Rosalita named Next Big Thing III winners

Next Big Thing is East Anglia's biggest and best music showcase for tomorrow's hottest new music stars.

Rosalita perform at the final of Next Big Thing III

Video

Filmed at the Next Big Thing III final -

Rosalita - 'Hadleigh'

Alex Sheppard - 'Run'

Hellcat - 'Hey Hey'

Sam and Daisy - 'Queen Of The Jungle'

Social Group - 'An Explosion In A Sports Shop'

The Rebecas - 'Visa'

The Suggestions - 'Life Is Good Enough'

Vanilla Kick - opening song

Audio

Download tracks by the 12 semi finalists

The final

More than 500 music fans turned out for the final of Next Big Thing III at the UEA LCR in Norwich. After more than 100 entries, judges had managed to whittle the acts down to the last eight, all of who performed three songs at the showcase event.

In a closely-fought finale, energetic indie band Rosalita were chosen as the overall winners on the night. The band are now looking forward to receiving a host of top prizes, including a single release, free recording time, legal advice, £1,000 worth of music equipment and a guaranteed support slot with a top band at either the UEA or The Waterfront. The fantastic prizes were provided courtesy of sponsors NR One Records, Purple Studios, Steeles Lawyers, Soundcontrol, UEA, HMV and Anglia Drum Centre.

Rosalita, who hail from Ipswich, are made up of lead singer Kris, guitarist Richard, Jay on bass, Ben on keyboards and drummer John. Richard said: “We saw this competition as a golden opportunity and we are well pleased to have won, especially considering the quality of the other acts was so high.”

Commenting on the success of the event, Oli Franzen, one of the organisers, said: “In its third year, the Next Big Thing has gone from strength to strength.

“What has impressed me is the quality, not just of the acts which made it to the final, but also those who did not get that far.

“I think everyone who saw Rosalita tonight would agree that they really have what it takes to go all the way. However, that's not to take anything away from the other seven and I am sure we will be hearing from them again.

“I am now looking forward to next year's event. If the music is as good as this year it should be another big success.”

Back in September 138 bands and artists submitted their, hoping to emulate the previous winner The Pistolas and Le Tetsuo. A shortlist of 12 was drawn up, all of whom took part in sold-out semi-finals at the Norwich Arts Centre.

Also in the grand final were Alex Sheppard, The Suggestions, Vanilla Kick, The Social Group, The Rebecas and Hellcat.

Finalists were:

• Alex Sheppard,
• The Suggestions,
• Vanilla Kick
• The Social Group
• Sam and Daisy
• The Rebecas
• Rosalita
• Hellcat

Listen to the bands

Next Big Thing III

Bands were hoping they will follow in the footsteps of previous winners The Pistolas and Le Tetsuo.

The Eastern Daily Press Event magazine, the Norwich Evening News and our Ipswich-based sister titles the East Anglian Daily Times and Evening Star in searched for the best in unsigned talent, from across East Anglia.

Jack Underwood of Le Tetsuo faces the audience at last year's final

The amazing package of prizes really is the most complete yet and we have teamed up with NRONE Records, Purple Studios, Steeles Lawyers, Soundcontrol, UEA, HMV and Anglia Drum Centre.

NR One Records/EA Records Partnership will offer a limited edition single release with a national distribution deal through the UK’s largest record distributor Backs/ Shellshock/Pinnacle.

The offer will include a promotional photo shoot and full artwork package plus a continuation option while Purple Studios will provide two long days recording time in which to record the release.

Steeles specialist music lawyers will give the winning band the best possible grounding by offering a launch pad workshop and legal advice worth £1,000. This will include advice and insights into the music business, successful marketing and promotion, where to go next and demo tips. They will also offer all eight finalists a free band agreement worth around £700 each that formalises arrangements for the group after a one to one consultations with Steeles.

The Pistolas after winning in 2004

On top of this winning band will also be kitted out by Sound Control Norwich who will provide £1,000 of musical equipment

To complete the experience the winning band will play a guaranteed support slot with a signed band at the UEA or The Waterfront within 12 months of winning and also enjoy their own signing session within HMV’s store in Princes Street, Norwich.

In addition, all 12 semi-finalists will be invited to have a track each on a special Next Big Thing III promotional CD, available in early November. Plus, of course, they'll get oodles of publicity with every semi finalist profiled in papers and online!

The initial and semi-final judging panel was be chaired by EDP Event editor Trevor Heaton, with EDPEvent music writer Colin Wilson, EDP Event sub-editor David Banks and music biographer and journalist Richard Balls from the Evening News, plus Archant director of marketing, Philip Preston.

For the grand final the panel was joined by more judges including Paul Ingleby of The Waterfront, music manager Jess Glister, NRONE's Kingsley Harris, Annie Catwoman of Wombatwombat.