Calling all Student Bands!

Jack Daniel’s reserves magazine front cover for first class university student band

Now in its 5^th year, The JD Set Unsigned is an initiative aimed at university student bands to cultivate and support new musical talent. New for 2008, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is offering one lucky band the chance to record a four track EP and have it cover-mounted on one of the country’s leading music magazines, Artrocker. All bands who enter will be invited to a series of masterclasses led by music industry experts such as Donard Duffy who has worked with well known artists such as The Pretenders, Supergrass and Slash.

A revised programme will be held in three regional hubs – London, Newcastle and Sheffield. The three best bands from around the country will have a series of one-on-one training sessions from sound engineers, lawyers, record label representatives and live agents. Furthermore, one lucky band from each will be picked as a warm-up slot at one of the prestigious JD Set gigs televised by Channel 4.

Beginning 1^st October 2008 hopeful bands can submit tracks by post or by uploading their myspace site to the website www.thejdset.co.uk/unsigned. The deadline for submission is the 8th January 2009

Last year’s overall winners were the Panama Kings from Northern Ireland. Thanks to Mr. Jack, they released a single which resulted in reviews and interviews, providing that valuable cut through needed to take unsigned bands to the next level. They say of the experience: “The JD Set has a really great reputation, and has always involved amazing bands, so for the panel at The JD Set Unsigned to deem us worthy winners was a huge compliment.”

The JD Set Unsigned is a music platform from Jack Daniel’s which reflects a commitment and association to music which dates back to 1892 when Mr Jack put together the Silver Cornet Band. Previous artists to have performed at a JD Set include Patti Smith, Frank Black, Editors and The Flaming Lips. Plus from this November the JD Set gigs return. They will take the format of a music tour that partners the most exciting new names from the indie scene with a musical great. Hugh Cornwell (Stranglers former front man) kicks off the first tour.

Key Dates:

October 1^st 2008 Band / track entries commence

January 8^th 2009 Submission deadline

January 26^th 2009 9 winning bands announced

9^th February-16^th March 2009 Regional Events

April & May 2009 Performances at the JD Sets

May & June 2009 Fans vote for ultimate JD Set Unsigned winning band

For more info on The JD Set Unsigned, go to: www.thejdset.co.uk/unsigned

Know when to unplug, please drink Jack Daniel’s responsibly.

Tags: bands, Jack Daniel's, JD, Music, Student Bands

Category: Entertainment, Featured, Student News