The finalists of the Big Gig have been chosen and will now compete against each other next week to be crowned the Big Gig Winner.
The winner will join Brit Award winner Emeli Sande and Cardiff band Kids in Glass Houses by performing at the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Special City Celebration, presented by Coca-Cola, in Cooper’s Field Cardiff.
Over a hundred entries were received and the standard of entry was very high.
Three nights of live finals will now take place at the Globe music venue with tickets priced at £5 per night and £3.50 for concessions. Tickets are available from: The Globe or on line at the following websites: www.ticketlineuk.com, www.seetickets.com, www.wegottickets.com, www.eventbrite.co.uk
On Monday, May 7 the under-18s category will take part in a live final.On Tuesday, May 8 those short listed in the over-18s category will battle it out for their place in the final.
The six best bands will then compete in the Big Gig grand final on Wednesday, 9 May 2012.
Those short listed in the under 18’s category are
Behind the line – A rock band, influenced by The Lost Prophets and Kids in Glasshouses.
The Knocks – Melodic pop with a 60s influence.
Empire – Alternative rock with an impressive frontman
UTR – Indie rock influenced by Muse, Oasis and the Foo Fighters.
Disciples – Anarchic rock influenced by Rage Against The Machine
Breakdown Face – Satirical rock with tongue firmly planted in its cheek
The artists shortlisted for the over 18’ category are:
Rusty Shackle – Monmouthshire band who are a mix of breathless folk, blues, indie, skiffle, bluegrass and punk. They have already performed in festivals including Greenman and Wychwood .
Denuo – Cardiff based four-piece band who combine room-silencing moments of acoustic tranquillity with cinematic ambient rock. The band has already supported the Manic Street Preachers for their homecoming gig in Blackwood.
Eric Unseen– Hailing from Tredegar this retro pop-rock band performed at last year’s inaugural Merthyr Rock festival main stage, alongside acts such as GLC, Cast, Ocean Colour Scene and The Blackout.
Dretonio – An aspiring Cardiff singer/songwriter with a pop, hip hop and experimental feel. Dretonio has supported Tinie Tempah, Example, Katy B and Wretch 32.
Kyshera – Hailed as a “warped genius” by Radio One and “the best live band I have ever seen” by Plugged In Magazine, Kyshera from Caerphilly have done hundreds of gigs as far afield as Canada. Their long awaited album is out in October.
Palomino Party – The band have recently played mini festivals and gigs at venues including, Ten Feet Tall, Gwdihw, and Clwb Ifor Bach. Wales Online recently named the Pontypridd band as one of seven bands to watch out for in 2012.
The judges will include Ben Davies from Nation Radio, Dave Owens from the South Wales Echo and John Rostron from the Swn Festival.
Dan Nichols, Cardiff Councils, Events Development Officer, said:”This is the second Big Gig competition we have run and we have received a huge amout of entries, all to an amazing standard.
“The appetite for new music is always there and we have created this competition to give up and coming artists the opportunity to perform in front of a new audience. This year the winner of the Big Gig gets to play a part in history and perform at the Olympic celebrations in Cardiff. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something to tell the grandchildren.”
