Battle of the bands hots up

Local bands have been quick off the mark to fight for a place in the final of the 2009 Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands.

The contest is taking place over the next two months and the finalists will play Theatre Severn, in Shrewsbury, on June 20.

The prizes include studio time at Soundscape Studios with top engineer Gair Davies, a discount on new equipment from Shrewsbury-based Salop Music Centre and a video shoot with award-nominated Shropshire Star video journalist James Shaw.

Among the bands who have submitted entries are We Are The Band, Twisted Species, Small Time Crooks, Hill Valley High, Wooden Boy, The Sibling Rivalry, The Vanguards, Rataplan Echo, Inertia, Hope Alexander, Run Fast Turn Left, Gloucester Road, Someone Else, The Insults and The Greens.

Battle of the Bands organiser Andy Richardson said: "We're delighted that 15 bands have already taken the time and trouble to enter. Playing a venue like Theatre Severn is a great opportunity and Salop Music Centre and Soundscape Studios have both been typically generous in offering prizes.

"Last year's inaugural Battle of the Bands competition was a great success and we hope that this year's will also serve as an opportunity for local musicians to shine."

Bands can send their music by CD or MP3 to Andy Richardson, along with a biography and picture. E-mail themn to arichardson@shropshirestar.co.uk or post them to Andy Ricahrdson, Shropshire Star, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU.