Interview With The Lottery Winners

 

 

Winning Live and Unsigned

 

How much has winning Live and Unsigned meant to you?

We still find it difficult to articulate it. It just crept up from nowhere, grabbed us by the cheeks and whisked us away to a wonderful place full of interviews, recordings and photographs. A place we’d all dreamt of, but never actually been. It’s become full time now, and we’ve all quit our jobs. Quitting your job to pursue your band is the most liberating, brilliant thing you’ll ever do in your life.

During the rounds of the competition, how confident were you of winning?

We had no idea! In every heat we thought it would be unlikely that we would progress. I guess we’re not confident enough in ourselves! We were just treating the competition as a place to meet new bands, play in front of some new faces and hopefully, gain some exposure. Exposure that has been incomparable for us, everyone seems to know who we are now!

Has winning the event opened up any avenues as of yet or provoked any interest from people in the music business, other than the direct package that you won?

A lot more people are certainly aware of us now. There have been some quite interesting words flung around but we’re just keeping our feet on the ground and taking things one step at a time. It’s not very wise to rush into anything, headfirst and eyes shut, in the music industry.

Prior to Live and Unsigned, how were things going for you as a group and how did you find your local music scene?

I’m 100% confident in the statement that we have the best fans on the planet. They’re all crazy, loyal and insanely beautiful. There’s quite a few of them too! They have reproduced a bit, since the competition though. Leigh is a spooky place to be from, either everyone loves you, or everyone hates you and tend to throw things at you. There doesn’t seem to be any in-between.

On stage at the Live and Unsigned Festival

How much did you enjoy playing the O2?

It was a surreal experience. There must have been about six hundred and fifty three butterflies in each of our stomachs, just flying around. They all went crazy, bumping into each other when we were side-stage waiting to go on, that was the scariest bit. They all leave you though, as soon as you get on stage. Then something else entirely takes over. Minutes feel like seconds, and seconds barely exist. One thing I did not enjoy, though, if there had to be something, is not being able to see the audience. Those lights are like the sun, right in your eyes! 

What have you got coming up?

Lots! We’re currently looking for the right person to record our debut single, Paper Plate Faces. Then that will be released, and we’ll tour it. Hopefully, everyone will buy it, and we’ll do an album, that hopefully everyone will also buy. We’ll go on to write a Christmas song, get it to number one, then all quit music and buy planes. You know, the usual.

Now that you have won the competition and verified that you are indeed a good group with a large following, how far do you see yourself going in the music business?

We’re not deluded or anything, we don’t think we’re going to be the Beatles. We’re just hoping to be the biggest band in the world.

Who influences the music that you have written so far?

Everyone. From people on buses to all of our favourite bands. We’re all obsessed with very different things, musically. I guess our music is just a soup made from everything that we do, read, watch and listen to.

Who would you love to have the opportunity to play alongside in the music business?

It’ll never ever happen, Morrissey would hate us, we’re far too happy. We just want to tour with some cool bands, we like to make lots of friends. We’re all really feeling Bombay Bicycle Club at the moment, we’ve seen them a few times. It’d be nice to do some shows with them.

"We're not deluded or anything, we don't think we're going to be the Beatles. We're just hoping to be the biggest band in the world."

Were there any other acts in the competition who you felt were particularly good?

Loads! Especially at the final. We watched every single band that day, and every one blew us away. They were the cream of the crop, whittled down from 10,000 bands. Everyone did themselves proud. We’ve even been to see a couple of them, the ones that really caught our ears.

Realistically speaking, do you think you would achieve great things in the business, without the title of Live and Unsigned winners behind you?  Particularly with the lack of support the music business seems to offer new acts as a whole.

It has certainly been a fantastic platform for us, and it’s grabbed attention from the media which is very important. I think we’re all very determined people, though. I’d like to think we would have gotten there, one way or another.

What do you believe it is about you and your sound that led you to be crowned winners?

Who knows! Whatever we’re doing at the moment, we seem to be doing it right, so naturally, we intend to continue! Maybe it’s our jaw-dropping good looks!

Rock Winner Underline the Sky To Play Biggest Festival In Asia

Earlier this year we revealed an exclusive prize for the Rock winner of Live and Unsigned 2010 – an all expenses paid trip to India to play and compete in the biggest festival in Asia!The Live and Unsigned Festival this weekend saw acts battling it out live on stage at the 02 in London for the chance to win some of the fantastic prizes on offer, including the prestigious festival slot in Asia.

Performing in front of a sell out crowd and the celebrity judging panel, it was Underline The Sky who were eventually crowned the winner of the Rock Category (Indie band the Lottery Winners were crowned the overall winner of the competition)

Now Underline The Sky are getting set to fly out to Mumbai to perform at the 25th Independence Rock! Independence Rock aims to promote independent musicians, artists and bands on a global platform. Today, IR is attempting to take talented bands and groups to a global arena and give them an opportunity to perform at an International level. It’s a global face off that will bring together International artists & musicians, giving every act that takes part a chance to be recognised for their talent and music.

