Got an EP or LP - tell the MP (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Got an EP or LP - tell the MP
11:40am Tuesday 1st March 2011 in Leisure
Steve Brine with daughter, Emily, at the inaugural Alresford Festival in June 2010
MUSIC contests are often launched by promoters, pubs or recording studios, but not usually by MPs.
However, Winchester’s man in Westminster, Steve Brine, is looking for the best live band and venue in the district.
It is part of the new ‘Rock the House’ competition, where MPs across Britain look to flag up musical excellence on their doorstep.
Geared towards unsigned bands, national finalists and winners will be decided by an independent judging panel.
It includes Chris Ingham, group publisher of Future Publishing, musicians and music professionals, Mike Weatherley MP and John Robertson MP.
All finalists will be invited to a star studded reception on the Terrace of the House of Commons on Thursday, June 30, where the winners will be revealed.
Prizes include gigs at top venues, a photo shoot with a top professional, Yamaha instruments, master classes with sound engineers, and the chance to make a music video.
The event is backed by Yamaha, UK Music, Future Publishing, BPI, Live Nation, Consumer Focus, Music Managers Forum and the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
Mr Brine said: “Live music is one of my real passions – I never want to lose the buzz of finding a new band and seeing them play live. I will be doing that as usual as this year’s Glastonbury Festival in June come rain or shine. “I am delighted to invite local nominations for this exciting new national competition. We have some incredible bands and venues in the Winchester area, and I’d love to see them attain the recognition they deserve.”
He will pick a band and venue by the end of March. Visit www.rockthehouse.me.uk to download an entry form, which can then be sent to steve.brine.mp@parliament.uk.
cardinalfang says...
10:04pm Wed 2 Mar 11
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"I never want to lose the buzz of finding a new band and seeing them play live." You are kidding - right? Seriously, even Smashy and Nicey wouldn't have the lack of self-awareness to come out with a line so obviously false and embarrassing. I'm only surprised that he didn't do the devil horns thing with his fingers while he said it.
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I have never once heard him say anything of any worth or sense about tuition fees, preventing a second banking crisis or ring fencing money for front line services. All we ever get in his news letter is PR puff about visiting local pointless promotions and being captured on film shaking someone's hand. He is such a lightweight.
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Mind you, at least we can feel content that he is one of those middle-aged try-hards who go to "Glasto" and try to act like they are hip. If you are over 25, you shouldn't be anywhere near a festival unless you are one of the crew.
When are we going to get a decent opposition to get these schoolboys out of government and get some intelligent and rational, real-world thinkers in their place who actually understand real people and commercial realities.