The search is out for Manchester’s best student talent, as Manchester Arndale’s student band competition launches for a second year.
Student bands from across Greater Manchester are invited to submit their hits, for the chance to win an exclusive recording session, live performances in Manchester Arndale and Band on the Wall, and a slot at Kendal Calling in July.
The competition runs in partnership with live music venue, Band on the Wall. Last year, Stockport-based Blank Cheque won the competition and went on to record a single in Blueprint Studios, based in Salford. The lucky band to win this year will also secure four days studio time at Blueprint and a single of their own.
The competition will see all entrants have their music heard by an established industry panel of judges; Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, Tim Thomas, Director at Blueprint Studios, Clint Boon, The Inspiral Carpets and Andy Smith, Director of From the Fields.
Student bands must enter at manchesterarndale.com/studentbandcomp by submitting a performance video before 18 March. Four bands will then be shortlisted to battle it out in a live gig at Band on the Wall on 6 April in front of the judges. The remaining finalists will perform at Manchester Arndale’s Student Spring Break on the mall, where the audience will decide who wins the recording days and Kendal Calling slot.
The competition is open to student bands from Greater Manchester, with two or more members over the age of 16. At least one member of the group must be in full-time education at the time of entry.
Tim Thomas, Director at Blueprint Studios said: “I think I speak for all the judges when I say we are extremely excited to help discover Manchester’s best emerging talent. Our city is home to some of the best musical talent in the UK and I feel this competition, and how we’ve built on what did with our first competition last year, is a great platform for student bands.;
