinny Jones ‘emotional’. He’s developing his guitar work to take on simple licks and leaders that add to the overall sound – a nice addition.

·         The Performance – it’s the first time I’ve ever reviewed a band and mentioned how they came on stage, but there’s a first time for everything. They walked on with confidence, smiles and waves, clearly up for the task. The York support was noisy, enthusiastic and announced to the 400-500 crowd there that something a bit special was going to happen. Their song choice was Today is Tomorrows Yesterday with a twist, in that it morphed into Zombie by The Cranberries. It worked excellently – so much so that the crowd joined in – which was the only band this happened to on the night (there was nothing wrong with the other acts by the way, they all did well, but Believe In FATE achieved a sing along – how cool is that). Each band is only given three and half minutes but this three and half minutes seem to last a few seconds – clearly the supporters wanted more – but rules are rules.

·         The overall support for Believe In FATE – Gemma Holloway manages the band, is proactive in getting gigs, ticket sales, press coverage, coaches, merchandise and the rest sorted. It can be a thankless task – trust me, I know lol – but I think she’s damn good at it. The amount of people with Believe In Fate t-shirts on at the gig was great to see – some folk had even made a flag/banner to wave – Glastonbury eat your heart out J – bringing a coach load of fans and a couple of car loads to this event was a great showing – everyone enjoyed the experience (even Steve the driver). The semi-finals are in Manchester on the 8^th May & you are more than welcome to come and add your support to a fairly new band, who are lovely people and sincere musicians to maybe (fingers crossed) reach the final at the O2 in London.

Rob

http://www.discerningimages.co.uk

york photographer

If you like Believe in F.A.T.E’s blog, you have a week to vote for them on our Facebook page by pressing the Like button! Watch out throughout the week ahead for more blog entries from bands and acts sharing their experiences from Live and Unsigned 2011.