Bands urged to take up challenge

A sound technician who toured with T'Pau and has worked on Prince's Trust projects today dubbed The Shropshire Star's Battle of the Bands a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

The competition, which has a £6,000 prize fund, is being run in conjunction with local music companies and finals nights will be held at Shrewsbury Buttermarket, on March 23 and 30.

Gair Davies, whose company, Soundscape Studios is providing half a day's studio time to the winner, said:"The Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands is an exceptional competition."

Soundscape Studios is one of the county's best known studios and has been in business for more than 20 years.

It recently relocated to The Barn, in Little Oxon Lane, Shrewsbury.

Mr Davies added: "The studios are equipped with the most modern equipment and are perfect for bands that want to get away and be creative."

Further details on the studios are available on (01743) 363660 or at www.soundscapestudios.co.uk

The competition is being sponsored by Salop Music Centre, Wolf At The Door Records, Soundscape Studios, The Buttermarket at Shrewsbury and Telford FM.Bands have until March 9 to send their entries to James Shaw, Shropshire Star, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU, or they can call (01952) 241452.

Competition sponsors:

Shropshire Music Centre - the main sponsors, offering £3,000 of band equipment www.salopmusic.co.uk

Telford FM -supporting and highlighting the entrants www.telfordfm.co.uk

A Wolf at Your Door Records - offering 100 demo discs and advice www.wolfatyourdoor.com

Soundscape Studios - offering four hours studio time http://soundscape-studios.co.uk

The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury - venue for the Battle Of The Bands finals www.buttermarket.com