Introducing

Music festival Hot City Sounds hits Norwich for the second year running from 3–11 July, 2009. The expanded event gives Norfolk music a chance to show its strength and spoil gig-goers with a week long programme of events.

Hot City Sounds has teamed up with BBC Norfolk Introducing to bring the sounds of the summer onto BBC Radio Norfolk throughout the week.

"We want blues and jazz sessions to sit alongside indie, acoustic and metal gigs. This year there will be more venues and performers than ever before" said Kingsley Harris from Clear Talent Media.

As part of the extended festival, the first ever Norfolk Music Video Festival will give performers the chance to show their music videos in a public setting.

A hot summer of music

The Norwich Arts Centre, the B2 and Brickmakers venues have all signed up for 2009 and the opening night has The Kabeedies and Le Tetsuo making a return to Hot City Sounds.

"We are keen to hear from anyone, of any musical type, who wants to take part," said Kingsley.

"The more people who play and the more variety of acts on offer, the more people will see the talent that's kept the Norwich music scene at the forefront of national attention in the last few years," she added.

The Kabeedies will be performing

BBC Voices, located at the BBC Open Studio in The Forum, Norwich, will play its part too. 

"We produce BBC Norfolk Introducing and have been playing the best new music being made in the county since 2007," said Gary Standley, BBC Norfolk Introducing producer.

"We went to the 2008 gigs and put on a special three-hour radio programme to give those who couldn't get to the gigs a chance to feel part of the festival. We hope that those who listened last year will be tempted to see the bands this time around," he added.

BBC Voices is planning more live radio broadcasts during the 2009 festival and is putting on its own BBC Norfolk Introducing gig in Chapelfield Park, along with Norwich City Council, on the closing Saturday.

"Our own gig will happen during the afternoon of the Lord Mayor's procession. Thousands of people will be in the city and what a great chance to show just how good local music can be," said Gary.

"The line-up is still being finalised, but already we have two huge performers booked.

"Blighters have songs of real quality to match a stage swagger that comes through self belief in their music and The Barlights have an on-stage energy alongside catchy tunes.

"It's not surprising they've both developed loyal and passionate fans who go and see them wherever they play."

In 2008, the Hot City Sounds hosted over 40 bands in nine days, with most appearing at the B2 on Sprowston Road in Norwich. Top local bands such as The Kabeedies, The Lost Levels, Bearsuit, Violet Violet and Le Tetsuo all took part.

Norfolk Music Video Festival

The Norfolk Music Video Festival, part of Hot City Sounds in 2009, will showcase the best in local music video.

"We have booked Fusion at The Forum for two weeks and plan to showcase videos alongside photo sets and interviews with local acts," said Gary.

The Lost Levels live

"Fusion is a new space at The Forum, Norwich, which opens in Spring 2009. It will contain a giant digital projection screen that is free to the public six days a week.

"Acts will get the chance to share their music and creative ideas with thousands of people during the Hot City Sounds festival. It will be one of the very few music video festivals in the country and we have many more lined up for the future."

BBC Voices is also teaming up with the Big Screen at Chapelfield Plain in Norwich to display some of the videos and films from local bands.

"We have been waiting to use the screens for a music event like this for some time," said Becky Betts, Big Screen producer.

"There is so much quality local music being made and many people are unaware of just how good it is. The Big Screen will hopefully bring the sounds of Norfolk to a new audience and make Hot City Sounds even more special," she added.

Taking part

If you would like to take part in Hot City Sounds 2009, visit here:

If you have a video you'd like to be considered for the Norfolk Music Video Festival, send BBC Norfolk Introducing a message on their myspace:

Alternatively, send BBC Norfolk Introducing an e-mail:

Listen to BBC Norfolk Introducing every Friday at 7pm for regular Hot City Sounds updates.