London Unsigned Artists-London and South West Area Final Results

The best of London unsigned artists took to the stage for the London and South West Area finals in Hayes at The Beck Theatre this weekend, as Live and Unsigned rolled into town.

The Area Final brought together the best unsigned acts from London and the South West of England in a bid to make it to the National Grand Final at Live Fest. The winners are now off to the O2 on the 23rd July to play in the final for the chance to take the title of Best Live and Unsigned Act 2011.

The headline act taking to the stage alongside Live and Unsigned Area Finalists in Hayes was singer/songwriter Joe Karchud. Danica Hunter also played at the showcase treating the crowd to her unique and captivating voice.

Judges presiding over the London & South West Area Final included; Gary and Michelle Promoters at K Festival, Vic Bynoe who has toured and worked with artists including Sir Bob Geldof, Eric Clapton, Anita McDonald from Vivace Music Company, Rob Palmer vocal tutor, Geoff Meall Director of The Agency Group, Benjamin Price from High Peak Radio, John Saunderson Creative Director of Notting Hill Music and James Holliday Z-Fest organiser.

With so much talent, it was difficult for the judges to make a decision and the successful acts that are through to the National Grand Final are listed below. Congratulations to those that made it through to National Grand Final at Live Fest in London’s O2 on the 23rd July.

Area Final Winners

Munkinpure

Stephanie & Kevin

Luisa Santiago

Nexus

Joe Housley & Tom Bailey

Mark Crofts

CRAM

The Robbie Boyd Band

Malory Torr

Ashley Dawes

Blackstar Exposure Award– There will be an award for the act with the largest quantity and best quality of submitted publicity material in relation to the competition. The act with the most press cuttings or recorded radio interviews on each Areal Final day will win a prize. As the winner of the London & South West Area Final were a band they will win a free Blackstar HT-5 half stack amplifier with head and cab (approx value £400). This goes to; The Undecided

TC Electronic Exposure Award – This award is given to the act that achieves (what will be considered) the most ‘high profile’ publicity material and/or stunt in each Area final day. The overall winner in each Area will win a prize. As the winner is a solo act they will win a free day in the recording studio of their choice, worth up to £250.  The winner of the award for the London & South West Area Final is; Ashley Dawes

Festival Partner Awards

James Holliday, Z-Fest organiser judged the Area Finals in Hayes and was so impressed with the talent that he has chosen Joe Housley & Tom Bailey and Poetic Justin toplay at the festival. Z-Fest takes place on 27th – 29th May in Islington, London. Congratulations!

Gary and Michelle, Promoters of K Festival also judged the Area Finals in Hayes and chose four acts from the finals to play K Festival on Saturday 16th July In Harrow. These successful acts were; Oliver Mascarenhas, The Undecided, Malory Torr and Hannah Rodgers – Congratulations to all!

For those acts who didn’t get through to the Grand Finals, don’t forget to use your Wildcard! All acts have been given a Wildcard in the form of a national public vote. There is just one place up for grabs and just two weeks to make your mark, so keep an eye out on the website and get voting for one of those last National Grand Final spots!

For information on the Grand Final and to purchase tickets visit the Live and Unsigned Live fest page. Or for further details of guest acts playing London’s biggest indoor festival “Live Fest” incorporating the National Grand Final visit www.LiveFest.co.uk