The National Finals and the Global Finale will be held in Mumbai. Underline The Sky will be playing at the Finale, alongside acts from all over the world. And not only will they be performing their music to the crowd, but they’ll be given the opportunity to win the $50, 000 prize on offer.

Independence rock have confirmed acts from the biggest unsigned music competitions across the globe including Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia and Live and Unsigned in the UK. As it’s the 25th year of Independence Rock, there will be special performances from musicians who have played in the past and an International headliner.

Check out the other winners from across the globe below;

From the USA – Exposed, Stars At Night – http://www.myspace.com/starsatnightband
From Canada – Band On The Run, Stoned Moses – http://www.myspace.com/stonedmosescanada
From the UK – Live and Unsigned, Underline The Sky – http://www.myspace.com/underlinethesky
From Europe – Emergenza, Kid Galahad – http://www.myspace.com/kidgalahad
From Asia – Sutasi, Biuret – http://www.myspace.com/biuret1
From Australia – National Campus Band Comp, The Downstairs Mix-Up – http://www.myspace.com/thedownstairsmixupband
From India – Independence Rock
(National finals one day before the Global finale)

The Lottery Winners Shine At Live and Unsigned Festival

Full to the brim with the best unsigned music from across the UK, thousands of music fans were bopping along to fresh music at the Live and Unsigned Festival this weekend.

The best under the radar artists took to the stage at the Indig02 in London on Saturday 10th July for the chance to be crowned the winner of Live and Unsigned 2010, and it was The Lottery Winners from Leigh who eventually took home the title!

The Lottery Winners battled it out in live auditions and live heats across the country to eventually take away the top spot. They were crowned the UK’s best Live and Unsigned Act on the main stage of the Festival in front of a sold out crowd and an array of industry judges.

Representatives from the music industry were out in force to meet enthusiastic newcomers at the Grand Final of Live and Unsigned, the biggest unsigned music competition in the UK for original artists.

Over 10, 000 acts entered the competition this year, and the Grand Final saw the cream of the UK’s unsigned talent showcase their music in front of thousands of audience members and the judging panel which included Slade’s legendary front man Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and RnB star Shola Ama.

The Festival played host to an eclectic mix of artists, with four genre categories performing throughout the day including Rock, Indie, Alternative and Pop/Acoustic/Urban. Category winners included rock band Underline The Sky from Ipswich, acoustic act Sam Garrett from Derbyshire and alternative group We Beat The System from Sunderland. But the judges, alongside an energised audience, voted Indie band The Lottery Winners as the overall winner. Their winners package includes a management and recording contract, development of a clothing brand, publicity package and UK tour.

Chris Grayston, judge on the night and head of A&R at Future Music commented ‘The standard this year was fantastic. The competition has grown year on year, and this year has to be the biggest yet. The talent has improved, there have been some fantastic prizes up for grabs, invaluable development opportunities and Grand Finalists played on stage at the best live music venue in the country, the 02 in London. It was a great end to a great year. I am confident we have chosen the right winner. I am looking forward to next year’s competition and working with The Lottery Winners and I’m sure we’re going to be seeing a lot more of them.’

With over 30, 000 registrations in the last three years, Live and Unsigned has cemented its place on the UK music scene as the largest unsigned music competition for under the radar, original artists. The competitions popularity comes from its reputation for encouraging originality and it’ss open to all unsigned acts regardless of genre, so it’s got something for everyone!
Live and Unsigned 2011 auditions begin again in January 2011 and will be travelling across the UK.

Check out The Lottery Winners MySpace at; www.myspace.com/thelotterywinnersmusic

Judges Favourites At The Live and Unsigned Festival

The Live and Unsigned Festival at the Indig02 in London saw the best unsigned musicians from across the country take to the stage.

They performed in front of a packed out audience and professional judging panel, for the chance to be crowned the winner of Live and Unsigned 2010.

This is the order of Judges scores added together.The combination of the Judge’s scores were ranked and added to the audience text voting, which was also ranked. The acts with the combined highest ranking from audience and Judges votes are winners in each category.

