Fences are on fire in battle of the bands
AN UNSIGNED Bridgend rock group are preparing for the biggest gig of their lives after they reached the final of a national battle of the bands competition.
Fire Fences – whose musical style has been compared to the Arctic Monkeys – have made the final of Firestone’s annual UK talent search, beating more than 300 other acts to make the final three.
They are now preparing for their biggest opportunity to date at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in Birmingham on December 14.
More than £2,000 worth of Orange Amplification equipment, studio time worth £1,500 and the honour of being Firestone’s Battle of the Bands champion are up for grabs, as they perform with fellow finalists Nuns of the Tundra, from Worcester, and EL-Emcee, from Ipswich, following a public vote.
A judging panel will now listen to the sounds of each act before settling on the winning performers, potentially putting them on the road to a big breakthrough in the music industry.
Daniel Darby, artist relations and marketing at Orange, said: “Each act combines an abundance of skills to create a unique sound, which has clearly resonated with the general public.
“We knew that they were special talents from the first time that we listened to their music when they first entered.
“Whichever act goes on to win thoroughly deserves the accolade and we are sure that they will go on to make an impression in the industry,” he added.
Jake Marray, marketing manager of Professional Music Technology, which partnered with Orange Amplification and Fire- stone to put on the event, said: “Battle of the Bands has been such a relevant competition because it has given emerging artists and bands the chance to make a name for themselves.
“To see the final three acts will be a really fulfilling experience because we know all about their ability.
“Firestone has created something tangible and meaningful here and from being involved in their Battle of the Bands contests in 2015 and 2016, we can say that this instalment has been the most impressive yet.”
Firestone’s brand manager Stuart Attfield said: “We really couldn’t ask for three more deserving finalists. They all boast unique sounds and display the levels of energy and desire that we were hoping to see when we created the contest.
“All three underline why Firestone is so committed to music and promoting grassroots talent.”