As Live Unit: Project Update

Casting

The bands we have contacted and are interested are: 

The Soundcasters (CONFIRMED)

Known these guys for a while now, they've played some amazing sets, and they're playing Pizza Express in Maidstone on April 19th. (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/event/2012/04/19). They've already appeared on TV on a Channel 4 documentary:

"The Soundcasters made their TV debut in August when the Channel 4 documentary ‘Amish: World’s Squarest Teenagers’ was shown. This prompted radio interviews and airplay along with many articles in local and national newspapers and TV magazines including the Daily Mirror and Radio Times. The Soundcasters episode focused on the experience of a group of Amish youngsters spending a week with an artistic and musical family. During the week of filming, the band took their Amish guests to places of interest in Kent and shared with them their love of music, ending the week at ‘Togfest’, the music festival in Milton Keynes, where The Soundcasters played on the main courtyard stage. Clips of their music featured in the programme, causing a great deal of interest in the band, with much activity on their Facebook and MySpace sites helping to increase their fan base." (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/artist/156)

Fish Tank (Meeting on Saturday)

3 members who describe themselves as Art Math Prog Pop Rock. They're from Broadstairs, so more known in Canterbury and East Kent. Lauren H is dealing with this band so we'll have more information come Saturday. 

Standing On Giants (Meeting next Thursday)

4 members, indie, rock, pop. I would describe them as being similar to 'The Kooks'. 

Here is what they do:

Simon works in a PRU unit with works with young people who have been or who are at risk of being permanently excluded from mainstream education due to behaviour. Ant is in final year at Brighton Institute of Modern Music studying guitar. Daryl work in William Hill and Alex is one of the top engineers and producers at a classical record label based in London.

Next month they will be recording, writing and gigging, getting ready for the summer festivals.

The Charlie Rivers Band (Confirmed)

Well-known around the circuit. Good acoustic rock alternative. They would offer something different. 4 members from Tunbridge Wells.
"One time solo singer/songwriter Charlie Rivers has witnessed a truly organic growth in his music which has slowly but surely taken on a full band sound, spurred on by Steve McCormack (guitar), Steve Bassett (bass) and Ash Rushman (drums). In the space of only 16 months, The Charlie Rivers Band has morphed from the 'hear-a-pin-drop' sounds of one man and his guitar, to an uncompromising full band musical experience. 2009 saw the guys play at the "Busking Cancer" launch event alongside "Madness," and attained duo slots at Hyde Park and Wireless festival. Last year the band launched their much anticipated debut album 'Tender Chaos,' playing a host of sell out shows both in the UK and abroad including a storming headline set at the the Local & Live Music festival. Their single "Crazy" received a great deal of local radio play and recent support sets have included Newton Faulkner, Matt Berry and Toploader. The band are currently working on their follow up album, having previewed some of their new material throughout the course of 2011, set for a release in early 2012." (http://www.paulduntonandguests.com/artist/40)

Dom Wise (Interested)

Know him very well, acoustic, possible back-up. 

History Of The Trade (Possibly for VT's) 

Already met them, unavailable for the live show but great talkers and music and have a lot going on in the next couple of months, ie. music videos, recording. Here's a video they've already made:

But, even with great bands who may have the most interesting things to talk about, it's the presenter that makes a show. In the past, shows have failed because popular presenters have left; I'm looking for a presenter that will liven up the interviews. Dean and I both know a potential candidate called Ben Jones, he's been on the music scene for a while, hosting open mics and producing The Soundcasters album. And whilst talking to him, he was able to bring up stories and be energetic, no lack of confidence, friendly, and quirky. We hope to audition him as soon as possible. He was interested in this role so I think we all hope he'll do well.  

Regarding sound on the day and in the VT's. Most of the band members either produce their own music, run their own gigs, or study a degree relevant to sound recording or even work in the industry. And I am talking in as much detail as I can to people I know studying location sound recording etc. to get a better understanding of what will be required. I know students that have access to the relevant kit. I also plan on getting a better understanding of how the sound recording operates in a studio. I am confident we can achieve good sound if it is planned and set up and mixed appropriately.