Yesterday we waxed lyrical about the importance and accessibility of your local music scene and during our effusions, we mentioned the Next Big Thing competition, the final for which is this weekend (Saturday 9th to be exact). As it’s actually a reasonably big deal here in the east, Ed Sheeran won it in 2008 dontchaknow – the organisers do mention it occasionally, we thought we would continue getting into our local spirit by bigging up the finalists in a little gig preview.
But first, a little background on the competition itself, from Future Radio Station Manager, Terry Lee; ” The Next Big Thing is the best up and coming music competition in the Eastern region, with a list of former winners who speak for themselves. Last year’s winner, Raevennan Husbandes, may well go on to be as successful as Ed Sheeran, who won in 2008,” and Outline editor, Emma Garwood; “At Outline, we proudly cover all the amazing acts coming in to the region to perform, but increasingly, we don’t have to look beyond our own regional limits to find staggering talent and musicians with national and international potential. The Next Big Thing brings that talent to the surface, to the attention of new fans and a wider recognition, which they deserve.”
Entrants are welcome from across Norfolk and Suffolk and the winners will get a slot at Homegrown Festival 2014 as well as studio time to record a music video and sessions; a professional photo-shoot and (this is not actually a prize) no doubt some coverage from us.
This year we are being treated to a particularly diverse musical line-up in the final with an eclectic range of genres represented. Good luck to the judges coming up with a suitably fair evaluation method for this lot!
In alphabetical order (naturally) the finalists are.
Dr Clyde
They say: Energetic foursome playing a worldly blend of danceable music. We have many influences ranging from jazz to metal, making a weird and wonderful sound which forces your feet to dance and your face to contort ’til you are drenched in sweat and your feet are blistered.
We say: Frantically skittish and almost deranged one minute, softer but no less engaging the next. They are like a musical jambalaya with ingredients thrown in wildly and a steaming plate of delicious filling aural food the result.
Stalk Dr Clyde: Facebook / Twitter
Freyr
They say: Four piece alternative rock band who draw influences from Jimmy Eat World, Mae, Paramore and other bands in the genre. Freyr boast catchy songs and a powerful live performance.
We say: Radio friendly alt sounds á la Sum41 but with the welcome addition of some female vocals and more coherent riffage. From the respectable side of rock (that’s not a bad thing), they’ll make you sweat, then probably drive you home after.
Stalk Freyr: Facebook / Twitter
Koi Paraga
They say: A contemporary folk quartet, crafting songs of deep thought and heartfelt sincerity. A singer-songwriter, virtuoso guitarist, double bassist and vocal gymnast-cum-percussionist, have joined forces in search of a new shore and invite you on their journey, “a journey… between Radiohead and Mumford & Sons… like being transported into the centre of a Hemmingway novel.”
We say: Genteel folkers with an ear for a tune and a knack for spinning a yarn within them. Intelligent and engaging arrangements compliment clever harmonies. Radiohead and Mumford & Sons might be stretching it, but there is much hidden away in here to discover and enjoy.
Stalk Koi Paraga: Facebook / Twitter
Mega Emotion
They say: We started out just wanting to make dance music. We love the mesmerising regularity of it. But we love guitars too, and really missed the rawness of bands like Sonic Youth or the Pixies. So we went back to the drawing board. We ended up with this blend of austere sequenced drums, overlaid with the warmth and energy of both girls drumming live, and a never-ending battle between synths and guitars.
We say: Seventies guitars and neo-disco basslines give way to brash, angular riffage and dark electro flashes to create future sounding retro-pop with attitude.
Stalk Mega Emotion: Website / Facebook / Twitter
The Thinking Men
They say: Imagine The Rolling Stones jamming with The Doors while Tom Waits takes the mic; this is the sound of five-piece alternative rock band The Thinking Men, their live performance reverberates with infectious, foot-stomping anthems that will have you hooked.
We say: Foot stomping is right, big brash bluesy noise that will have you jumping and stamping around to tunes that are more catchy than they have any right to be. They made it to the final last year, can they go one better?
Stalk The Thinking Men: Facebook / Twitter
Unix
They say: Lyam Bewry, 19 yrs old. Initially I started making music using Nintendo Gameboys, a Commodore 64 and circuit bent junk and now have moved on to retro inspired EDM which I’ve been producing for around 3 years.
We say: Throw your hands up and prepare to get down. Funk infused house with a plethora of bells, whistles, handclaps, horns and just about anything else you can think of thrown in for good measure. Oh, and the beat, the incessant and banging beat.
Stalk Unix: Facebook / Twitter
So there you have it, a very quick summary of the finalists. Frankly, we have no idea who is going to win and it’s all going to come down to how they perform on the night. We’ll be there for what promises to be a very enjoyable evening, if you want to come along, click the poster for more info and tickets.
Alphabet Bands 
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