Young musicians from the Island are being given the chance to play on the same stage as some of the biggest acts in the world as Wight Noize returns for 2014, bigger and better than ever before.
The Wight Noize initiative was conceived by Platform One College of Music, who has continuously strived to develop opportunities for young bands resident on the island since 1999 and is a mechanism to support all young musicians on the Island, not just students who study at the college.
The initiative allows young musicians the opportunity to be involved in a professional music industry showcase and get constructive feedback from industry professionals, with the chance to play at the Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park in June.
The concept is far removed from the traditional ‘Battle of the Bands’ contests that exist around the UK. Platform One wants young musicians to be ambitious, to have aspirations, to become professionals and to realise how competitive the music industry is. Wight Noize has always been about this from day one.
David Pontin, Director of Platform One said:
“This is not a battle of the bands but an opportunity to take part in a professional showcase and get some constructive feedback on your band, your songs and your performance. Playing at the festival is a privilege and bands must work hard for this opportunity and take it seriously”.
Opportunities for young musicians at the festival have evolved each year thanks to the commitment of John Giddings, who is one of the patrons of Platform One. Solo, the organisers of the festival are seriously committed to supporting young musicians on the Island. It is important to note that they have no obligation to do so and many festivals neglect the local community – not the Isle of Wight Festival, thanks to Solo.
John Giddings said:
“I am very proud to be a patron of Platform One. I think they do an incredible job of preparing young musicians for the reality of the music industry. I like helping people and my work with Platform One feels the right thing to do – they have integrity and they are good at what they do”.
These unique opportunities for young musicians on the Island confirm the ongoing support of Solo, the festival organisers.
David Pontin continued:
“Solo is extremely supportive of the ethos and work of Platform One. It is an amazing opportunity for young musicians to be involved in such a prestigious and successful festival”.
Anyone wanting to get involved in Wight Noize 2014 can e-mail [email protected] for a registration form.
1) All acts must submit a demo CD containing two tracks only. This demo will be used to select acts of an acceptable standard of musicianship to perform at the auditions. 2) All acts must be able to demonstrate that they actively promote themselves online. 3) Musicians may only register and perform in one act. 4) All musicians must be resident on the Isle of Wight (proof of residence may be asked for) and all musicians must be aged 16 to 24 years old (proof of date of birth may be asked for). 6) Selected acts will be required to perform three original compositions at the auditions. 7) The PA, back line amplifiers and drum kit will be supplied by Platform One for the auditions. 8) Final closing date for registrations is Friday 23rd May 2012.
The Wight Noize ‘Industry Showcase’ will be held at Platform One College of Music on Saturday 31st May 2014.
