Sing When You're­ Winning...

In a band? Have a job that isn't your band? Yet, still somehow have time to appear on TV? Well, the snappily-titled UK's Best Part-Time Band could be for. Production company Wall to Wall Media are looking for the best "non-professional bands in the UK for a brand new four-part series for BBC Music/BBC Four and BBC Two."

The official press release continues...
"You may have been together years, decades even, or just got together. Perhaps you used to play together as students and have recently reformed. Whatever the circumstances, this is a contest for bands who do not make a professional living as musicians, but who absolutely love to play in their band.

"This primetime four-part series will look to explore just what makes a great band - what are the unique elements, the riffs and rhythms that go to make up a band’s sound, what’s the dynamic of the band, and does creative tension produce great music..? We are keen to hear from bands of any cultural background who play music of any genre. UK’s Best Part-Time Band is a celebration of the secret army of passionate musicians who continue to play for the love of music week in, week out."

So, like we said at the top, if all these things apply to you, you can apply to be on the show here parttimebandcasting.co.uk.

Wall to Wall Media will be in Belfast to meet any Northern Irish prospects on 23-25 September, so don't wait too long...

And if you’re wondering what you can win, well...
"There is no recording contract on offer here, but a great opportunity to show your band off to a huge audience. Respected musicians from some of our best-loved bands will embark on a road trip across the UK to hear talented bands play. At the end of each episode, five acts will be selected to compete against each other in a regional heat, battling for a place in the Grand Final to be shown on BBC Two. Here, one act will be crowned the UK’s Best Part-Time Band."

Announcing the new programme, BBC Four Channel Editor, Cassian Harrison, said: "BBC Four is the television home of music, and our Friday night music programming is a much-loved part of the schedule. Next year, we want to go beyond the stars to celebrate the passion of amateur music makers who captivate, entertain and transport audiences up and down the country every week."

There is of course some small print, which includes:
• A band must have a minimum of three members and two musical instruments, not including vocals
• All band members must be aged 17 and over as of 01 September, 2015
• The band, and all members, must not have a current recording deal with any UK or international record label
• And all band members must be residents of the UK and have been so since 01 September, 2012


Red Bull Foxhunt returns to Rostrevor on 03-04 October. Registration is open right now and more information can be found at redbull.ie/foxhunt