Unsigned Bands
Hi everyone!
Article last updated 4th October 2009.
We’ve been getting a few requests from people after information about getting their (unsigned) band onto the Leeds Festival line up. So whilst it’s no big deal for me to continue sending personal responses, I think it’s much more useful if I posted a page up on here.
Basically, you have a few main options available to you.
- Futuresound Competition
- BBC Introducing (and Raw Talent in Yorkshire)
- Other Opportunities
Please note: we are in no way associated with the selection of unsigned bands for Leeds Festival.
Futuresound Competition
Futuresound run the gig nights at the Cockpit venue in Leeds, as well as promoting one-off gigs at other venues around the city, such as Leeds Metropolitan University and Brudenell Social Club.
For many years now – since the days of the festival being held at Temple Newsam – the Futuresound team have been able to offer SIX festival places to local (West Yorkshire) bands.
In the early days, these slots were in the Comedy Tent (now called the Alternative Stage), although the more recent introduction in 2006 of a dedicated Unsigned Stage (now called the BBC Introducing Stage) has seen the Futuresound winners relocate to a more appropriate stage at the heart of the arena site.
The overall Futuresound winner is rewarded with a slot on the Carling Stage (now called the Festival Republic Stage).
Since the festival in 2008, the six bands also get to appear at the Reading Festival.
Futuresound select the six bands by way of an annual summer BOTB at the Cockpit in the city centre. They will expect to receive between 200-300 applications from which they will select THIRTY bands to take part in the BOTB.
And it is the winning six, selected from these thirty, that will play at the Leeds Festival. The selection process is made by a panel of music industry judges.
Summary:
- Locality: bands from West Yorkshire only
- When to look for further announcements: end April / early May (watch Leeds Music Scene)
- Applications are usually accepted until late May / early June
- Band selection: mid June
- BOTB: late June and throughout July at the Cockpit
- Winners announced: August
BBC Introducing & BBC Raw Talent
When the Unsigned Stage was originally revealed in 2006, its selections were made by a combination of BBC Raw Talent (radio show), the Sandman Magazine and the stage’s sponsors TopMan. The breakdown was roughly 12 / 12 / 2 respectively.
The BBC Raw Talent is a radio show across the Yorkshire regions, including the Humber area, that features a vast range of local talent, signed or otherwise. The presenter of the Raw Talent show – Alan Raw – was the Unsigned Stage compère (and still is today).
Sandman Magazine was a Sheffield-based monthly music paper that covered the North of the UK. Sadly, it shut its doors in early 2009 and is no longer involved in the selection of bands for the Reading and Leeds festivals.
After two years – in 2008 – the selection moved entirely over to the UK-wide BBC Introducing network. This coincided with the stage being re-branded as the BBC Introducing Stage, which was also set up to operate at the Reading Festival site and the ability for bands to play at both sites.
The downside of this expansion was that the opportunities for unsigned Leeds / Northern bands diminished with the slots at Leeds now available to bands from throughout the UK. The upside being that Leeds bands also got to play at Reading Festival.
The selection process is based on bands that have been featured or played a session on the BBC Introducing shows around the UK – so if you’re a Leeds band that is interested in playing at Leeds Festival your best bet is through the Raw Talent shows.
You should regularly tune into the show, get your material to them at any time of the year, be available for interviews and just, you know, be a good band!
If you are not from Leeds, then your best route will be via your local BBC radio station.
Summary:
- Available all year round.
- Upload your music to BBC Introducing
- Contact BBC Raw Talent or your local BBC radio network
Other Opportunities – Leeds 2010
At the time of writing we are aware of one other route to appearing on the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds 2010. This was announced via an article on the Leeds Music Scene site.
This place is open to secondary school students in Leeds and is being run by the Martin House Children’s Hospice. Each school will host their own internal talent competition and the winning act will secure a place at the Centre Stage heats.
The Leeds band that is declared the ultimate winner will appear at the festival.
Interested? Check with your high school’s music department or your teachers for more details.
I hope this article has been of some use! Please feel free to post comments, updates, corrections.
And if you like this article please share it with others.
we are a 4 piece rock band thats been giging for around 5 years around the uk and we put on a class show…http://www.myspace.com/titorsinsignia check us out
http://www.azwel.com
audio section has 20 streamable songs.
very melodic pop sound from NY
Hey,
We’re a four piece rock/punk band from Leicester.
we’ve had plenty of experience playing all around the UK,
if you have any slots available and interested in booking us then please give us a shout.
Our myspace page is http://www.myspace.com/skarletttripband where you can hear our demo’s,
thank you for your time,
Gray
We are an indie/ alternative band from north manchester. we have played a few shows and have had a great response and are getting quite a good following.feel free to check us out on http://www.myspace.com/drivetherenowband. contact us if you require anymore info, we will not dissapoint.
