9th August 2007
Local band Liquid Blue have made it through to the semi finals of 'The Ultimate Chill', a Nationwide wide contest for performers of original compositions. Competition was fierce, with over 70 submissions in total received from demo CDs and from the four regional heats held in Wick, Dundee, Haddington and Fort William throughout the summer.
The Ultimate Chill is part of Pure Media UK an organisation founded in 2001, consisting of several strands bound together by the common ideals to empower young people to fulfil their potential as creative individuals and to encourage personal and community development through creativity. Andy Lainson, Production Manager described The Ultimate Chill Best Band Competition as "existing to provide fresh and untapped talent across Scotland a gateway into the music industry".
Craig Robertson (15), lead guitarist in Liquid Blue received the phone call telling them they had successfully made it through to the semi final due to take place in Fat Sams in Dundee on Friday 24th August 2007. His reaction was "in a word, delighted". Craig and singer Catriona Leighton (17) have been working on their song writing skills for the past year and Liquid Blue's winning song 'Silence' is one of their earlier pieces. They are both now looking forward to the semi final, playing to a bigger audience and widening their fan base. Drummer Gregor (15) echoed their feelings, "I am really excited about the next heat - it feels so good to have got through!", whilst bass guitarist Michael Hill (15) is "hoping that Talent Scouts will be there" and that "they make it to the final".
The Wick Open Audition took place on 19th and 20th July and nine artists took part over the two days. Production Manager Andy Latinos was impressed by the standard set, "Seeing so many young and extremely talented musicians at the Wick Open Audition was very encouraging indeed." Should Liquid Blue win the semi finals, they will be one of two bands competing in the final to be held in Caird Hall Dundee on 15th September 2007. If successful, they win a year working with Pure Media UK, a small Scottish tour as well as recording an EP and making a music video.
Core funded by The National Lottery, Pure Media UK have had support from around 20 other funders, including the Scottish Arts Council. Highland Council Youth Development Officer Koreen MacDougall had been working closely with the pmuk Project Leader and Production Manager throughout the year to ensure their partnership would guarantee an audition to take place in Wick. Wick Youth Club was the ideal recording venue as their weekly MUSIC-LINK-MEDIA workshops is where Liquid Blue and many other local bands meet to discuss, play or listen to music, trying out new styles between 6pm and 10pm every Thursday evening.
With a mixture of raw young talent and inspiration form Rock giants Feeder, KT Tunstall and Blink 182 it looks like nothing can stand in way Liquid Blue's ultimate success.
Ultimate Chill can be found on www.pmuk.org
Music Link Media can be found at www.wycmusiclinkmedia.co.uk