Bands set to rock London

Jul 23 2011 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

A GROUP of talented schoolkids are aiming to rock thousands of fans in London today and become the UK’s best unsigned band.

The youngsters from Paisley-based Loud n Proud have successfully beaten more than 10,000 unsigned outfits from the length and breadth of the country to reach the final of the prestigious Live and Unsigned contest.

And now the five-piece band – who are aged between 11 and 13 – are in with a chance of securing a world tour, a £50,000 recording contract and a collection of musical equipment as they compete in the rock finals at London’s glamorous O2 venue.

Tommy McGrory, of the Loud n Proud School of Rock, where the band was formed, is hoping that the impressive young musicians can wow the judges and the massive crowd one final time.

He said: “I don’t think there’s a band anywhere in the country at their age as technically gifted and with as much stage presence as Loud n Proud.

“Being honest, they shouldn’t even be in this competition – with kids who are aged just 11, 12 and 13 going up against experienced adults – but it just shows how good they really are and that isn’t us saying that, it’s the judges.”

Tommy is backing singer Emily Middlemas and guitarist Kieran Robertson, both 12; drummer Nick Georgiou, 11; and guitarist Jay Fitzpatrick and bassist Max Campbell, both 13; to make a name for themselves, whether they clinch the top spot in today’s final or not.

He added: “At Loud n Proud, we put the band together and we’ve worked with them for the past year and a half until they reached the grand old age of 12. It’s very special to be able to watch them hold their own on stage against professional musicians.

“I’m confident that, when they travel to London, they will be in the mix with a chance of winning the competition.

“Whatever happens, their achievements so far can’t be overstated. It’s simply incredible.”

Another talented musician who will take to the stage in London for the Live and Unsigned Grand Final is Bishopton man Blain McEwan, who is the singer-songwriter in Glasgow-based band Soho Dandy.

The group – who will compete in the “indie” finals – also did enough at the Newcastle semi-final heat to impress the panel of judges and secure their trip to the 02.

Blain, 23, said: “It’s not every day you get the chance to play a venue like the O2, so we’re really looking forward to it.

“I’m sure the nerves will kick in a bit once we’re down there and there are thousands of fans in the venue but we’ve been practising hard and we’ll do our best when we get on stage.

“We’ve picked Biffy Clyro’s Many Of Horror as our cover as fans should know it and we are hoping it will be well received.”

A spokesman for Live and Unsigned said: “Over 10,000 acts entered the competition this year and the grand final will see the cream of the UK‘s unsigned talent showcase their music.”

To listen to both bands and vote for them, visit the website at www.liveandunsigned.uk.com