09/02/11…Local band in UK’s biggest original music competition

OXFORDSHIRE band, The Freemantle, is on its way towards winning the UK’s biggest original music competition.

Members of The Freemantle wowed the judging panel when they sailed through the audition stage of Live and Unsigned. They will be competing against the most talented bands and artists in the country at the Regional Final showcase of Live and Unsigned 2011 ? all in a bid to be signed.

The Freemantle battled against hundreds of other bands auditioned to secure a spot in the live shows and now has the opportunity to prove that they are the best in the region. Acts that made it through auditions will now take part in a live Regional Final Showcase in front of thousands of spectators and a professional judging panel, including judges from Kerrang, NME Radio and Radio One. The best bands from their Regional Final Showcase also get the opportunity to play support slots with a selection of major headlining acts.

Anthony Whitehead, front man and songwriter for The Freemantle said: “We are unbelievably excited about getting through to the Regional finals, and are so glad that all our hard work over the last year is finally paying off and we are extremely proud to be representing Oxfordshire in this nationwide Competition.”

The Freemantle was formed in the summer of 2010 with the poetic song writing of Anthony Whitehead, the melodic and intricate guitar mastery of Matt Stevens and the powerful driving force of Olivia Flint on drums. The band is a cross between Indie, Pop and Rock and drawing influences from such bands as Bombay Bicycle Club, The Smiths, The Doors, Kings of Leon and many more. The Freemantle has an original and defined sound dealing with such subjects as life and death, fear and hopes, dreams and aspirations as well as love and the very substance of human emotions.

Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists. Attracting over 50,000 entries in the past five years, it has set itself apart from its predecessors by offering and promoting originality. It?s now established as the definitive music competition for original acts and it?s open to all genres of music from Heavy Rock to Rap.

Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live & Unsigned said: ?Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility. We don?t accept demos or submissions and everyone auditions live. We?ve got some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year in a