ROCK CATEGORY JUDGES TOP 5

1st) Underline The Sky www.myspace.com/underlinethesky

2nd) The Raging Sickness www.myspace.com/theragingsickness

3rd) Coopers Rage www.myspace.com/coopersrage

4th) Black Acid Souls www.myspace.com/blackacidsouls

5th) Rayne www.myspace.com/raynereign

6th) Area 51 www.myspace.com/area51cs

=6th) Landscapes to Citylights www.myspace.com/landscapestocitylights

URBAN/POP/ACOUSTIC CATEGORY JUDGES TOP 7

1st) Sam Garrett www.myspace.com/samgarrettmusic

2nd) L.A Davis www.myspace.com/ladavismusic

3rd) The Mirettes www.myspace.com/themirettesuk

4th) Soundwavesandescapades www.myspace.com/soundwavesandescapades

5th) Joe Karchud www.myspace.com/joekarchud

= 5th) Raffaella Covino

7th) Tom Pearce www.myspace.com/tompearce01

= 7th) Emily Burns www.myspace.com/emilyburnsuk

ALTERNATIVE CATEGORY JUDGES TOP 5

1st) We Beat The System www.myspace.com/webeatthesystemuk

2nd) Toxic Funk Berry www.myspace.com/toxicfunkberry

3rd) Chris Mac www.myspace.com/macmusicofficial

4th) Crash & Berney www.myspace.com/crashandberneyuk

5th) Starling www.myspace.com/starlingsings

INDIE CATEGORY JUDGES TOP 5

1st) The Lottery Winners www.myspace.com/thelotterywinnersmusic

2nd) The Jons www.myspace.com/thejonsofficial

3rd) Silhouette Showgirls www.myspace.com/silhouetteshowgirls

4th) The Great Escape. www.myspace.com/tgeband

5th) Less Than Sober www.myspace.com/ltslessthansober

Live and Unsigned 2010 Winners

Full to the brim with the best unsigned music from across the UK, thousands of music fans turned out for the Live and Unsigned Festival this weekend, and what a day it was!

Bands took to the stage at the Indig02 in London in front of a packed out crowd and judging panel that included Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and Shola Ama.

Acts battled it out live on stage for the title, congratulations to the winners and all who took part. The overall runner up of the competition was Underline The Sky and the band that took the top spot as winners of Live and Unsigned 2010 were The Lottery Winners!

Winners package includes;

• Management and recording contract with Future Music Management
• Initial winners £15,000 publicity package (publications depending on the winner) including pages in Kerrang, Q Magazine, NME, The Fly, Who’s Jack, Rewind Magazine, Mojo Magazine and Flavour Magazine.
• Development of a clothing brand and sponsorship courtesy of Extreme State. Working with Extreme State’s Creative Director and business team, the winner will work on visuals and graphics that embody their image and they’ll get to design a clothing collection to be sold on their website, at gigs and in retail.
• Further £15,000 minimum for single release package including; Studio time for single release and promotional campaign.
• UK tour of up to 100 shows including covering expenses up to £7,500 (Depending on genre of overall winner)

Rock final winner sponsored by Rockstar drinks Underline The Sky
Prizes included; Independence Rock Festival – all expenses paid trip to India to compete in the festival. Including return flights and Indian visa, accommodation, spending money of 3000 r a day, and the overall winner of IRock will win $30, 000 cash and $20, 000 in equipment.

Urban, Pop and Acoustic final winner sponsored by Flavour magazine Sam Garrett

Indie final winner sponsored by Who’s Jack Magazine The Lottery Winners

Alternative final winner sponsored by Extreme We Beat The System

SPONSORS AWARDS

Rockstar Energy Drink will be giving one band from the rock category a slot on their UK roster which includes coverage on their website, a blog on the Rockstar website to blog from the road, entrance into Rockstar and a year’s supply of Rockstar Energy Drink to keep them energised on tour. The MD of Rockstar Gordon Donald said the outstanding act and best fit to represent Rockstar is Underline The Sky

Flavour Magazine will award one act of the Urban, Pop genre a comprehensive package which includes coverage on the website, a double page feature in the magazine and TV interview. The Editor in chief of Flavour judged and said the outstanding act and winner is Sam Garrett

Frimchett Festival will be giving one act from the Pop category a slot on the main stage of their festival supporting Roachford and Beverley Knight. This also includes website and media coverage and this went to L.A.Davis

MUZU exposure award is awarded to the act that receives the most views on MUZU.TV for their performance filmed at L&U receiving an exclusive all expenses paid trip to Dublin to make a music video in MUZU.TV studio, support slot in a leading Dublin music venue and documentary video of the trip and a main feature on the MUZU.TV home page and Blog for a month. We’ve had over 3 million views and the winner is Fuel for the Fire

Slade Legend Noddy Holder Talks To Live and Unsigned

He’s been the front man of one of the most successful rock and roll bands in the UK, has toured all over the world to sold out gigs and he’s penned one of the most recognised Christmas tunes ever. And now Noddy Holder, who fronted the legendary Slade, is getting set to take his place on the Live and Unsigned 2010 Judging Panel.

Live and Unsigned spoke exclusively to Noddy on what he thinks makes a band successful, what he loves about the music industry and how he came up with that classic line ‘It’s Christmaaaas’…

L&U: Have you ever judged a music competition?

Noddy: I have and I really enjoy it, it gives me a real insight into what’s up and coming today. I have done it nationally and regionally and have judged specific competitions – I once judged a heavy metal competition. But I am really looking forward to judging Live and Unsigned because I’m really interested to see a mixture of genres.

L&U: What will you be looking for as a judge?

Noddy: Originality and the ability to handle an audience. I’ll be looking for something that’s not been done before and I’ll also be looking closely at image. I think image is so important – all the big bands like The Beatles and The Who all had big images to go with their music. And when I was in Slade we placed huge importance on our image. I think it’s great if artists are influenced by what’s gone before, but I don’t want to see any copies. Music can’t stand still, it’s got to be constantly moving and I’ll be looking for new twists and new ideas. I also think it’s so important to get live gigging experience, because interacting with your audience is crucial.

