Two talented Belfast bands have made it to the final of Translink’s Metro Sessions, Northern Ireland’s newest music competition. The John Andrews Band and The Rising will join Gin Palace, Modern Rome and Downpatrick artist Lucy Bell in the upcoming live final.
Launched in September in partnership with the Oh Yeah Music Centre as part of the 2019 Sound of Belfast programme, the competition called for aspiring artists and musicians, with a connection to Belfast, to enter and be in with a chance of winning a £1000 cash prize alongside a recording studio package, airtime from Media Partner Q Radio and industry mentoring.
The final, which is being held at Belfast’s iconic City Hall on Saturday 2nd November 2019 from 2pm to 5pm, will see the five acts including The John Andrews Band, The Rising, Modern Rome, Gin Palace and Lucy Bell ,perform live at a free open air gig before the winner is decided by a 48-hour online public vote.
Speaking following the announcement, Translink Metro’s Sean McGreevy, said:
“Belfast has a remarkable history of producing outstanding musical talent and this competition has proved that today’s artists and musicians are no exception. We received over 60 entries from local bands and solo artists, and the judges were stunned by the quality, versatility and vibrance of the up and coming music scene here. It was no easy task whittling it down to a shortlist of five acts.
“Metro is the lifeblood of Belfast and through the competition we’ve received a lot of feedback from aspiring musicians, explaining their reliance on public transport as a sustainable means of travel while gigging. We’re now encouraging everyone to come down to City Hall on Saturday 2nd November and join us to celebrate Belfast through music!”
Candice Cathers, Third Bar Artist Development & Competition Judge said:
“The
judging process was tough! We each had our favourites and it was difficult to
agree on the five acts we felt stood out, especially when the quality of all
the submissions was so good.
“Working with musicians on a day-to-day basis, you get a real sense of the different issues they face so it’s fantastic to see an organisation like Translink recognising the vital role they play in offering flexible public transport options that help musicians get to where they need to go without breaking the bank. The prizes on offer from Translink as part of this competition could make a massive difference to an aspiring artist’s career.”
Full details of the live final and how to vote for your favourite act can be found at www.soundofbelfast.com/metrosessions. Follow the conversation online using #MetroSessions. Q Radio is the Official Media Partner of Metro Sessions.
MAIN IMAGE: (L-R) Pictured are Modern Rome, Lucy Bell, The John Andrews Band, Ursula Henderson Translink PR Manager, The Rising and Gin Palace
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