NEWS BLAST #10 [4/8/11]

NEWS BLAST #10 is a bumper edition, packed full of news, and opportunities for musicians and music fans alike. Want to write a Swiss Eurovision entry, or get a free music video made? Then read on!

• BRIGHT AS A BULB – The Bulbs is both a musical concept and a real band which aims to marry adventurous music-making with information and sound samples. It’s a collaboration between virtuoso solo guitarist Neil Campbell, bass player Andy Maslivec, and percussionist Joey Zeb. The Bulbs have a gig tonight – Thursday 4th August – at the Static Gallery where they’re performing alongside Mugstar. It kicks off at 8pm, and tickets are £5 from Seetickets or pay on the door. Facebook event here.

• LIVERPOOL PRIDE – It’s back for the second year on Saturday 6th August 2011 and is set to be bigger and bolder with the main stage moving to the Pier Head. There are a number of local acoustic artists on the Summer of Love stage, but we don’t want to be picky so we’ve given you the full list! liverpoolpride.co.uk
  Updated list of times and performers can be viewed here.

• BUMPER TO BUMPER – Bumperbeats is taking place on Sunday 7th and Monday 8th August at Bumper Bar on Hardman Street. They’ve been working really hard to put together a fantastic lineup for both days, and this is what they’ve come up with. We think you’ll agree there’s something for everyone here, and it’s all free!

Sunday 07/08/2011

• 6:00 – 6:25Cherry Colby
• 6:30 – 6:55 John Hughes
• 7:00 – 7:25Finigans Hanchmen
• 7:30 – 7:55Shannon Bamford
• 8:00 – 8:25The Bear Beats Band
• 8:30 – 8:55Matty Carroll
• 9:00 – 9:25Gary Maginnis
• 9:30 – 9:55Oliver Wade
• 10:00 – 10:25Evil Piccolo
• 10:30 – 10:55Liam Ellison    Monday 08/08/2011
• 6:55 – 7:20Joe Symes      
• 7:25 – 7:50Johnny Wishart  
• 7:55 – 8:00Lloyd Rock
• 8:05 – 8:30Joe Rhead       
• 8:35 – 9:00Liam Ellison    
• 9:05 – 9:30Karl McCann     
• 9:35 – 10:00Matthew Carroll 
• 10:05 – 10:30Daniel Fane     
• 10:35 – 11:00Dan Halpin      
• 11:05 – 11:30Ian Dunn
• 11:35 – 12:00Thom Moorecroft 

• TRIBUTE: SAM JONES – It was announced last Monday that Sam Jones, General Manager of the O2 Academy Liverpool, passed away at the weekend. Sam was a huge supporter of local music and was always willing to give local unsigned bands the chance to perform alongside some of the biggest touring acts around. Liverpool Acoustic would like to add our condolences to Sam’s family and friends. You can read the official statement here, and tributes in the Liverpool Echo here.

• OLDIES VS YOUNG’UNS – It’s not actually a battle between senior citizens and teenagers, but two separate songwriting competitions aimed at recognising talent, and helping Barnardo’s along the way.

Oldie Composers is open to anyone aged 40 or older on the closing date of 30th November 2011 (hey, that’s not old! Ed). The songs are judged on composition, lyrics, melody, and originality (the quality of recording is not considered). You can find full details at oldiecomposers.com

Young Songwriters aims to raise awareness of the talent that is out there in the 12 to 18 year old age range. If you know someone who you think might be interested then point them towards young-songwriters.co.ukwhere they’ll find the rules (entries have to come through via schools or recognised youth organisations) and details of how to enter. This competition runs from September through to Easter 2012, so there’s plenty of time to get involved.

• MUSICAL YOUTH – No, not the Brum reggae kids from 1982, but a chance for young musicians and singers to perform in front of an appreciative Formby audience (is there any other kind? Ed). It’ll take place on the second Tuesday of every month from 6pm to 8pm, and if you know someone who’s interested in taking part they can contact the venue on info@woodwardsformby.co.uk

• JUST A PHASE YOU’RE GOING THROUGH – phase13.co.uk are looking for acoustic musicians who’d like to have a couple of songs recorded for showcasing on youtube. Contact details are on their website or email enquiries@phase13.co.uk

• A MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE – A Masters student at Edge Hill University is looking for people who play acoustic guitar or any other folkie type instruments to take part in a production called Wildwood on 23rd and 24th September in Waterloo. The show blends folk tale and song with choral work in a re-imagining of the Welsh myth Blodeuwedd. If you’re interested, reply to the ad here.

• RUNAWAY SUCCESS – The new RunLiverpool Marathon on 9th October is looking for local bands and musicians to set up around the course and play to the the runners and supporters. With 30,000 runners due to take part it’s an excellent way to get your music heard. Reply to the ad here.

• ITALIAN TOUR OPPORTUNITY – Back in NEWS BLAST #1 and #3 we told you about an opportunity for solo or duo acoustic acts to tour Italy. Gigs aren’t paid, but expenses are covered (food, accommodations, travel). The promoter is in Liverpool on 21st August and if you’d like to meet and find out more you can contact them here.

• LET’S BE VOCAL – Andy is in North Liverpool and he’s looking for a vocalist (male or female) to record original songs in the style of Joni Mitchell and Eva Cassidy. Drop him a line here if you’re interested.

• SONGWRITER WANTED WITH EURO-VISION – Here’s an interesting one for you. Can you help finish a song that’s due to be entered into the competition to find the next Swiss entry for the Eurovision Song Contest? Fame, fortune, and pithy comments from Graham Norton await! Details here.

• LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – Matt Smith is an independent videographer who’s offering a free music video shoot to anyone interested. There are no strings attached, and it’s free so he can build up his portfolio and help out some local musicians along the way. Details here.  

• GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS – How’s that for a bold statement? The Liverpool finals of the GBOTB takes place at The Zanzibar on 16th September and is open to all genres (no covers, no backing tracks). If you’re interested, there are more details here. We can’t vouch for it so you’ll have to take it at face value!