L&U: Any particular genre you are looking forward to?

Noddy: All of them! I grew up listening to jazz and artists like Sinatra and I still love that music today. There is so much choice, I’m looking forward to hearing it all!

L&U: How is the music industry different today from when you were in a band?

Noddy: Music is very accessible now with the emergence of the internet and is instant. But I also think it takes a lot longer for music to get released through record companies now than it did before. When I was gigging in the 70’s, I could get a song written and released within a fortnight. Nowadays record companies take six months to develop an artist and release their music and it doesn’t seem to be as spontaneous as it was before. Musicians take up to two or three years to write an album now but I have always wanted to get music out there as fast as possible. I think if you wait too long you lose contact with your audience and you get sick of hearing the songs! Inevitably it’s a little different when you release a second album, but it used to take me about a month to write an album.

L&U: How do you think bands can crack the industry today?

Noddy: There is a real emergence of bands making it through the internet and sites like MySpace – Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen both did that. I think it’s difficult today because when I was in a band record companies were signing new acts all the time. But today they don’t have the money to do that and less and less acts are getting signed. If acts do get signed, it could be for one album and they are dropped if it flops. I remember when we signed, it was for a five album deal. Nowadays, if there is no return on investment a band can be dropped automatically. I am a huge believer in live gigging – I know it’s difficult financially for bands to do, but I really believe it’s the way to build a fan base. Build up that hardcore fan following in gigs, and they will be the ones that support you and buy your records. I think a lot of acts believe it happens over night – it doesn’t. Slade got together in 1966 and it wasn’t until 1971 that we had a hit record. It’s a real hard slog and it’s about perseverance.

L&U: Tell us about your Slade days?

Noddy: U2 may have taken over the title now, but for a long time we were the longest serving band with the same line up as we were together for over 25 years. We worked all over the world and our thing was live music – everybody knew us for our gigs. When we used to gig in America, we could fill a 20, 000 capacity arena without having a single released. We toured all over the world and we always shipped our equipment to wherever we were – that way the show was always the same no matter where you saw it. Having hit records was the icing on the cake for us because we all loved gigging.

L&U: How did you come up with the infamous ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’?

Noddy: The first song I ever wrote was in 1967 and it was called Buy Me A Rocking Chair. It was a hippy song but none of the band liked it so it got binned. Six years later, our bass player and co writer Jimmy was wondering why we hadn’t released a Christmas song. He remembered the song I wrote and came up with a new verse. I went away and came up with some lyrics and it all fell into place. We recorded it in New York and played it to our manager who loved it. The record company had wanted a Christmas single from us and at the time no rock band had done one. We had no idea Wizzard were bringing one out too! We also had no idea how big it would be. In two days it sold over one million copies and I still hear it played today.

L&U: What’s the secret to success?

Noddy: I would say it’s mainly hard work. Talent is also crucial, but you don’t have to be a songwriter to have a long and successful career. Tom Jones has had a fantastic career as a singer and hasn’t written any songs and there are lots of fantastic artists like that out there. But what I do think you need is the ability to capture the publics imagination.

L&U: Would you ever go on tour again?

Noddy: I was in the music business for over 30 years and as much as I loved it, I wouldn’t go back to it. I am doing so many different things with TV, Radio and Presenting now that I wouldn’t want to give up.

L&U: Would you ever manage a band?

Noddy: I actually dabbled with managing back in the 80’s. I managed a band that was really good and I think they could have really made it in the industry. I worked with them and paid for demos. I secured an offer from a major record label and to be fair to the band, I had them go away to consult a lawyer on the contract in case there was anything they wanted to change. They came back and had some doubts and after having a meeting decided to decline the offer and went back to gigging in working men’s clubs so unfortunately it didn’t work out. I think some bands can be very picky before they’ve made it in the industry and it’s important to grab opportunities.

L&U: Any stand out musicians you like today?

Noddy: I have a passion for great singers. I really like Paolo Nutini’s new album.

L&U: What advice would you give to acts today?

Noddy: There are definitely up and downs in this industry, it’s all part of rock and roll. I don’t think you should go into the industry if you want to be a millionaire over night because you won’t be. You have to really love it. It’s all about perseverance and obviously there are great rewards if you work hard.

L&U: If you weren’t a musician, what would you have been?

Noddy: I think it was always inevitable for me to go into music, so I think I would have still been playing music somewhere. But if not, then I would have been a History or English teacher.

L&U: What do you think has been the biggest change in music in the past ten years?

Noddy: The amount of really good female songwriters. If you search back to the 70’s and 80’s, apart from Kate Bush and Annie Lennox, there really weren’t a huge amount of female songwriters. But today, there are so many talented female writers and I think that’s been a prominent change in the last decade.

L&U: Where do you think music will be in the next ten years?

Noddy: I think the internet will become more and more important. I think bands will start releasing their own videos to the public and we’ll see a real emergence of live streaming. I am a big fan of going to old shops and boot sales and finding rare seven inch vinyl’s and discovering old music. But I think those days are gone for a lot of people – music is now becoming a world wide jukebox because of the internet and the download era.

