Ryan Whitmore

A fabulous night at The Old Brown Jug in Newcastle-under-Lyme who hosted the Singer Songerwriter Heats. Again so hard to judge as all the artists were amazing. One young man particularly stood out as new and upcoming talent Tom Lockett – I had flashbacks to Al Stewart and “Love Chronicles” (showing my age now). The absolute outright winner was of course local songster RYAN WHITMORE. Ryan will have a prime slot on the Sugarmill Stage on the 30th May at Britannia Stadium – so do come and support him. I will have the line-up for the Sugarmill Stage by the beginning of next week so check your favourite band on the Sugarmill Stage. See you all there. Final for Road to Britannia at the Sugarmill in Hanley 21st May 7.30pm start come and support and cheer for either
THE FEARS, HEART OF THE SUN, BLEACHED WAIL, ONE HORSE RACE, PEOPLE INVOLVED.
See ya there. Julia.

BBC Midlands Today will be filming live from the Sugarmill on Finals Night and will be recording the whole of the gig for broadcast over the following weekend. This is an amazing opportunity for the bands to reach a wider audience and a fabulous opportunity for the Sugarmill to put their brand on the map!!! Please contact the Sugarmill to be part of the exciting climax to “Road to Britannia”.

The final on Thursday, 21st May at the Sugarmill has the following bands:

• The Fears Heat winners from 5th May
• People Involved Heat winners from 6th May
• One Horse Race Heat winners from 12th May
• Heart of the Sun Heat winners from 13th May
• Bleached Wail Close second on 13th May

Don’t forget the Solo Artists and Singer/Songwriters will be on Tuesday, 19th May at “The Old Brown Jug” Newcastle-under-Lyme

• Play in the Dark – Peter Carney
• Ryan Whitmore Heat winners
• Brohnis
• Vinesh
• Tom Lockett
• Robin Soleimani

The Road to Britannia is a fabulous opportunity for Local Bands, Rappers, M.C.’s, and D.J.’s to get involved with the Love Music Hate Racism’s Festival at Britannia Stadium on the 30th May 2009 supported by Stoke City F.C. and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The preliminary heats are at the Sugarmill :

• Tuesday, 5th May:
  • The Fear Heat winners
  • The Ritzz
  • Rumour Has It
  • The Decision
  

  The Decision

  The first heat at the Sugarmill was a resounding success the four bands that played were excellent with special mention going to a young group called The Decision a three piece from Holden Lane Sports College and Sixth Form College Fenton.

  

  The Fear

  But the outright winner on the night were a superb group called “The Fear” who will take some beating in the final on the 21st May.

  
  

• Wednesday, 6th May:
  • The Control
  • People Involved Heat winners
  • The Seconds
  • Jo E.E.T.
  

  The People Involved

  The second night of the Road to Britannia Heats started with a modest sized audience. In spite of this, the first band up; The People Involved, were not deterred. This Leek based band took to the stage from the start with a solid, tight sound. The fact that they have been together since 2005 was glaringly obvious in the skill and co-ordination of all the band members who produce a well rounded sound that has been in the past compared to Coldplay, Foo-Fighters and Mansun. Similarities aside, this band performed with an enthusiasm that was catching as the audience warmed to the performance. From punchy, rock with hints of Metallica guitar to slower tempo tracks, this band showed that they are not a one trick pony but have a diversity and maturity that most bands can only hope to aspire to. Dark, brooding basslines, soaring guitars, solid drums driving the rhythm and a frontman, who as well as provoking allusions to Coldplay’s Chris Martin, provided a strong, melodic vocal and great interaction with the crowd. These guys rocked…end of.
  http://www.stokesounds.blogspot.com/

  
  

• Tuesday, 12th May:
  • The Set-Up
  • Lost Scenes
  • One Horse Race Heat winners
  

  One Horse Race

  The winner was ONE HORSE RACE a young band from Alsager whose sound was reminiscent of Siouxie and The Banshees but without Siouxie!! They had wonderful enthusiasm and energy and whose belief in the cause of Love Music shone through!!

  
  

• Wednesday, 13th May:
  
  

  Heart of the Sun

  • Maybe This Friday
  • Heart of the Sun Heat winners
  • The Riots
  • Bleached Wail Close second
  

  Bleached Wail

  The final night of the heats at the Sugarmill was another fantastic night of young talent from Stoke-on-Trent. The judges struggled with a final decision two bands stood out as winners not only for their content and sound but for the individuality and originality of their music. James from Heart of the Sun is an absolute star in the making he has the presence and voice which should make Pete Docherty quiver in his shoes and the originality of Bleached Wail, their complete sound from a three piece was fabulous. In the end Heart of the Sun were announced as winners but because the judges felt that Bleached Wail had such potential they were also invited through to the final on the 21st May.

For more information phone Julia on 07870 794513.

Terms and Conditions of entry

Love Music Hate Racism retain the rights over any photographic film or audio recordings of any performance by an artist, band or individual involved in the “Road to Britannia” showcase events at The Sugarmill and the Festival at Britannia Stadium on the 30th May 2009. Any material relating to your appearance will of course be made available to you and you will be informed of any useage. Love Music Hate Racism will not tolerate musical or artistic content involving any language or performance concerned with sexism, racism or homophobia.