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Search forBands battle it out for record label release
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 11:53
The Sound Of BA1 challenge saw 10 shortlisted tracks, written and produced by students, played live in front of a panel of judges to see which acts would star on BA1 Records' first release.
BA1 Records is a new record company set up by the college's music department.
The acts were:
Sam and Jed, from the band Throwing Paper Aeroplanes, with their track Whenever She's Around;
Metal band All Guns Blazing with Hell's Kitchen;
Young soul sensation Lascel with Hurting;
DJ Matt Walker's electronic dance number Brush;
Arran Black's funky Human Circuit Board;
Spanish hip hop artist Filo with the track Sientelo;
Heidi with I Can't;
George Turner's American-influenced U Dropped The Bomb;
Amy Wilkinson's blues-tinged folk number Bottle;
The upbeat Simple Instinct with the track Raving Time.
The panel, which included jazz singer Joan Davis, manager of city HMV branch, Tim Minett, head of the School for Music and Performing Arts at Bath Spa University Joe Bennett, college principal Matt Atkinson, and The Bath Chronicle's music writer Dan Biggane, all gave constructive criticism and plaudits following each performance.
They eventually chose the final four of Lascel, Filo, All Guns Blazing and Simple Instinct.
Simon Strange, course leader for music in technology, said: "This project really captured the interest of our students and they have worked hard for a place in the final.
"It was a difficult choice when it came to the crunch as each musician was unique and very strong in their knowledge and performance."
Guest judge Ms Davis added: "The event was fantastic and certainly exceeded all expectations.
"It was obvious City of Bath College has trained and educated these students to an exceptionally high standard.
"Musically, all students were excellent. They're great kids."
Mr Bennett said he had been "hugely impressed" with the professionalism and work ethic of the music students.
"The BA1 label is an excellent opportunity for students to get their material out into the world digitally and physically, so it's great to see the college supporting this exciting initiative."
All 10 artists will have their tracks released by BA1 Records via iTunes and be actively promoted, while the four winning acts will have their songs featured on the label's debut vinyl pressing to be released on Thursday, December 11.
Mr Strange added: "We are planning a double album release at Easter, which will be a mixed electronic album, and a group album.
"At the moment we are in the process of choosing the tracks."
Performers interested in finding out more about BA1 Records can visit www.citybathcoll.ac.uk or email Mr Strange on stranges@citybathcoll.ac. uk.
