Rising Stars One Way Prepare For Regional Finals Of National 'Live And Unsigned' Competition
Tuesday, 06 March 2012
Written by Jon Stickler
One Way, a group of talented young musicians, have made it through to the regional finals of this year's 'Live And Unsigned' competition where they'll be competing against some of the most talented bands and artists in the country all in a bid to make it to the final at London's O2 Arena and possibly a £10,000 cash prize as well as performances at some UK festivals.
Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live & Unsigned said: “Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility. We don’t accept demos or submissions and everyone auditions live. We’ve got some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year in a £100,000 prize pool, including a new main cash prize of £10,000. The festival slots and other prizes available make this year’s competition our biggest ever!”
One Way battled against hundreds of auditionees to secure a spot in the live shows. Acts that made it through auditions will now take part in a live regional final showcase in front of hundreds of spectators. The best acts will also get the opportunity to play at some of the biggest festivals in the UK from over 100 Festival slots including Beach Break Live, Boardmasters, Bearded Theory, Strawberry Fields and Osfest.
Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists and it sets itself apart by promoting and offering originality. This year’s competition also offers acts an extra chance for exposure as being filmed for broadcasting on the Sky TV Network in an exclusive fly-on-the-wall documentary.
Member of One Way range in age from 11-13 years old and all go to different schools so it was by pure luck that they all descended on Hereford Music Studios to have lessons with Pete Goodall. It was Pete who realised the potential of these four talented youngsters, leading to the formation of One Way.
So just who are One Way? Theo at 13-year-old is the eldest and plays the bass. He lives at Lydbrook and attends Monmouth School. Billy, age 12, lives near Ross-on-Wye and attends John Kryle High School. He plays lead and rhythm guitar. Playing the guitar has become his passion and he would like to play professionally with the band and also as a session musician. He said of the competition so far that it has been nerve racking but is a great experience as the band have been practising hard to tighten their sound.
Lily, the lead singer, is in Year 7 at Kingstone High School. Her mother Louise Harper stated that “Lily has always been singing and can be heard singing at home all of the time.” Finally we have Will, the youngest at 11, who plays the drums. Will attends Shobden Primary School and lives in Bearwood.
Speaking about their success in the competition so far, One Way stated: “The Live and Unsigned competition has given us enjoyment, taught us professionalism and hopefully will give us some recognition.”
One Way caught the eye of the Judges earlier this year and are now competing in the regional final, after making it through the auditions beating hundreds of other hopefuls. They received this excellent feedback from the judges at their initial audition: “Very talented young band, technical guitarist and good onstage coordination. Had put some good work in to pull it off, be great to see how they do at the shows may put a few of the older bands to shame.”
Now preparing for the regional final showcase on 18th March at Cardiff's Coal Exchange, One Way will be hoping to progress towards the Live And Unsigned grand final at Live Fest at London's O2 Arena.
For more details on the rising talents of One Way, please visit their official website www.oneway-band.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook and see them perform over at their own YouTube Channel. The band have their first radio interview on www.livewiretalk.co.nr tonight, Tuesday 6th March, between 8.00-10.00pm
For further information on this year's Live & Unsigned competition, please visit www.liveandunsigned.com.
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Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live & Unsigned said: “Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility. We don’t accept demos or submissions and everyone auditions live. We’ve got some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year in a £100,000 prize pool, including a new main cash prize of £10,000. The festival slots and other prizes available make this year’s competition our biggest ever!”