Thanks
Try something different http://www.myspace.com/sicknoteflat
INVISIBLE IDOLS, South Yorkshire
Based in South Yorkshire, is 3 piece “Power Trio” Invisible Idols. With songs co-written with Zal Cleminson from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band & Nazareth the band is pleased to announce they are performing at Sheffield’s O2 Academy in August 09. In september The Idols will be supporting the newly reformed 80’s legends Kajagoogoo with rumours of more support appearances with various acts to follow later this year! If you like classic rock with a modern twist get down to one of these new amazing shows, you are guaranteed to be entertained!
Band Members
Joe Lally- Bass & Backing Vocals
Lee Brook- Drums & Backing Vocals
Matt Black- Lead Vocals & Guitar
http://www.invisibleidols.com
http://www.myspace.com/invisibleidols
http://unsigned.bigcityweb.co.uk/hallam/bands/INVISIBLE-IDOLS
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NTTFJSY
we are death metal
check out newnoisepollution (NNP) at wwwmyspace.com/newnoisepollution1
ITS ONLY ROCK N ROLL
Check us out at http://www.myspace.com/shotdeadtheband
hello
please give Where’s Strutter? a listen at
http://www.myspace.com/wheresstrutter
new demo up now !
Nice One
Strutter ?
x
Futuresound 2009 bands announced.
We are a Saddleworth band… GREENFIRE brings together an eclectic mix from different musical genres to keep out of any pigeonhole!! The latest promotional CD, “Time Is The Enemy” is available to hear at http://www.myspace.com/greenfireonline
Hightlights of last year were supporting ‘Spear of Destiny’ at Academy 3, Manchester and regular haunts including Night & Day in Manchester. We would like to hit the festivals this year.
Thanks
Jo
Hey, we’re District Six, a 4peice from Bradford
Http://www.myspace.com/districtsixrock
check us out! we’ll be entering the futuresound compition!
Much love
xxx
The best new boyband on the music scene – CHAPTER ONE!
http://www.myspace.com/chapter0ne
We are the band Dan Audio, you can hear our songs at :
Http:/www.myspace.com/danaudio
We are the best upcoming band in Leeds and work hard at what we do. The proof is in the playing.
Many thanks Martin Bongo (of Dan Audio).
Alright, we are White County Line, a rock and blues duo from Wrenthorpe, Wakefield. Check out our myspace and add us if you like what you hear and see. Thanks Dan
http://www.myspace.com/whitecountyline
http://www.myspace.com/deadmessage
!!
We are well worthy of playing Leeds Festival. Got good catchy tunes and play an energetic entertaining live set. Check us out at Bradford mela on the Sunday.
How do we get hold of an application form?
x
BLANK:
Noun
- A place where something is lacking; an empty space
- To fail in an attempt; be unsuccessful
Adjective
- Showing no attention, interest or emotion; Blank expression
- Lacking some usual or completing feature
Verb
- To cross out or delete in order to invalidate or void
Proper Noun
- A band containing four musicians that play sparse, gritty noise
http://www.myspace.com/filltheblanks
(new tracks coming soon)
We’re a rock/pop band from Mansfield. Give us a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/wewerefriendsuk
Heavy dance music me thinks….
JUSTICE MEETS DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? REALLY?
YEAH!!!
http://www.myspace.com/gloverjk
I go to some of the futuresound heats every year, they tend to be good gigs but can’t help but think that the winners are decided before the competition even starts, making it pointless.
if you’re wanting to play at leeds fest then don’t rely on futuresound unless you’re best buds with the futuresound dudes.
Best bet is to enter the topman competition or look out for competitions on local radio stations, i.e. Real Radio or Aire FM.
GET THE BEST BAND IN DONCASTER PLAYING, THEY ARE NENA KUBU, THEY AHVE PLAYED WITH SOME GOOD BIG BANDS NOW, LET THEM LOOSE INTO THE MUSICAL WORD, THEY ARE TOP TALENT WHO HAVE TRYEEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT, NOT LIKE THE THIEVES OR THE BOWES, COMPLETE RIP OFFS
NENA KUBU
GOOD LOOK NK
Tonight We Fire – Local Leeds Pop Punk
http://www.myspace.com/tonightwefire
x
GET THE THIEVES TO PLAY (Y)
LOCAL DONCASTER BAND AND THERE QUALITY. LISTEN TO FALLEN LEAVES!!
http://www.myspace.com/thethievesuk
Can you camp if you are 16, with an 18 year old accompaning you because it says “no 16 and under will be permitted to camp unless accompanied with an over 18 year old.” so can they be 18? or have to be over.. ???
Also can someone else buy my ticket at hmv for me, without me there and just give it to me or will they need my address and proof of age etc. ?
Blink 182 !!!!!!
Check out Burnout
http://www.bebo.com/westlothianburnout
how do we get to gig on the unsigned stagenight?
I think we would suit the unsigned stage like no other.
Think Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Think Forward Russia
Think Bloc Party
Blend them in a smoothie maker and you’ll get ‘Nena Kubu’.
Check out our myspace
Thanks
WE ARE THE OCEAN
We are THIEF TAKER
Alternative, Experimental, Rock/Pop
From Leeds
Currently gigging
Want some ears
how would i sign my band up to participate in the suture sound competition, my band formed jsut after last years leeds fest, so i missed out. let me know somehow, someone?
