Open mic talent performing soon
September 16, 2011 by Grace Franklin · 2 Comments
Jocelyn in action at a gig
Two young hopefuls are in with a chance in the Open Mick UK national talent competition. Rebecca Robertson (16) of Pollok and Jocelyn Wallace (24) of the city’s East End have made it through to the Regional Finals in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 24 September.
Rebecca is dedicated to singing
The regional finalists go forward to the UK national final at The O2 in London with the winner landing a recording contract worth £30,000 and the opportunity to tour the UK.
Said Jocelyn: ‘I’m very excited at this opportunity. I auditioned when I had a cold and had to change my songs because I couldn’t hit the notes of the song I’d originally selected. But I was really happy to get through to this stage.’ A manager at Subway food franchise in the city centre, she said that the talented staff in the company had encouraged her to enter the competition. ‘They are really supportive and all plan to be there on the night!’
Rebecca who has just left school, is dedicated to being a singer, said her mum.
Performers can use original material or covers and can be singers, singer/songwriters, rappers or vocalists of all genres.
Chris Grayston head of promoters Future Music, said: ‘We are searching for an act whose live performance will impress an audience and industry judges and who has the potential to become a professional recording artist. The standard was high last year and this year looks set to be even better.’
Last year’s under 16s winner, Hatty Keane, has now signed for BGM Music and sung alongside Tinchy Stryder and Roll Deep. A previous winner – Birdy who is 15 – is now a favourite on Radio 1 and has signed for Warner Music.
The competition is divided into age categories but there is no age limit.
Successful contestants are offered songwriting courses and masterclasses throughout the competition.
The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from BBC programme ‘Introducing’, national radio and regional press as well as be on the Open Mic UK Tour, which boasts 100 gigs across the country.
For more information go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk To support local talent performing in Glasgow, tickets can be purchased from the website www.openmicuk.co.uk or on the door subject to availability.
