GOVERNMENT RESPOND TO NOISE CONTROL PETITION - GOOD NEWS!

You might remember the fuss that was caused around a month ago when it was alleged that the Government were going to introduce sound control devices as a legal requirement in entertainmment venues - and music lovers around the country panicked at the thought of no more heavy bass, no more wailing guitar solos, and no more bangin' beats!

An official petition was set up on the 10 Downing St website and it was signed by 86,493 people. The government today responded to the petition with the following message:

"We are pleased to tell you that there is no truth in claims that the Government is planning to introduce a requirement for entertainment venues to fit noise control devices. Each Local Authority Licensing Authority considers every live music application on its merits, and decisions are made entirely by them. However, the Licensing Act 2003 does not allow mandatory conditions for live music to be imposed across the board. It would not be possible to impose such a condition without a change in the law and such a change is not, and never has been, on the Government’s agenda. There is also no legal requirement under health and safety legislation for entertainment venues to have noise control devices fitted, nor is there any proposal. The Government is acutely aware of the contribution that music makes to our culture and we remain committed to a vibrant and flourishing creative sector, of which live music plays an essential part."

Good stuff, eh?! Read more about the petition here

KASABIAN ANNOUNCED AS FIRST EDEN SESSIONS HEADLINER OF 2009

We’re already waiting excitedly to hear their new album (due to be released on 1 June) so when this news popped up this morning we almost choked on our weetabix.
Kasabian have just been announced as the first band to play the Eden Sessions later in the year, and they’ll be rocking the world famous Eden Project stage on 4 July. Their last album, Empire, went to number one in the charts when it was released in August 2006 and the band saw off fellow rockers Muse and Arctic Monkeys to win Best Live Act at the NME Awards so this gig is going to be super hot.

The fantastic Eden Sessions take place in the beautiful setting of the Eden Project, near St Austell, and over the last eight years the Sessions have included performances from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Vampire Weekend, The Verve, Lily Allen, Mark Ronson, Muse, Basement Jaxx, Editors and Goldfrapp. The 2009 Sessions look set to be some of the best ever, with the mighty Oasis already confirmed to play a rescheduled gig just ten days after Kasabian on 14 July.

Tickets for the Kasabian Eden Session will go on sale on 24 Feb at 6pm priced at £35 each plus a £5 booking fee per ticket. To book, call the Eden box office on 01726 811972 or visit edenbookings.com

+++ URGENT: South West Drum and Bass Awards postponed due to bad weather +++

Due to bad weather and circumstances beyond our control, the Awards event has been postponed.

We have just been informed (at 4pm today) that the Lemon Grove in Exeter where we were due to be hosting the SW DNB Awards event has been shut down by the University due to the adverse weather conditions we have been experiencing throughout today and that are forecast for tonight.

We are currently working on re-scheduling the event to take place in the next couple of weeks and will release more information as soon as we have it. We apologise for any problems caused by this and hope that you can join us at the rescheduled event.

The SW DNB Awards Team

CALLING ALL SMOKERS/BOOZERS/JUNK FOOD LOVERS... Want to make a change? Want to do it on TV?!

Have years of raving left your body ravaged? Is boozing leaving you looking bloated? Or is your love affair with The Colonel giving you big fat chicken wings?

Back in the day, you'd probably have sunk into a deep pit of misery, unsure what to do with yourself or where to start with overhauling your life. But now, you can throw caution, cider and zinger tower burgers to the wind, and do what all troubled souls seem to do now - air your problems on REALITY TV!

If you're aged 18 - 30 and you feel like you need to change your body and your life, the Make My Body Younger team want to hear from you. Not the most subtle or private way to go about giving yourself an overhaul but it might just make some amazing TV... And it's one sure fire way to guarantee you won't fall off the wagon as soon as you roll past the tempting treats of the local supermarket/booze aisle/takeaway/pub/corner shop/nightclub/cafe/canteen/ice cream truck/gym...

(whoops, how did that last one get in there? Maybe we should apply for this... Hmm... We're definitely developing an unnaturally sofa-shaped-bum...)

Just call them for a confidential chat on 01752 727448 or email makemybodyyounger@twofour.co.uk. You can even nominate a friend... awww!

ZANE LOWE IS KERNOW BOUND

Excitable Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe is heading to Falmouth on 7 March to play a gig at The Stannary. The legendary DJ is probably best known for his devotion to finding and promoting new music, and is often an integral part of building the careers of new musicians, featuring the likes of Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys on his "Fresh Meat" feature on Radio 1. Hailing from New Zealand, Zane has won three NME awards for his radio show, and he's DJ'd at some of the UK's biggest concerts (Foo Fighters, The Killers). This will be his first ever show in Cornwall so don’t miss out on what promises to be a high energy, super cool set.



