The 16th annual Emerging Sounds Challenge (ESC) kicked off on May 26 at Rumours
in Weltevredenpark. The competition, which is held in partnership with The Only
Music Shop (TOMS) Sandton and Openroom Productions, attracts many bands from
across South Africa.
This year’s edition of ESC offers bands an opportunity to earn money from playing in
the challenge. In addition, all bands that perform in the Johannesburg leg of the
event qualify for a 50 percent discount on recording packages at Openroom Studios.
The winning band will walk away an ALTO PA system courtesy of TOMS Sandton and
get an opportunity to record at Openroom Studios in Johannesburg. Music guru and
author, Dave Chislet, will also sit down with the winning band and advise them on
how they can draw up a concrete musical plan for 2013.
The event is open to all bands irrespective of musical style because bands are
judged on their overall performance on the night by a panel of judges. TOMS
Sandton will supply the backline comprising Marshall valve electric guitar amps, Eden
bass amp, Fishman Acoustic Guitar amp and a Tama drum kit.
Over the past 15 years the ESC has created platforms for hundreds of bands
including: Seether (Saron Gas) the Parlotones, Prime Circle, Freshly Ground, the Blk
Jacks, 340ml, Plush, 1st Project, the Finkelsteins, Pestroy and Taxi Violence to name
a few.
To book your band for this event or for further information contact the Squire on 082
770 7524 (after 17:00 Monday to Friday) or emergingsounds@mweb.co.za
Competition Dates:
June 2 / 3 / 30
July 1 / 7 / 29
August 4 / 5 / 25
September 1 / 2
Semi Finals 29 September / 6 October / 7 October / 13 October
Finals – Saturday 1 December
