PREVIOUS WINNERS

LIVE AND UNSIGNED 2009 WINNERS THE DETOURS

Glaswegian five piece band The Detours are sure to have audiences rocking out all over the country to their funky sound, innovative image and electric live performances!

The band’s on stage chemistry is undeniable, which is sure to be a contributor to their phenomenal success. Forming in 2006, Danny, Mike, Ally, Chris and Ross look at home when they perform together, but they never seem to get too comfortable. They’re always aware of their fans, encouraging them to mosh along to the music.

Throughout their career they have built a strong and dedicated following all over the country but it was in June 2009 when their fan base exploded, after they won Live and Unsigned. They have since been thrust into the industry spotlight and have been noticed by high profile industry insiders. Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale said of their presence at the Live and Unsigned Final, "It was an exuberant performance. The Un part will soon be a thing of the past.” And she was right - they beat over 10,000 bands to secure the top spot.

Citing Metallica, Iron Maiden and Bullet for my Valentine as their influences, The Detours songs are packed with personality, energy and musical creativity. Since being crowned the L&U champions they have enjoyed a well established presence on the UK music scene. They’ve just signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with Extreme Clothing and have been working on new material with top producer Romesh Dodangoda at Long Wave studio – who’s recently worked with Funeral For A Friend and Twin Atlantic. They’re also getting set to travel across the UK on their 2010 tour. Watch this space and rock on!

You can check The Detours out at www.myspace.com/thedetoursinfo

LIVE AND UNSIGNED 2008 WINNERS KIDDO 360

Kiddo's style is confidently distinct; the music is quite simply alive with energy. The band generates an energetic fusion of Funky-Electro, Soul, Rock, Hip Hop and Techno - something they like to call 'Hip Rock Funk Hop'. Kiddo 360 has supported many established artists including The Wombats, The Bloodhound Gang and The Scratch Perverts.

After winning Live and Unsigned, Kiddo360 also went on to pick up the Best Unsigned Music Award at the prestigious Vodafone awards, collecting the award live on Channel 4 from Steve Jones and Juliette Lewis. Held at the Carling Academy in Brixton, London they won an award alongside Kate Nash (best female), The Ting Tings (Best live Breakthrough act) and Mark Ronson (best male).

As a result of winning the competition, the band have been featured in NME, Channel 4 and XFM. They have also recorded with award winning producers Animal Farm who have recently finished work on the new Muse album.

You can check Kiddo 360 out at www.myspace.com/kiddo360

LIVE AND UNSIGNED 2007 WINNERS B-KAY & KAZZ

B-Kay and Kazz are Malawian/Zimbabwean born brothers, who are singers/songwriters, originating from Southern Africa and now currently located in Milton Keynes.

Their UK debut single "You know its right" released by Future Music went to Indiestore number 1 from March to May 2008 and Top 5 in the DMC World Hip hop chart in June. Their video achieved playlist on Soundnet, Flava, Channel Fizz, Music Choice, Channel U, Sky News showbiz, Sky news active and Bubble Hits which all helped their debut single released on 21st July 2008 enter the UK Top 40 National charts peaking at number 30.

Following on from their success with their debut single and a UK wide tour in 2008 the brothers have been establishing themselves within the UK urban scene by supporting top entertainers such as Ne-yo, Day 26, Omarion, Jay Sean, Nathan, Sean Kingston & Lemar.

You can check B-Kay and Kazz out at www.myspace.com/BkayKazz