The search is on for the next Sussex superstar.
Up and coming musicians will go head-to-head in an XFactor style concert in aid of The Argus Appeal.
In front of an audience of music fans at the Komedia in Brighton, plus a panel of judges including Graham Cook, owner of Badlands Guitars, Jo Brooks, PR supremo for Fatboy Slim, and Duncan Hall, reviews editor at The Argus, the wannabe stars will face off to snare a top prize.
Up for grabs is a day in the Yellow Fish mobile recording studios, PR advice from Jo Brooks and a photo shoot with an Argus staff photographer – everything to take the act to the next level.
The Sussex Unplugged concert will take place on October 14.
Kim Slade is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter based in Brighton. He is playing a special one-off gig on Sunday at Brighton bandstand.
He said Sussex Unplugged is a great opportunity for talent looking to break through in the music business.
He said: “If you have not got the backing of label then a day in a studio is a great prize in itself.
“I’ve been playing live for 10 years supporting the likes of Turin Brakes, but Sussex Unplugged is still a good opportunity to show what I can do.”
Graham Cook at Badlands Guitars said: “As a judge, avid music lover and performer myself, for more years than I care to admit to, there are many aspects I look for within a performance.
“I like to see the passion and enjoyment from the artists within the delivery of a song, this coupled with intelligent lyric writing makes for a winning combination.
“It is essential to see the basics mastered, so performers ought to be confident with timing and musicality.
“Asolo artist always carries a little more pressure as everything they do reflects on the performance and all eyes focus on this, whereas a duo, or band, need to have a personality when they play.
“It would be easy to also say I am looking for something original, in all honesty this is unlikely, but an enjoyable tuneful song well presented will score well.
“Good luck to all the performers, I look forward to another great evening of talent in Brighton!”
Yellow Fish Music Group’s recording studio is a hidden gem in Uckfield.
It was founded by Ross McCracken who has built up a creative hub of studios catering for clients such as Chris Deburgh, Brian Eno, Arthur Brown, Jo Harman, The Strypes, Paper Aeroplanes, The Pretty Things, Phill Brown, Keith Emerson, Roger Daltrey and many more.
Rob Francis said Studio One, which is set on 8,000 square feet, has one of the largest live rooms available in the country.
It specialises in both the analogue and digital realms using both Pro Tool HD and magnetic tapes.
He said: “Yellow Fish features one of the funkiest mobile recording studios around, recently fully refurbished and housed in an American airstream caravan.
“It has a fully automated digital console with Pro Tools HD and Logic Pro capabilities making it one of the most advanced mobile facilities in Europe.
“My tips for getting the most out of a recording session are to be prepared and well rehearsed.
“It’s good to have a solid idea of what you wish to achieve in a session and always remember to leave time for mixing.”
Vaseema Hamilton, principal at BIMM in Brighton, called on students at the college to get involved.
She said: “BIMM has supported the Argus Appeal for eight years and all BIMM Brighton gigs contribute to the fund, which I passionately believe in as it has a superb track record in helping Sussex families cope with very challenging events in their lives.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for up and coming musicians to present their work to a professional panel.
“For the winning act the chance to work with experienced professionals inA&Rand production will be a valuable career boost – and who knows where it could lead! It is always exciting to hear the latest local talent and I’m looking forward to the gig.”
Kevin Minney is a qualified guitar teacher and guitarist in Brighton-based alt-folk band Warsaw radio.
He believes that the Sussex Unplugged concert will give talent a fantastic boost.
He said: “Competitions or any way of getting yourself or your band to perform live is a plus. Experience and getting feedback is what musicians always need, and if you can win a free day in a recording studio this is the exactly experience younger musician need.
“But as always, you need dedication and drive. Every single one of us, and I mean everyone, has the ability to play and sing – you just have to want it bad enough. You choose your own talent.”
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here