Features

Bright Young Things 2005

Leeds' Bright Young Things

As part of the Leeds City Council-run showcase for young musicians and bands in the city, a panel of experts selected 10 bands from the age range 19-25 and five aged 13-18 to receive a head start for their musical careers.

The winners will get studio and recording time, a professional photoshoot, promotion and a helping hand making contacts in the music industry.

The bands will also  perform live at a high-profile venue in Leeds and one of their tracks will be included on the Bright Young Things 2005 CD which is available free from March 2005.

Emily Bandawe, lead singer and guitarist in the band Blood Sundae, says: "We are all really, really excited that Blood Sundae has been selected.

Blood Sundae

"We only came together as a band in March of this year and so the exposure we will receive from an organised live gig and the CD will be fantastic!"

Lewis Denby, bass player in Mr Charming says: "We first of all entered in 2002 but were unfortunately not selected, after reforming in 2003 and writing some new material we decided it would be a good idea to enter BYT this year.

"Having been chosen we are really looking forward to the opportunity of publicity as it is really hard to get established on the local scene."

Previous entrants in Bright Young Things include Leeds bands The Music and Bodixa who have gone on to achieve success in the industry following their involvement in the competition.

The Fobia

The disappointed bands not chosen can still benefit from a series of free masterclasses to be held by The Music Managers Forum (MMF) throughout January and February 2005 at The West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The classes are also open to any member of the public wanting to find out more about the practical realities of the music business in 2004. Guest speakers include Keith Harris who represents Stevie Wonder and Lyndon David Hall and Elliot Rashman who managed Simply Red.