Bands in the mix for Rockin' grand final
13 April 2010
The judges’ decisions are in and the finalists in the first Youth Rockin’ The Black Dog band competition have been announced.
Six finalists have been selected from 17 entries submitted from young bands in the Hunter and Manning regions.
They are Newcastle bands and performers The Heartfelt Promise, The Chestnuts, and Ashleigh Grace; and Manning-based bands The Influence, Waiting for Adam, and Respect Sunday.
The finalists are vying for more than $6000 worth of prizes – including a three-track recording session and 500 professionally produced CDs.
They will now battle it out for the number one spot at a live music event to be held on Friday 21 May at The Loft Youth Venue in Newcastle. Tickets are $5 and are on sale now through The Loft.
Youth Rockin’ The Black Dog is a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute, and the local music industry. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people, while giving local musicians a platform to showcase their talents.
Entrants, aged 15 to 21, had to submit two songs (one an original) to be judged by a panel of local musicians, including Screaming Jets guitarist and founding member Grant Walmsley and award winning local singer-songwriter Amy Vee.
Competition was strong and the standard of entries high.
“For me, it was the quality of the songs and the ability of the artists to perform them that made the finalists stand out,” Amy said.
“I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of entries across many genres. I think the Grand Final night is going to be really special.
“Music means a lot to young people and it is often a way to express everyday troubles, whether playing or listening,” she said.
The event is the brainchild of Newcastle-based music producer and performer Gareth Hudson. Gareth organised the successful 2008 Rockin’ the Black Dog concert in Newcastle, which also aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues.
About the bands:
Ashleigh Grace – a 3-piece acoustic folk/jazz ballad ensemble from Newcastle whose members are aged from 16 to 22
The Heartfelt Promise – a 4-piece Pop/rock/indie band from Newcastle, all aged 18
The Chestnuts – a 4-piece indie rock/alternative rock band from Newcastle, all aged 18
The Influence – a 4-piece alternative rock outfit from Forster, all aged 17
Respect Sunday – a 3-piece alternative rock band from Forster, aged 18 to 21
Waiting for Adam – a 4-piece alternative rock band from Great Lakes, aged 18 & 19
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216