University's Music Talent Bids For Fame
21 July 2011
Left to right: Chris Marles, Adam Clouston, David Jackson, Mark Andrews and Simon Marles are 'Fires and Fireplaces'.
Out of the 10,000 bands which began in this contest we're in the final, which is amazing
”David Jackson.
Two acts with University of Derby links will perform at London's O2 Arena this Saturday, 23 July as finalists in one of the UK's biggest live music competitions.
Current students' band 'Fires and Fireplaces' and solo artist Lucy Spraggan - a graduate of Buxton College, based at the University's Buxton Campus - will perform in the finals of Live and Unsigned 2011.
A judges' panel including Bez of the Happy Mondays, Radio One DJs and music industry professionals will choose the winning act who will receive the top prize of a £50,000 recording contract; the chance to tour Australasia, Asia, America and Europe; and to appear at a European music festival. Runners-up prizes include the opportunity to play support for major tour bands or recording time in a top UK studio.
Saturday's finalists will be performing at the same venue as famous acts such as N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and The Hoosiers; as the contest is also part of London's LiveFest indoor music event.
'Fires and Fireplaces' are current University of Derby students:
- (lead guitar and vocals) Chris Marles, 22, on the University's BA (Hons) Mathematics and Popular Music degree course
- (guitar and vocals) Simon Marles, 21, (Chris's brother), studying BA (Hons) in Popular Culture & Media and Popular Music Production
- (drums) Adam Clouston, 22, studying BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Music Production
- (lead vocals) David Jackson, 26, studying BA (Hons) in Marketing and Business Management
- (bass guitar) Mark Andrews, 20, studying BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Popular Music Production.
The band got together after they did the same music module for their different Derby courses.
David, of Shepherds Leaze, Wotton-Under-Edge, near Bristol, said: "We have received some great feedback from the judges as we've progressed through the different live heats.
"Out of the 10,000 bands which began in this contest we're in the final, which is amazing."
Lucy, 20, from Buxton - who completed a Public Services NVQ further education qualification at Buxton College last year, 2010, - will perform her individual blend of acoustic pop, folk and rap in the Live and Unsigned 2011 final.
In June she played Shropshire's Osfest music festival and last weekend, the Sheffield Pride festival. Her EP will be released in the next few weeks.
Lucy said: "I am really excited about Live and Unsigned. To play at such a prestigious venue is amazing.
"I have finalised my song and I'm very ready to see how far I can get. I wish 'Fires and Fireplaces' lots of luck and will be meeting them on Saturday."
For more information about the competition visit www.liveandunsigned.uk.com.
Listen to 'Fires and Fireplaces' music and find out more about Lucy on her website
Media requiring further information should contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
