This is always our favourite time of year at Chordblossom HQ. Our Kickstart competition always throws light on artists we weren’t aware of before and every year we make some fantastic new discoveries. Over 100 bands and musicians entered our competition which meant our team had an extremely tough time narrowing them all down for a shortlist. It won’t come as much of a commiseration to the artists that haven’t made it through to the next stage but it could be argued that this year’s batch of entrants was the strongest yet.
Kickstart 2017 Shortlist►
Without further ado, we are pleased to announce that the following musicians/bands have made it through to the next stage:-
►Bear Skin
►BRØR
►Civil Simian
►Claire Louise
►Emer Maguire
►Emmet McGonagle
►Glass Wings
►GNARKATS
►Houston We Have A Problem
►Kavalier
►Lavengro
►LORE
►Matty Rea
►Mosmo Strange
►Pine Barrens
►Sam Wickens
►Susie Blue
►Tethers
►The Fugues
►Vultures
Kickstart 2017 Shortlist Playlist►
While our panel of esteemed judges is narrowing down these twenty artists down to four finalists, we thought you might like the opportunity to sample the shortlisted artists for yourselves. Enjoy this specially put together Soundcloud playlist.
Shortlist Judging Panel►
A massive congratulations to those who have made it through to the next stage. Rather than using a public vote like in previous years, the four finalists will be decided by an independent panel of judges.
– Brand New Friend – Kickstart 2016 Winners
– Carolyn Mathers – Snow Water
– Noelle Ellis – Gigging NI
– Stevie Lennox – The Thin Air
– Christopher McBride – The Metaphorical Boat
– Paul Brown – Fictive Kin
– Rocky O’Reilly – Start Together Studios
– Rachel Young – Queen’s Radio
– Nikki MacRae – Help Musicians NI
– Caoileann Hegarty – Sofar Sounds Belfast
Timeline For The Competition ►
– Monday 13th March 2017 – 4 Finalists Announced
– Saturday 1st April 2017 – Showcase Gig & Winner Announced
Prizes ►
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sponsored the competition this year. We highly recommend these organisations should you require their services:
► Professional Career Advice – Courtesy of Third Bar Artist Development
► Single Recording – Courtesy of Millbank Studios
► Video for your Single – Courtesy of Dog Kennel Productions
► Festival Slot – Courtesy of Stendhal Festival of Art
► First Play of your Single – Courtesy of Electric Mainline
► CD Duplication – Courtesy of Wilson Creative
► Single Artwork – Courtesy of Studio McCooke
► Professional Photoshoot – Courtesy of Ciara McMullan Photography
► Single Launch Gig in Belfast – Courtesy of Chordblossom
► Support Slot in Portrush – Courtesy of Atlantic Live Lounge
► Support Slot in Derry/Londonderry – Courtesy of Bennigans Introducing
