If theres anything to push bands in the right direction to help them achieve what they want, the Wired project is it. Wired is now in its third year. It gives young bands from Gloucestershire, under the age of 19 an opportunity to showcase their music and learn loads about the music industry. Essential experience It originally enabled 12 local bands to take advantage of a gig at the Guildhall and a local release of a Wired compilation CD, with a track from each band. However, possibly the most beneficial thing the Wired project offered was essential experience like photo shoots, recording sessions, workshops about the music industry and places to rehearse. These were things young bands wouldnt be able to afford or often wouldnt get the opportunity to do.Luckily, the project received funding for the second and third year, from REMIX and the Gloucester City Council, enabling another 23 bands to get involved. This year, the Wired project aims to further develop the bands involved. Each band gets its own producer, an experienced Gloucestershire based musician, to help them develop a program from the Summer until April 2005, when the final gig will take place. The producer advises them on how to spend their budget of £425 and has tight control over how it is spent. Typical things done with this money are studio recording, live recording, booking rehearsal venues, photo shoots, designing a professional website, graphic design for merchandise/publicity, remixing tracks with sampling technology and making music videos. The project wont just end once the funding runs out. This new idea is Wired Records which funds bands to express their creativity, much like a commercial record company. For example, if a band has spent some of their budget on recording a CD and decide to sell it, both the band and Wired Records will share the income. This enables the Wired Records to keep going. Taking part If you are interested in taking part in next years project, applications are welcome, to apply visit the website: www.wiredrecords.info
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites Check the website for updated news and information about the gigs taking place next April. They are definitely worth seeing and a great night out! If youre under 18, but not in a band, the Wired project could still be a benefit to you. They could help to put you in a band with the right people, or could give you the opportunity to get involved with design, website building, gig publicity, photography, video work, recording - anything creative that involves supporting local bands. If you want more information about Wired or getting involved, contact George Moorey by e-mail at: [email protected]
If you have suggestions about any Gloucestershire arty things I can write about, send them to me via e-mail below: [email protected]  |
