Online Competition Yields Big Rewards For Unsigned Cardiff Band
On Friday 27th November, four talented teenagers walked offstage from their gig in EVi with more than just a round of applause: Code One an unsigned band from Penarth, Cardiff were awarded a week's studio time working with top record producer Paul Durrant, as well as a professional photo shoot and their own personalised website.
The band were one of five finalists who were voted by the public as part of a search for the best young unsigned band, performer or producer in Wales. CLIC Battle of the Bands, part of the CLIC network, launched in September to support and promote young talent across Wales. Working closely with experts from many areas of the music industry ranging from producers to design and promotion teams their aim is to present young musicians with an opportunity to get heard, be recognised and receive valuable advice and feedback from people in the know.
The first CLIC Battle of the Bands Final took place at Ebbw Vale Institute (EVi) and saw a good turnout. Despite the competitive nature of the event, it was clear that the crowd had come for a full night of music and not just to cheer on their favourite band. One of the finalists, Inside The Virus, were forced to pull out of the competition at the last-minute after their guitarist fell ill. Rather than delighting at their increased chances of winning, the remaining bands showed good sportsmanship and helped promote Inside The Virus by playing their DVD on a projector pointed at the stage, while the remaining band members distributed CDs.
The judges, who included Hugh McDowell (ELO/Wizzard) and Charlotte Little (Community Music Wales), decided the winning act. When the winners were announced they took to the stage, looking visibly shocked, thanked the judges and expressed their admiration for their fellow bands. Once they had adjusted to the news they picked up their instruments to perform a few covers, inviting friends and family members onto the stage with them.
Speaking about it later, the boys in Code One said: Well, where do we start! What an amazing gig, the best we have ever played. We have never been as nervous as we were on that night. We want to say a big massive thank you to all the bands, fans, organisers, judges, parents, sound engineers and everyone involved with the event.
Based on the success of this event CLIC will hold an annual competition, open to all Welsh musicians aged between 11 and 25. People will be able to enter, and to vote for their favourite act, by visiting www.cliconline.co.uk.
CLIConline is an information, news and advice channel for young people in Wales.
