Bestival curator and BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank has today chosen the finalists for his 2013 Bestival Island Band, DJ, Choir & Spoken Word Competition.
A veritable flood of entries were received at the last minute from Isle of Wight talent, leaving Rob with the task of sifting through literally hundreds of MP3s in order to compile his eventual shortlist of finalists.
Rob said today: “Wow! I’ve just ploughed through hours and hours of demos and Soundcloud links for all the categories of the Band Competition and once again the bar has been raised, with an epic spread of styles and genres covered. Really great bands, some incredible DJs and an inspirational selection of choirs and spoken word wizards. Thanks to everyone for entering and sorry if you didn’t make the shortlist. Congrats to anyone who’s made it through and see you on the night. Big up the Isle of Wight music scene!”
Sadly one entrant had to be disqualified at the first hurdle as they didn’t meet the competition’s strict geographical criteria – despite the rules making it clear that this competition was purely for Isle of Wight-based talent, one hopeful musician from Russia still decided to try his luck.
All Rob’s chosen finalists will now compete on the evening of Thursday 16th May at Northwood House, Cowes in front of a panel of prestigious judges (including Level 42’s Mark King and Rob da Bank himself) for the prize of a coveted slot on-stage at this year’s Bestival.
2013 BESTIVAL ISLAND BAND, DJ, CHOIR & SPOKEN WORD COMPETITION
THE FINALISTS
BANDS
Lucid
The Ohmz
The Bear Social
Hentai Babies
Signals
DJS
Ill Al
Tony Stark
Dub Dynamic
Splosh
DJ Longjack
CHOIRS
Quaynote
Wight Harmony
Ryde School Choristers
SPOKEN WORD/BEATBOXERS
Callum Fairweather
Buddy Carson
Lady Robinson
Image: Bands Finalists – Signals
