The USC Live Showcase and Convention held at Colston Hall was a raging success. Not only did the evening feature amazing performances by the three finalists of USC 2007 but winning band, Better Than Sax, were treated to very special 'extra' prizes.
The evening opened with USC Director Blain Weller giving an opening speech in which he thanked all those who entered the contest this year and testified to the extremely high standard set by all - a notion shared by our guest judges.
Up first was Laura Holding - one of USC's joint-runner-ups. Laura dazzled those in attendance with her amazing voice and songwriting strength in an acoustic set displaying 3 of her very best work.
After a break for networking, the other joint-runner-up Kiran Hungin took the stage. Kiran showed great songwriting craft performing 3 of her best songs in another dazzling acoustic performance.
Both Laura and Kiran were given a cash prize on the night from USC to put towards some new gear., all of which were presented by Roland UK Marketing Director, Tim Walter.
Speaking of our sponsors Roland UK, Luke Edwards showcased a brilliant piece of Roland gear specially designed to aid the amateur and professional songwriter - the Roland Fantom X8.
Then followed the winners of USC 2007, Better Than Sax. Before they had chance to start their set one of our special guests Nigel Beaham-Powell (Deputy Chairman of the Performaing Rights Society) announced a special prize for the young band. Nigel Elderton, Chairman of Peer Music Publishing and our finalist judge, was so impressed with the quality of songwriting by the group that he has invited Better Than Sax to Peer Music Studios in London over the summer months to record some tracks, with the prospect of a publishing deal in the future!
Unsigned Song Contest winners Better Than Sax then performed an outstanding set which culminated with a performance our thier winning song 'Out in the Cold'.
After, Better Than Sax were given their cash prize and were treated to another 'extra' prize which will involve them having a profile on Roland UK's website. On the site they will have a section dedicated to them supplying a biography, images, site links and of course their winning song 'Out in the Cold' which, will become the featured song for Roland.co.uk.
USC Live Showcase and Convention 2007 was a tremendous success. I hope you will join us next year (stay tuned to this website). For those who attended this year's event, thank you very much for coming, see you soon. All the best.