Radio 1 Urban DJ Ras Kwame Talks To Live and Unsigned

Currently presenting Radio 1’s Urban show, Ras Kwame is best known for being a pioneer of Urban music in the UK. He receives hundreds of demos every week and is always on the look out for new music.

As well as presenting his weekly show, he is also a television presenter and regularly travels across the UK with his popular club nights.

Ras is getting ready to judge Live and Unsigned 2010, so we caught up with him to find out what he will be looking for from acts, what he thinks of the UK Urban scene and we grab some top tips for acts on how to break the industry…

L&U: Have you judged many events like Live and Unsigned?

Ras: I have judged events but on a much smaller scale. I used to judge The Jump Off – which was more of an MC battle. There was a panel of 3 judges and it was judging on live, raw ability and I really enjoyed it. But I haven’t judged anything like this so I’m looking forward to it.

L&U: What do you think makes an act stand out?

Ras: Originality. They also have to be really into what they do and be artistic. Vocal clarity is obviously important, and I’ll be looking for an act that has the desire to take it to the next level. As well as being in tune, there needs to be real energy about the performance. If there is any choreography in it, it needs to be tight. Overall, I’ll be looking for a strong effort.

L&U: How should acts get their name out there?

Ras: By any means possible! Use every avenue you can, no matter how big or small. Social networking is an obvious one as its free and it works. It’s probably the easiest way to build your fan base with very little expense. Make sure you have your events on your Myspace and interact with your fans.

L&U: Any top tips for acts performing?

Ras: Come prepared!

L&U: What would really catch your attention and make you play a track on the radio?

Ras: Well obviously the track needs to be good and I need to like it. But it’s all about originality – something I’ve not heard before. Even a cover can be original, as it’s about the interpretation of the music. It obviously needs to be technically right and it has to be catchy and grab your attention. I also think the performance needs to say something – it needs to do all of that in three minutes. I get a lot of demos sent in every week and they are all sent in a variety of ways – and those are all the ingredients that would make a song stand out for me.

L&U: Any under the radar acts that you are tipping for success in 2010?

Ras: There are too many to mention! Maverick Sabre is great – very unique and a strong song writer. He’s a fusion of Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.

L&U: What do you think about the charts today?

Ras: It’s dominated by Urban music and I don’t see that changing for the next couple of years. I think there’s still a lot of new talent to come through the UK charts.

L&U: What do you think of the UK Urban scene, compared to America?

Ras: They are completely different. The US is twenty years ahead. It’s matured into an industry there with an independent status and there are a lot more followers and fans of the music than in the UK. I think it’s being introduced in the UK. Dizzee Rascal, Chipmunk, Taio Cruz and Tinie Tempah are just a few of the names that are on the scene at the moment and doing very well. I think we’re at an early stage of defining the sound and overall I think success breeds success. The success of the latest artists in the charts, will only mean more will be in the charts in the next few years. The UK Urban scene is now being recognised on a global level, which is great.

L&U: Where should acts perform to get recognised?

Ras: Anywhere and everywhere! It doesn’t matter if it’s in a local bar, a big venue or on the streets. Perform anywhere you can and get your music out there.

L&U: How did you become a radio presenter?

Ras: I have always been a big fan of radio . I have always loved how it delivers hot news and fresh music and admired superstars like Westwood and Trevor Nelson. I was originally into record producing in the UK garage scene. As Urban music progressed in the UK and became really original, I felt like we needed a figure to represent the sound and get it out there. Westwood has always been Hip Hop, and I wanted to represent Urban. A spot came up at the BBC which I applied for and the rest is history.

L&U: What’s the best thing about presenting on Radio 1?

Ras: It’s a national platform. There aren’t many Urban shows that present to the whole country and I see it as a major blessing that I get to present and play the music I like to the nation. It’s great to be a part of the team.

L&U: What song do you really like in the charts at the moment?

Ras: There are a lot but I really like Tinie Tempah – Pass out. It’s got a fresh sound to it and I never get bored of hearing it.

L&U: Any other songs or acts that stand out, past or present?

Ras: I love Soul II Soul.

L&U: What else is coming up for you this year?

Ras: As well as presenting and DJ’ing, I run a night called Urban Goodies which we take all over the country. It’s a compilation of UK sounds and it’s in Oxford on a monthly basis in The Regal. I also work closely on government initiatives including My Place and Youth Culture Scheme. I do all radio production myself and I am also working on some TV projects that are due for release later this year. I love spreading the Urban sound and scene, and do as much as I can. Last month I was in Texas with Estelle working and it was great.

L&U: Finish this sentence, ‘In five years time I would like to be…’

Ras: The pinnacle of the flourishing UK Urban music scene!

Radio 1 Legend Annie Nightingale Talks To L&U

Annie Nightingale MBE is one of Britain’s best loved and well known radio presenters.