Tickets are £13 adv from www.seetickets.com, 0871 2200260, Tremough & Woodlane Campuses (students only) and from the Hall For Cornwall in Truro 01872 262466 (all subject to booking fee). OVER 18’s only.

OVER 1000 VOTES CAST SO FAR IN DRUM AND BASS AWARDS

Over 1,000 votes have already been cast in the 3rd annual South West Drum and Bass Awards, sponsored by 247 Magazine and due to take place at The Lemon Grove, Exeter on Friday, February 6th. Voting commenced in mid December and the increased interest this year has taken organisers by surprise. Nigel Muntz, promoter said: “We always knew the awards were popular but this year it seems there is more interest than ever before”. He added, “Incorporating the new South West Breakbeat Awards has generated a lot of extra interest too”.

The event is designed to reward the best promoters, DJ’s, MC’s and producers in the South West scene that often get overlooked at the National Drum and Bass Awards each year. The awards are compiled from votes from people that listen to the music and attend the different nights across the region week in, week out, so it truly represents what Drum and Bass and Breakbeat fans think is currently the best in the South West.

Last year’s winners, which included Plymouth’s Bigga Records (Best Record Shop), Truro’s DJ Klimax (Best DJ) and Exeter promoters, Rinseout (Best club night) are all defending their titles and voting closes at midnight on Sat 31st January.

People can vote online at www.swdnbawards.com

All winners will be revealed at the special awards event which takes place on Friday 6th February at the Lemon Grove, Exeter University, Exeter. The event features a special set from Grooverider (Radio 1) and Rennie Pilgrim. Doors open 8pm – 2am, tickets £14 in advance from exeterboxoffice.com or ticketweb.co.uk or from the 24hr credit card hotline 08700 600 100.

STUDENT MODEL SEARCH GETS NATIONAL PRESS ATTENTION!

It's not long to go until the finals of the Student Model Search on 31 January, and tickets are selling fast. With DJ Mike Fielding (aka Naboo from The Mighty Boosh) booked for an exclusive, one off set and a whole load of top notch catwalk entertainment planned, this event is event attracting attention from national press - check out this piece on The Independent's student pages:

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/student-life/fashion/

Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.co.uk and www.upsu.com now.

Search The Hair Priory Student Model Search on facebook to see headshots of all the finalists - who will win?!!

KARIMA FRANCIS SOUTH WEST DATES

If you ever needed a reason to see some new music from an exciting new artist, here's a really good one. We first heard singer songwriter Karima Francis when we were wandering past one of the small live music tents at Glastonbury - her raw, passionate vocals actually made us stop and investigate, and we thought she was fantastic. The Manchester based 21 year old singer has been compared to Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading but she's got a unique sound and a wonderful talent for writing songs.

And we're very excited now, because she's got an album out in the spring, called The Author, and is currently on her debut UK headline tour which stops off in the South West on the following dates:

Sun 31 Jan
The Taphouse, St Agnes

Sun 1 Feb
Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth

Tue 3 Feb
Cooler, Bristol

Wed 4 Feb
The Cavern, Exeter

www.myspace.com/karimafrancis

STOP THE GOVERNMENT BANNING LOUD MUSIC

Ok, so we don't know everything about politics, but this seems clear - Downing St are sure going to get people's backs up with this new proposal: to introduce sound control devices as a legal requirement in entertainmment venues. Thats right, folks, no more stacked out speakers, no more thumping basslines, no more heavy beats, no more soaring vocal performances and definitely no more thunderous guitar solos, leaving clubbers and live music lovers with a bassline that wont even rattle a teacup...*

If you think this is wrong, then sign the petition at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/

Over 29,000 people have already made their voices heard. You have until the 23rd of January to sign the petition.


*We don't really know how much bass it would take to rattle a teacup, but we know that some music has to be heard LOUD! Sign the petition!

NABOO IS BACK! The Mighty Boosh star returns to Plymouth...

Everyone's favourite shaman is headed for Plymouth at the end of January for an exclusive, one-night-only DJ set! One of the stars of hit cult tv series The Mighty Boosh, Naboo the Enigma now has another feather to his bow - he's a floor filling deck stomping DJ with a taste for indie and electro! Aka Mike Fielding (and brother of the fabulous Noel Fielding who plays Vince Noir in the show), he'll be taking to the decks on 31 January at the University of Plymouth as part of the celebrations for the finals of the Student Model Search. The show also features the finalists of the modelling competition strutting their stuff on the catwalk, showing off a selection of the latest uber trendy gear from Cult Clothing. A bevy of gorgeous burlesque beauties round off the evening with a couple of cheeky performances - this is an unmissable event, tickets are selling fast - get yours now at http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_south&query=detail&event=305763&interface=

