Carling Supports Sheffield
The opening of a new Carling Academy is always a cause for celebration, which is why we rolled out a special version of Carling Supports specially for Sheffield, home of the newest Academy.
Carling Supports was successfully launched on a national level in 2007 and gives unsigned bands a chance to taste fame and fortune by playing at their nearest Carling Academy. They can also gain a supporting slot for a headline act in the venue.
To celebrate the opening of the Sheffield Academy, we ran a localised version called Carling Supports Sheffield. The aim was to raise awareness of the venue among local bands, music lovers, on trade outlets and the media.
Over one hundred bands from all across Yorkshire entered the competition, with hopes of being on the first bill of Carling Academy 2 Sheffield. Sixteen bands were chosen to perform at showcases in pubs and bars across the city, where they played to an independent panel of judges. Standards were high throughout, with a wide variety of music styles on show. Plans to choose four finalists proved impossible; a slight bending of the rules made the decision a little easier and five top quality acts made it through to the main event.
Shot Dead, The Magi, Tiananmen, Vegas Child and Silent Film Project rocked the 400 strong crowd with music ranging from indie pop, through rock and punk, to heavy metal, with each band bringing a different sound to the evening. Having over 400 fans turn up to an unsigned music showcase highlights the health of the Sheffield music scene and the quality of the acts that played on the evening; it’s great for Carling to now be part of it.
For more information and images from the Carling Supports Showcases, take a look at the Carling Supports website.