She was the first ever female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and is now the stations longest serving ambassador. Playing an eclectic mix of new music on her weekend show, writing for television documentaries and DJ’ing at the biggest festivals in the country makes Annie one of the most recognisable presenters in the UK today. Annie, who judged Live and Unsigned last year, is now preparing to sit on the panel again as she’s set to judge at some of the live shows for 2010.

Live and Unsigned caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for as a judge this year, what advice she has for new musicians and to talk about that bet with The Clash…

L&U: You judged Live and Unsigned last year. What did you look for in bands then, and what will you be looking for this year?

Annie: I think you are always looking for originality. I’ll be looking out for something that I’ve never heard before, something that jumps out. It could be any genre or style. I also think it’s important to see people enjoying themselves. There are so many reality shows out there and people end up copying someone else and it all becomes rather generic. I think the worst thing you can do is copy another artist. I want to see commitment and creativity and not playing it safe – I want to see more crazy!

L&U: Do you have any other tips for acts taking part in Live and Unsigned this year?

Annie: Be passionate and be committed. It’s all about confidence. I also think honesty is great – there’s something endearing about someone making a mistake or perhaps not being completely polished. Don’t try too hard to be anyone else and believe in yourself.

L&U: How should the winner of Live and Unsigned capitalise on their success?

Annie: This is great exposure – competing in a competition like this will get you recognised and winning it will attract interest. But there’s a lot more to it, it’s a long haul to be successful in this industry. I think bands need to ensure they are getting out there and building a fan base and getting hits on You Tube. Then it’s about finding the right people to represent you – making sure you have good people around you that can open doors. If you’ve got the talent, you just need to surround yourself with people who believe in it and can represent you in the right manner.

L&U: How important is social networking for bands to get recognised?

Annie: I think it’s very important. Lily Allen says that’s how she was recognised, through You Tube. I think acts taking part in Live and Unsigned will already be getting themselves out there, and I think that’s the most important thing. You need to be going to gigs, getting your name known and making something happen.

L&U: With the amount of demos you get sent a week, what makes a track stand out for you?

Annie: It’s got to be different. It’s got to make me think ‘oh, I’ve not heard something like this before.’ Some people send demos purely to see what you think. But unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time so I’ll only really pick up on something that is amazing. Before a band sends a demo, they should make sure it’s the best thing they’ve done. I also think it’s crucial to put the good stuff at the start! If you have a fantastic musical idea, put at the start of the song and get people interested!

L&U: Any artists at the moment that stand out for you?

Annie: There are too many! I think Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz and Dizzee are creating the most interesting pop music at the moment. I’m a big fan of drum n bass and like Doorly and Drumsound and Bassline Smith.

L&U: You’re the longest serving ambassador for Radio 1 – how do you feel about that?

Annie: I don’t quite know how it happened! I’m so busy I never really have time to look back. I am always looking to the future. I can’t quite believe it – it’s been great!

L&U: What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you at Radio 1?

Annie: Norman Cook actually text me about this last week! When The Clash released London Calling, I bet them it would go into the top 10 and I bet them a Cadillac that it would. Well, it actually went into the charts at number 11 and I was left wondering how I was going to get the band a Cadillac! A listener phoned in and said he had an old one and would have it delivered to the Radio 1 studio. He went to quite a lot of trouble to have it delivered and when it finally arrived The Clash were very grateful but simply said ‘We don’t drive!’ Which was quite funny! In the end they auctioned it off for charity.

L&U: What’s the best thing about presenting on the radio?

Annie: I love music and I get to listen to it all the time! It’s a dream job. I have always been emotionally involved in music and I would have loved to have been in a band. Unfortunately I can’t sing or play any instruments, so this is the next best thing!

L&U: What’s your favourite kind of music?

Annie: That’s hard to answer. I love the fact that music is changing. We have a fantastic youth culture in this country which we should definitely continue to encourage. I have always encouraged new music.

L&U: What do you think the internet has done to the music industry?

Annie: I think it’s a music culture, and the digital age has certainly changed things. Music is so accessible nowadays. I often find myself going on ITunes and buying songs I already have on vinyl, just because I can.

L&U: If you weren’t a radio presenter, what would you be doing?

Annie: I would be keen to work in movies. Working on music in movies would be great.

L&U: Tell us something people won’t know about you?

Annie: I am really into architecture.

L&U: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Annie: To be yourself. I understand that can be difficult at times, but I think you should always keep that in mind.

L&U: What one thing has happened in your life that has affected where you are today?

Annie: I was on holiday in Cuba once and I was mugged. I had my leg broken in three places and it was a really serious incident and definitely shook me up. But I think you can choose to be beaten in situations like that or stand up and be stronger – which is what I did. It was quite inspiring in a way as I found a lot of inner strength that I didn’t realise I had.

L&U: What’s your philosophy in life?

Annie: If something bad happens, put it behind you and try to get on with life. And don’t harbour grudges.

L&U: Finish this sentence ‘I like music because…’

Annie: It lifts me up. It’s very mood altering and can draw people together through a common interest. It brings elation and I love it!

Greg James Talks To L&U

Greg James is best known for being Radio 1’s golden boy. Currently hosting the prime time slot on Radio 1, DJ’ing around the country and heading up BBC TV documentaries, he’s well and truly cemented himself as one of the UK’s leading presenters.