The Student Model Search presents Naboo!
31 January
The Main Hall, University of Plymouth

7.30pm - 11pm £9 (£8 NUS) tickets may be subject to booking fee

*** AVOID BOOKING FEES and get your tickets in person at The Blush Lounge, 102 Tavistock Place, Plymouth, Cult Clothing, Drake Circus Mall, Plymouth or The Hair Priory, 1-2 Elizabeth Court, Plymouth***

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT CANCELLED

Hotly tipped Californian rockers The Airborne Toxic Event were due to play a show at The Sandsifter in Cornwall later this month, but it has just been announced that the show has had to be cancelled due to circumstances outside of the promoters control. The band are set to have a rip roaring 2009 and have already received a shower of critical acclaim. Have a listen at www.myspace.com/theairbornetoxicevent and if you like it enough you might be able to catch them somewhere else in the UK before they head home to the States.

In the meantime, the promoters, SW1, are hoping to confirm another show with the band later in the year. Keep it locked on 247 Magazine and we'll tell you when and where.

NEWTON FAULKNER RESCHEDULES TOUR

Multi-platinum selling guitar fiddling maestro Newton Faulkner has had to postpone his January/February UK tour due to an injury sustained whilst he was on holiday. He fractured his wrist, and has been ordered by doctors not to perform. The tour will now take place in May 2009, kicking off at Carnglaze Caverns in Liskeard on 29th. The shows will offer a stripped back, acoustic version of his massive album, 'Hand Built By Robots' in an intimate setting, as well as brand new material from his second album which is due for release this summer.

All tickets remain valid for the rescheduled dates. Any ticket holders unable to attend the rescheduled dates can obtain a refund from the point of purchase. For more info about the tour, see www.myspace.com/newtonfaulkner

DREAM OF BEING A STAR? AUDITION FOR TORBAY ACTING FACTORY THIS SATURDAY

Hit the spotlight and raise the curtains – the Torbay Acting Factory is on the look-out for some budding new talent. The Torbay Acting Factory (TAF) was started by Torbay Council in 1996 and seems to be the place to be for theatrical experience, knowledge and fun. It now has more than 150 members and is always looking out for new talent who are willing to step into the spotlight.

Alan Davies, Service Manager for Theatres, Art and Events, said: "TAF offers the opportunity to sing, dance and act and has produced some excellent shows and performers over the years. TAF is a great way of bringing together talented youngsters from across the Bay and providing them with the opportunity to gain some valuable experience."

TAF will be holding open auditions on Saturday 10 Jan 2009 for young people aged 6-18 years. The auditions will be held at The Palace Theatre, Palace Ave, Paignton, for more information on times please look up the website. The workshops are free, just turn up, no need to book.

Those attending are advised to wear loose clothing, trainers or dance shoes.

For more details please contact TAF on 07880 717003 or look up www.torbayactingfactory.com

RED STRIPE MUSIC AWARDS AT EXETER PHOENIX

For the third year running, the Red Stripe Music Award 09 is offering emerging bands the opportunity to grab the attention of the music industry. For the first time this year, Exeter Phoenix has been selected as a host venue for the first round of the South West leg of the tour on Friday 23 Jan 09. Shortlisted acts to play for the Red Stripe Music Award at Exeter Phoenix on the 23 Jan are Exeter's Drunk With Joy (pictured), Severe Zero (Barnstaple), Load.Click.Shoot (Barnstaple), The Quails (Teignmouth) and Letters to Leaders (Exeter).

With slots at three of the summer’s major festivals including The Great Escape guaranteed for the winner, The Red Stripe Music Award is described by many promoters as live music’s answer to the Mercury Music Prize.

The four-month regional gig series starts in January 2009, hitting over 25 of the country’s best loved live music venues. Open to bands playing any manner of music, utterly unbiased to trend or leaning, Red Stripe asks only that applicants are over 18 years old and perform original tracks with the heart and soul they deserve. Over 1,500 applicants are expected to apply for 2009, from which 150 bands will be selected to play at one of over 25 regional gigs. In April 2009, 20 bands will be shortlisted and considered by a board of A&R, music journalists and industry specialists – finally resting on 4 finalists who will play at The Kentish Town Forum in May and judged by a panel of four, previously made up of music big wigs including Elbow’s Guy Garvey and XFM’s John Kennedy.

Red Stripe’s Paul Brazier comments: “We’re committed to nurturing new music and the Red Stripe gig series offers local bands a platform to get themselves noticed by both the public and the industry, playing at some great music venues along the way.”

Don't miss it!

Red Stripe Music Awards
Fri 23rd Jan 2009
Exeter Phoenix
£5/£3, 8pm, over 18s only