The Source is here to give unsigned artists the vital exposure they need, those other talent shows are bullshit.
9pm Sunday 12th September: Showcase (SKY Channel 203)
The Source a new and exciting TV talent show – designed to showcase talented, but unsigned acts who write and perform their own music – is set to air this Sunday, 12th September: 9pm on Showcase (SKY Channel 203) - video heats show (30 minutes) Sunday to Friday at 9pm and the results show (1 hours) every Saturday at 9pm.
Beyond providing a platform for new talent, the show will also empower music consumers who really care about music and who have no patience with the manipulated showbiz glitz that is pushed on terrestrial channels every Saturday night.
Each day from 12th September to 30th October (video heats Sunday to Friday 9pm and results show 9pm Saturday) The Source will feature 150 acts in all. Those receiving the most votes from the video heats will be featured on the weekly Saturday show (9pm) where they will compete to secure their place in the final (30th October), which will offer them the chance of winning £10,000 and record deal which will split profits 50:50 between the artst and the record company.
The Source is backed by a co-operative of influential figures, including Peter Hook, legendary bass-player with Joy Division and New Order, who will appear on the first Saturday show. Partners in the project also include Peter Gabriel’s free music site www.we7.com and Aaron Mellor, MD of Tokyo Industries, co-owner with Peter Hook of FAC251 The Factory club in Manchester, where the Saturday show will be filmed.
Commenting on the announcement, Hook said: “Some people might say why am I supporting this. Yes it is another TV talent show but it’s a TV talent show for performers and audiences who really care about music. " The Source is here to give unsigned artists the vital exposure they need, those other talent shows are bullshit”, they’re just made for TV not for the music, this is real, it’s irreverent and different."
The weekly Saturday show will be directed by ex-Hollyoaks director Chris Corcoran and famed music video director Ian Livesey on location at FAC251 The Factory, Princess Street, Manchester. The show will comprise celebrity interviews, performances by unsigned bands and artists, and an ongoing comic sketch satirising the corporate music industry.
THE FOUNDERS
The Source has been created by people who really care about music; Manchester-based Iain May and Ben Martin, who created the show as a co-operative. They say it’s time for new original talent to gain the TV exposure it deserves:
“Recent phenomena such as the ‘Save BBC6 Music’ campaign back up what we’ve long known: that something must change. New music should be supported and nurtured. Exploitation and corporate control are out of touch with what people want,” says Iain May. “We want the public to make the decisions, free from corporate control or editing for ratings.”
A MARRIAGE BETWEEN ONLINE AND TV
Unlike other talent shows, The Source embraces ‘old school’ craftsmanship and skill in music, but, as it gives unsigned bands a much-needed platform for mainstream exposure, it will leverage the new music-biz orthodoxy of ‘do it yourself’ promotion via digital media and TV.
The contest opened in August to unsigned artists and bands of any genre. Entrants initially created a profile on www.bethesource.tv, uploading their own amateur music videos; music-lovers then voted online for their favourite acts. The top 150 acts, as voted for online, are going on to appear on the television show. Over 16000 people have already voted to date.
All artists taking part will receive a 50 percent split in any revenue from live event tickets and downloads of their videos.
CALL TO ARTISTS AND BANDS TO ENTER FOR THE SECOND SERIES
The Source is calling for artists of any genre to enter via www.bethesource.tv which is now taking entries for the second series. Series 2 will air from 31st October through to 18th December every day.
bethesource.tv TV SCHEDULE
Day Showcase (SKY Channel 203)
Monday 9pm (30 minutes, repeated 12 midnight
Tuesday 9pm (30 minutes, repeated 12 midnight
Wednesday 9pm (30 minutes) Repeated 12 midnight
Thursday 9pm (30 minutes, repeated 12 midnight
Friday 9pm (30 minutes),repeated 12 midnight
Saturday 9pm (1 hour),repeated 12 midnight
Sunday 9pm (30 minutes), repeated 12 midnight