He’s set to judge the Live and Unsigned Festival this summer so we caught up with him to find out what he thinks makes a track storm the charts, what he looks for in an unsigned band and whose tour van he would love to be bundled into…

L&U: Tell us how you got into the industry – did you always want to work in radio?

Greg: It actually began with TV. I was fascinated with entertainment TV programmes like the Big Breakfast and Noel’s House Party. I thought one day, how do I become Noel Edmonds? And when I did a bit of research I found out all about the wonderful world of radio and the radio shows these celebrities did – and I was actually more fascinated by that. I became obsessed with radio. I first started out volunteering for local stations, doing general admin work and queuing up CD’s and really getting the experience I needed. It all kicked off at Uni when I worked for the student radio station. I loved it, and spent most of my time working in the station – as a presenter and eventually becoming the station manager. I did that for three years alongside my drama degree. I then did some work experience for other stations, and I worked as a presenter for Pulse Unsigned – which was all about championing new music, which I love. The studio wasn’t very glamorous, it was in a converted bungalow, but it was amazing. But it was when I won an award at the National Student Radio Awards that I was spotted by my (now) producer Neil. I sent in a few demos to Radio 1, covered a few shows including Sara Cox’s, and that’s where it all began. I worked on the early morning show in 2007 and eventually moved to the mid day show that I present now.

L&U: We imagine most presenters want to work for Radio 1, but did you want to work for any other radio stations?

Greg: Before I got the offer for Radio 1, I did have an offer to work for Galaxy in Birmingham. I think it would have been good, but ultimately this was my dream job. And I still can’t believe I have it! There is definitely an element of luck involved in getting your dream job, and anyone who says there isn’t is lying.

L&U: You rub shoulders with Fearne Cotton and Chris Moyles on a daily basis. What’s it like working in the office?

Greg: At first, it was really surreal. It felt ridiculous to be handing over after my show to Chris Moyles – who I had listened to at Uni. But then gradually, I told myself to relax and get over it. And now it’s just a normal day like in any office – and I really feel like part of the family. I don’t get to see enough of the DJ’s, but coming in to work to see Fearne Cotton every day isn’t bad!

L&U: If you weren’t a radio presenter, what would you be doing?

Greg: I think I would be working really hard to be a presenter, because this is what I have always wanted to do.

L&U: You have had lots of star guests in the studio – which one was your favourite?

Greg: Ricky Gervais. He was the first guest on my new show, and I have always loved him. He was really funny and was exactly how I imagined him to be.

L&U: You’ve done a few TV documentaries – any planned for this year?

Greg: I did a BBC show on health and binge drinking and we went to Magaluf which was really interesting. I don’t want to do any old thing though. We’ve talked through some ideas, but I won’t do a show until it’s the right one.

L&U: What kind of music are you into?

Greg: Uni really shaped what I got into. I was obsessed with bands like the Mystery Jets, Maximo Park, Bloc Party and Kings of Leon. I’m now a huge fan of Mumford and Sons.

L&U: RnB and Hip Hop seem to dominate the charts at the moment, do you think that will change this year?

Greg: That’s the reason I love Mumford and Sons, because they are so different. They have really broken the mould. There is so much of N Dubz and Black Eyed Peas stuff out at the moment. I think it’s great if a band comes along and does something completely out there. I think music goes in waves so it could definitely change this year. I love chart stuff – but I have to say if I wasn’t working in radio, I wouldn’t be playing The Saturdays at home.

L&U: What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Greg: I’m not a huge fan of the Foo Fighters, but the best gig I have ever been to was their one at Wembley. There were 80, 000 people there and there was this one moment which I will never forget. Dave Grohl ran down to the halfway line and a blue spotlight shone on him, and he started the first few chords of Everlong. That’s when I knew it was the best gig I had ever seen.

L&U: Apart from the Live and Unsigned Festival, will you be going to any festivals this year?

Greg: I went to Glastonbury last year which was amazing and I think I’ll be going again this year.

L&U: What’s your all time favourite band?

Greg: Tough one…Maximo Park

L&U: If you were kidnapped and put in the back of a tour van, whose tour van would it be and why?

Greg: Probably Mumford and Sons. Because I stalk them.

L&U: If you could be in any band, which one would it be?

Greg: Kasabian. They are not only an amazing band, but they are lovely blokes. They always say hi and are really friendly so I would definitely be in theirs!

L&U: What would your advice be to up and coming bands? How do they get their music heard?

Greg: I think the best thing to do is gigs. Do a lot of gigs and really try to build your fan base – that’s the most important thing. I think doing something a bit different is good too. But I think gigging and getting people to blog about you or write about you is what helps.

L&U: Do you think it’s essential to have a Myspace?

Greg: I think it’s good to, but I actually think it’s more about You Tube and visual stuff – really showing people what your band is like.

L&U: You listen to radio tracks all day and we audition bands live. Do you think there’s a real difference between the two?