Aidan-Wreckriation.
We are the Beanstalks
http://www.myspace.com/jackthebeanstalksband
http://www.myspace.com/pegasusbridge
I saw these guys in Worcester, they’re really really good!
Will get applying to those then- thanks for the clear info
Really interested in playing 2009
check us out at http://www.myspace.com/clairecameronmusic
Claire Cameron Band, Leeds
[email protected]
HEY MY PEOPLE THIS SOUNDS EXCELLENT!!
PLAYING LEEDS FEST WOULD BE DREAM AND A HONOR FOR US TO PLAY!
WE NEVER DISAPOINT A CROUD AN’ WE ARE PROUD TO BE LOUD !
Please Give us one chance to Show what we can do
Write back! Love and Respect K.A.E!
WHOOP!
heyyy guys! so how do we go about getting a gig at the cockpit or the bbc gigs…
to the road to leeds fest:)
WOULD BE AMAZING!
cb luv dominant species x
http://www.myspace.com/dominantspeciesuk
We are a fancy five piece of brothers and sisters setting out to paint our minds, hearts and souls using the beautiful creation that is musical expression. Our biggest inspirations are each other, and our biggest fan is our drummer’s little brother. We are the artists, and the artist’s muse.
cheap ugly mugs waiting for the right time to jump into those white wedding gowns and drown ourselves (and you) in the blood of love!
A poem by Datura Stramonium
got meat in my feet
and im stamping the beat
don’t die in retreat
lets dance to defeat
carnivore elite
on the highway heading south
blood of youth around our mouth
in the forest heading west
life flies by, no time to rest
wade in the water heading east
on the strange we will feast
down the mountain heading north
don’t look back, forever forth
http://www.myspace.com/meatykids
http://www.myspace.com/monochromemusicuk plz have a look at music we only 14 so it wud be incredible to play at leeds , thanks
A LOT LIKE ESKIMOS & KID OCTOBER, GET THEM IN THE UNSIGNED TENT!
Hi
My company and Wateraid will be running 2 gig nights in 2009 for unsigned bands, it is in aid of a project we are attached to in Mozambique. The first event is in Leeds, and a 2nd night will be in a venue in the South (to be confirmed)
We are looking for talented bands, singer songwriters to appear and perform to a crowd of about 400 people…
If anyone is interested in performing or being involved and would like more information I can be contacted [email protected]
Thanks
THE CREEKS NEED TO PLAY AND ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!!!
http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THECREEKSROCK (COPYRIGHT 2008)
CHECK US OUT….YOU KNOW ITS ONLY RIGHT…
PEACE
WATCH OUT!! THE BURNING SKYZ REVOLUTION IS HERE!!!!!
Next gig 9th August at the Primrose, meanwood road Leeds. These guys will be playing next year, go to there gigs, you’ll see!
hi my name is lisa ambrose 18 from bugay suffolk, i am a unsigned singer/songwriter and harmonica solos i hav only been playing music since jan 3rd of 2008 and in may of this i won the battle of the bandstands compotion in liverpool 2 open u pthe show infront of 2000 people for Mark Ronson and DJ Rob De Bank. i was looking at ur festival and was wonderd if u would give me the chance to play there this year? you can see and hear what i do on my myspace wich is myspace.com/misslisaambrose i hope u will get bk 2 me just 2 let me know if i am 2 l8 best regards,
misslisaambrose x
We think we are good enough to perform to any crowd, but we don’t at the moment have a P.A. system. I wondered if you could supply a P.A. system for us to play, if not, we’ll get one ourselves.
We are mainly a dance/techno outfit and have written many songs and we hope to be big!!!
Regards,
Twenty Four Hours.
With over 30 places available, there’s a very good chance that the ‘best musicians’ in the city tend to find themselves in the ‘best bands’. So it’s not a surprise I guess, that some of the same faces re-appear.
And having read reviews from previous years on a number of sites, I don’t think there’s been any doubt that the quality has been high. So it’s never been an issue.
The organisations that select the 30 bands are diverse and the opportunities great, therefore if there was any ‘favouritism’ (not sure I’ve ever seen any evidence of this) the impact is negligible and the impact on a band’s opportunities low. The ‘best bands’ are likely to come to the fore when viewing independently by:-
BBC Introducing
Sandman (who get their selection from a host of independent music folk from around the whole of Yorkshire to avoid any bias or favouritism)
Futuresound Competition (who run as a BOTB)
Is it true that the same bands (3 at least )even though they have only changed their names and the odd band member have played in the future sound comp for the last 4 years !.
Doesn’t seem fair to the other unsigned bands!
Could there be some favoritism, or lets put our mates on?
Look at the bands from the last few years and you tell me.
what do you think.
shrewsburys best indie band; http://www.myspace.com/tenkayrunner
http://www.leedsmusicfestival.com/2008/05/30/unsigned-bands-get-more-opportunities-to-play-leeds/