Mulcahey through to next stage of prestige music contest

The folk rock band, led by singer-songwriter Karen Mulcahey, made it through the regional Live and Unsigned contest in Sheffield last Sunday to go on to the area final in Manchester on May 9.

Karen said: “I can’t believe we did it, but if we get through the next stage we will be playing in London at the national final in July.”

Mulcahey’s special cover version of Fly Me To The Moon proved a winning performance to earn them a place among the eight bands qualifying from 19 acts competing in the regional event at Sheffield City Hall.

Meanwhile, the band is still looking for a new bass player.

“It’s harder than I thought,” said Karen.

“My current bass player has other commitments with another band plus work, so we need someone else pretty soon.”

Some of the biggest names in the industry will be judging the area final.

Judges include Radio 1's Annie Nightingale, Urban DJ, presenter and Radio 1's Ras Kwame, BBC Introducing's Bethan Elfyn, legendary drummer Darren Ashford, who's played with the The Backstreet Boys, Black Eyed Peas and Lionel Richie and record producer Steve Lyon.

Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists.

If Mulcahey make it, their big chance will be to play on the main stage of the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 in London on July 10.

There are also plenty of opportunities and awards up for grabs along the way, with a prize pool worth over £75,000.

The overall winner will be offered a recording and management contract with Future Music with an investment of up to £30,000 to release their single and develop their own clothing brand.

q Tickets on the door or from Mulcahey at www.myspacce.com/karenmulcahey and www.karenmulcahey.com or ring 07947861284.