Greg: Absolutely. Live gives you a much better feel for what the music is all about. If a band is not good live, they won’t be good on the radio.

L&U: What makes a band or a track stand out?

Greg: I think when a band is performing live, the one thing that makes a difference is seeing that they are having a good time. If I go to watch a gig, and I don’t know any of the songs, it won’t matter as long as the band are really going for it and enjoying them selves! That’s really important.

L&U: What will you be looking for as a judge at the Live and Unsigned final?

Greg: I’ll be looking for energy and an act that’s really enjoying themselves. A really good pop song with a catchy hook will also grab my attention and I think you always think ‘will this song sound good on the radio.’ There isn’t really a formula to that.

L&U: Do you think a band needs to be on a major record label to make it these days?

Greg: I think it helps. But there isn’t a set way to breaking the industry – I think a label can help, but then sometimes bands get their songs released too soon. The most important thing is that the band is ready.

L&U: Are you looking forward to joining the L&U judging panel?

Greg: Yes, I can’t wait! I’ve never done anything like this before so it’ll be exciting.

L&U: And finally, describe yourself in three words

Greg: Tall, disorganised…and…ermmm…I don’t know…errrmmm….indecisive?

Live and Unsigned Talk To RnB Star Shola Ama

Shola Ama is billed as one of Britain’s most successful RnB artists.

The London based singers debut album ‘Much Love’ sold over one million copies and she enjoyed massive chart success with the top five singles ‘You Might Need Somebody’ and ‘You’re The One I Love’. And achieving four MOBO nominations and winning a Brit award cemented her position on the UK music scene.

As well as preparing for her latest single release, Shola is also getting ready to judge the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 in London. We caught up with her to find out what she’ll be looking for as a judge and what she thinks it takes to break the industry today

L&U: How did you get into the industry?

Shola: It was quite strange actually. I was 15 and was walking through a train station singing along to a song when a man approached me and said I had a good voice. He was in a band called the Influence and I met them a few weeks later. They had some great contacts in the industry. They made some backing tracks for me and we started gigging together and my first demos were ready to go when I was 16. The management team came on board and it all just went from there. I was 17 when I had my first big hit with You Might Need Somebody.

L&U: What was it like winning a Brit Award?

Shola: It was amazing!! But at the time it was difficult to appreciate everything. You Might Need Somebody stayed in the top 20 for 12 weeks and I was fresh out of school so I was so busy at the time. Looking back I think ‘wow’, it really was amazing.

L&U: Did you always want to get into the music industry?

Shola: Yes. I was constantly telling my teachers I was going to make it as a singer and was very driven.

L&U: When was it that you realise you had made it in the industry?

Shola: Hearing my song on the radio was huge, but so was performing on the Richard and Judy show. But I think it really hit me when I performed on Top Of The Pops, because I grew up watching that programme.

L&U: Any tips for aspiring singers on how to crack the industry?

Shola: I think it’s a lot easier now to get your music heard and artists are more self sufficient because of the internet. I think writing is really important. If you concentrate on writing and getting your material to the best it can be, then you can always write for other people if you don’t become a singer. I also think having a good team of people around you is important and making friends with radio DJ’s and people who can get your music out there. But live gigging is essential, I don’t think you can ever have enough live gigging experience.

L&U: Do you think artists need a record label to make it in the industry?

Shola: I don’t think it’s as important as it was. I think what’s more important is having a street team, a good plugger and marketing team to get your material out there. You either need the budget to make something happen, or if you don’t have that, you should work with people who can help make it happen for you. I also think networking is crucial for any acts trying to make it in the industry.

L&U: How has the music industry changed?

Shola: When I was first getting into the industry, the budget was huge compared to today. Labels would spend a lot of money in perfecting a video shoot and today that just doesn’t happen. I think technology has shrunk everything. Live gigs and merchandise are really important for artists today.

L&U: What do you think of the charts today?

Shola: I think they have been dominated by bands so it’s really refreshing to see young MC’s topping the charts. I know that people like Tinie Tempah have worked really hard to get where they are and it’s great to see the UK grime scene getting some recognition. I was a mentor at Stratford Circus in Urban Development about three years ago, and Labyrinth was in my class. He’s now gone on to produce Tinie Tempah’s Pass Out and made a massive number one, so it’s great to see these artists achieving.

L&U: What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Shola: Probably when I sang at the Vatican. I was invited to sing in front of the Pope, and my Granny was so proud.

L&U: What’s next for you?

Shola: I do a lot of international gigs in Europe and am due to release my next single ‘Blow’. I’ll be shooting the video soon!

L&U: Have you judged any music competitions?

Shola: I helped judge at Pineapple Dance studios, but I haven’t judged anything like Live and Unsigned before. I’m looking forward to seeing what the acts have to offer and will take judging very seriously!

L&U: What will you be looking for?

Shola: Natural ability, good songs, stage presence and chemistry. I think there has to be a great vibe from the performance and it can’t be forced.

L&U: What do you love about music?

Shola: Everything. It’s part of me.

L&U: And finally, describe yourself in two words…

Shola: Never satisfied!