Judge’s Talk Back From Portsmouth Audition

This weekend the judges were in Portsmouth, for the last audition of 2010! Thousands of bands and acts entered Live and Unsigned this year and thousands have been auditioned up and down the country! With this being the last chance to impress the judges and the last chance to make it to the live shows of 2010, hundreds of acts turned up at the Portsmouth Guildhall to show the judges what they could do. There are so many acts to mention so unfortunately the judges can’t mention everyone. But they have picked out a few – remember, if you’re not on here, don’t worry, it could all change at the live shows!

Rosalind Fountain, Vocal Tutor, thought, “Austyn Brown www.myspace.com/austynbrownmusic started off the auditions with great feel good energy and put a smile on my face. BB3 www.myspace.com/bb3live had a distinctive sound and a good image. They had tight harmonies and a clever key change and I would certainly pay to see them. Karl Lattimer is a young star in the making and has a great voice, he really connected with his audience. Dakota VI www.myspace.com/dakotavimusic had a dreamy melody and harmonies and they could go far, but I think they need to concentrate on their image and connecting with the audience. Delucious were obviously very well rehearsed. They gave a slick performance but I would advise them to watch the harmonies in places and work on their tuning. Chloe and Joe have pure, clear voices and had perfect tuning.”

Chris Grayston, Head of A&R at Future Music Management, commented, “Atlas www.myspace.com/atlasoton gave a really energetic performance but I think it would have been better if they cut out the long instrumental. Blind Mans Vision were good – I loved the lead vocals, although overall I felt the performance was a bit sleepy. Death Row www.myspace.com/deathrowmusic were strong, I think they’ll do better than last year, but I think they should look at changing their name. Not really one to google! Jaymaz www.myspace.com/jaymazmusic was back again for another shot at the live shows and always performs to the max. Mike Fantastic www.myspace.com/mikefantasticmusic played a very catchy song and it stuck in my head well after the audition. Necturno www.myspace.com/nocturnouk had the image and were really different and I thought Delucious had a strong image as well. The band of the day for me was The Absolute Belters www.myspace.com/theabsolutebelters.”

Phil Hewitt, Arts and Entertainments Editor at the Chichester Observer said, “The day got off to a good start with Austyn Brown who had good, strong melodies. Dakota VI were very likeable and laid back. Firework had a together image, but I think they need to work on bringing their music together. When Famous Gray auditioned I felt their lead singer was looking too much at the band, there needs to be more audience involvement – I think this would push them to the next level. Tristan is a brilliant drummer and just needs to find the right band. De-lucious were terrific! I thought Ginger Jellies www.myspace.com/gingerjellies were bright and cheerful and brought real enthusiasm to the audition. The Spooks were interesting and I think they illustrated why bands need to look good when performing, because unfortunately they didn’t. On the other hand, Mira had a brilliant image and looked great on stage.”

Carl Ralley, from Portsmouth’s Quay Radio, commented, “The day was full of acts that really impressed me. But the two acts that were the best for me on the day were BB3 and Delucious. BB3 gave a real unique blend of vocals and music and Delucious are the new En Vogue. Slick, smooth and sassy.”