Local Talent Shines on the Mic (From Your Local Guardian)

Local Talent Shines on the Mic

12:44pm Tuesday 27th September 2011 in Your Say

Local talent shines on the Mic.

Montel Ferguson from Heston has been given the big thumbs up by judges at the Open Mic UK auditions. Along with other impressive acts, Montel ferguson has made it through to the Regional Finals and will now be performing at the live showcases of Open Mic UK 2011.

Open Mic UK 2011 is the exciting national talent competition which searches for the UKs best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.

One contestant who has evidently caught the judge’s eye is local talent Montel Ferguson, now competing for a place in the National Final at The O2 in London and the chance to grab a breakthrough recording contract. Thousands of hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. Those who made it through the audition stage will now take part in a live Regional head to head battle alongside the best talent in their area. They’ll be performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel to win a place at the National Grand Final.

Chris Grayston head of Future Music comments “we are searching for an act whose live performance will impress an audience, industry judges and A&R associates, and who has the potential to become a professional recording artist. The standard was high last year and this year looks set to be even better.”

The competition is divided into age categories; 16 and under, 17-22 and 23 and over; all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK. There’s over £50, 000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner of Open Mic UK 2011 will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30, 000 investment! They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.

There are plenty of development opportunities available to acts taking part courtesy of ICMP, who will be offering songwriting courses and masterclasses throughout the competition. The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from BBC Introducing, national radio and regional press.

The winners will not only get to perform on stage at The 02 at Live Fest, London’s largest indoor festival, but they will be thrust into the media spotlight through television, radio and print media and will be invited on the Open Mic UK Tour, which boasts 100 gigs across the country. Last year’s under 16’s winner, Hatty Keane, has been signed to BGM Music. Since being crowned the overall runner up of the competition last year, Hatty has been featured in a variety of local, regional and national press, performed live sets alongside Tinchy Stryder and Roll Deep and is currently working on new material. Previous winner Birdy has recently been a favourite on Radio 1 having signed to Warner Music and is set for a huge career at just 15 years of age.

For more information go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk or better still come down and support your local talent performing! You can purchase tickets from the website www.openmicuk.co.uk or on the door subject to availability or from Montel Ferguson.

***ENDS*** For press enquiries please contact Ben Price on 01142 321 993 or email press@liveandunsigned.uk.com Based on information supplied by Montel Ferguson.