Local unsigned bands and acts have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to perform at this year’s Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend.
The Big Gig was launched back in June when local bands and artists were asked to submit two of their tracks to the Council’s events team
Over 100 acts entered the competition, and entries received were of a very high standard across a range of styles.
The judging panel had the hard task of whittling down the over 18’s entries to six finalists who will compete against each other on Wednesday, July 13 at The Globe.
The under 18’s finalists were selected through ‘Under Construction’ who ran the competition in Youth Centres across Cardiff.
The focus of Under Construction is on the young people involved in the project, with as much involvement in planning, organising and running the festival placed in the hands of the youth committee as possible.
Six of the best acts will be playing on July 12, then a minimum of two will go through to the final on Thursday, July 14.
The under 18’s finalists are –
Bloodcandy
A 6-piece band from Bridgend. Most notable achievements include “Best Established Heavy Act” at the Battle of the Bands, Bridgend, reaching the UK Finals of WorldSkills in Walsall and entrance into the Urdd Eisteddfod. Their genre is described as Synthonic/Melodic Metal but also incorporates progressive elements as well.
The Dead Beats
Two piece band consisting of guitar/vocals and drums, the band formed 6 months ago, and influences include the White Stripes, Slash and The Rolling Stones. The band have been performing across various venus in the Vale of Glamorgan for the past 6 months.
Ellie Makes Music
Singer-songwriter Ellie James plays under the name Ellie Makes Music. She recently got through to the Live & Unsigned Regional Final in Cardiff, which took place at the Coal Exchange. Ellie was also a part of Swn Festival 2 years ago and was the house band on BBC Radio 1’s Switch.
Inconsiderate parking
Unusual band comprising ukulele, melodica and acoustic guitar whose name came from an argument that had been posted up on somebody’s window in Cathays. The band started busking in the city and playing songs whilst walking down the streets. The band now regularly play gigs and have appeared in Swn Festival and at the Albert Hall in London.
Kisses for Castro
A 5 piece playing alternative rock. The band orignaly started as a 4 piece in different guises for about 2 years and then six month ago became a 5 piece.
T-Bone Wilson
The band play their own original punk/funk material. T bone Wilson enjoy the writing process and are constantly working on new material together.
The six over 18’s finalists are
The Hunted
The Hunted emerged from their home city of Cardiff with a refreshing blend of rock and melancholic Indie pop. Their sound has been compared to the Killers, U2 and the Kaiser Chiefs but it is uniquely theirs.
The Cautionary Child
Hailing from Cardiff, The Cautionary Child, fuse beautiful melodies with powerful beats, The Cautionary Child deliver a unique sound that is captivating audiences and gathering an enthusiastic following all across the UK. The stunning live show features delicate piano, intertwining vocals, bold live drums and percussion and flowing strings
Eric Unseen
Drawing on a wide range of influences, including ska, indie and new wave this confident Tredegar band paint a musical picture of young life in the valleys and manage to marry melancholy, anger and exuberance and make something genuinely uplifting, fun, and danceable.
Ffred Jones
Up and coming singer Songwriter Ffred, who comes from Newport, has already appeared on BBC Introducing and 6 Music. Using unusual instrumentation, his great voice and beautiful songs have a haunting quality reminiscent of a 21st Century Nick Drake.
Fjords
Formed in 2010, following an interview with Steve Lamacq, Cardiff’s Fjords play out up-tempo brassed-up 80s influenced, indiepop with dark electro undertones and tightly woven vocal harmonies.
Hark! A Shark!
A female fronted five-piece band from Cardiff. The band formed in April 2010. Their main influences are Tsunami Bomb, Jimmy Eat World, Alkaline Trio and New Found Glory. At the beginning of 2011, Hark! A Shark! played with both, Kids Can’t Fly and Don Broco.
Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: ”The inaugural Big Gig competition has proved a huge success and I am delighted that we have been able to give these unsigned bands the opportunity to play at the Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend and perform in front of thousands and have their music enjoyed by a new audience.
“I would like to wish all the finalists good luck and I am looking forward to seeing the winner joining the impressive line up at this year’s Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend.”
All 12 finalists will perform live this week at the Globe Music Venue to compete for the title of The Big Gig Winner.
On July 12, the under 18s take to the stage and on July 13 the over 18 acts will battle it out.
The six best acts over the two nights will then go through to the Big Gig final and compete against each other on July 14 to be crowed the Big Gig Winner 2011, with the winning act performing at the Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend on Sunday 7 August,
Judges including Gareth Lawrence from the Blackout and former guitarist with Funeral for a Friend Darren Smith will help decide who will go throught to the final and who will be the Big Gig Winner
All finals take place at The Globe, Albany Road with tickets prices at £5 per night and £3.50 for concessions. The competition will be judged by representatives from all aspects of the music industry from successful musicians, to successful promoters, well known radio presenters to experienced Event Managers.
Tickets are available from Ticketline 02920 230 130, Spillers and The Globe
