Lives Of The Unsigned

With so many aspiring musicians trying to make it in the already crowded music industry, its no wonder there are thousands of bands and artists applying to the Triple J Unearthed program. It is designed to uncover the rawest and freshest talent.

Todays younger generation is simply filled with potential musicians trying to hit the big time in this incredibly crowded music industry. It's immensely difficult to pick up a recording contract because its just downright impossible for record industries to pick up every band that comes their way. Because of this we have a world of aspiring musicians working so hard but still unable to get anywhere fast and still living the life of the unsigned...

Let's forget about the Britney Spears', Avril Lavignes, and 50 Cents for a second. We are talking about genuine bands who write and play their own music. We are talking about the bands that dont focus on their looks, sexual desire or any of those materialistic things. We are talking about bands who play music for the music for a creative outlet and for expression. For them.

In Australia performing in front of any audience is something not to be taken lightly chances are, if you have a night gig, you have an audience, and therefore a shot at the big time. The minimal amount of venues are generally full on the weekends with touring musicians who have already hit the big time, so to get any form of performance done in front of an audience is hard work and a privilege.

America is a different story. In L.A. alone, there are literally hundreds of concert venues open every night. It contradicts the Australian theory completely because it is incredibly easy to pick up a gig. However, just because you are playing doesnt mean you have an audience or you have a chance. In fact, it means nothing at all.

Enough with the American scene. Let's look at one of the programs that is underway in Australia to unveil unsigned bands, creating an avenue for younger alternative rockers to get out there.

Triple J started it all in July 1995. Triple J is a nationally broadcast, government funded youth radio station, focusing on the alternative style music. They are a banner under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and their area of expertise is Australian music where they uncover many small rock, punk, hardcore, alternative, dance, electronic and everything except pop bands and artists.

The program is called Unearthed, and it is a chance for young bands and musicians to get their music recorded professionally, as well as get some free radio time.
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It is hard to believe that anyone could have predicted the enormous outcomes of the Unearthed programs. Since its humble 1995 beginning, over 80 bands have been unearthed from over 40 different regions. Two years ago, they began to unearth Australia state-by-state (and territory) due to the overwhelming responses, which multiplied the success stories and chances of bands winning.

Almost all the bands they have uncovered have released CDs, and the majority of them have picked up some fantastic recording contracts.

Some of these bands that have arisen through this program are Grinspoon, Killing Heidi, Endorphin, Missy Higgins, Bumblebeez, Diana Ah Naid, and the recent Cat Empire.

Just because a band has won this program doesn't mean there is instantaneous stardom. Grinspoon is a perfect example of a band that worked incredibly hard after they won and that immediately cemented their success. They toured extensive amounts and built on their initial exposure, and are now one of the most popular Australian artists.

Currently, Triple J is unearthing Queensland. Entries have closed and they are sorting through THOUSANDS of potentials from all throughout the state, trying to come up with one winner.

Richard Kingsmill, music editor of Triple J, states that what they are looking for through Unearthed is something different something that doesn't just sound like everyone else. And that seems to be the basis of the Triple J station.

Because they come under the alternative banner does not mean it is completely filled with hardcore, get a sore neck from head banging rock. Missy Higgins is a slower, modern-day Tori Amos sound and the Cat Empire are a jazzy, hip-hop outfit. They define a new category in music and showcase the best of what the younger society today is looking for in music.

It is so difficult in todays society to achieve what seems like the impossible a recording contract. Theoretically, a recording contract is the only thing that is stopping the unsigned from being on centre stage at Australias Big Day Out, or Americas SXSW. Maybe that's a slight over-exaggeration, but contracts are important. They are not only an outlet for your music, but they are the guarantee that someone, a whole company, believes in you, your band and your ability to become something massive.

There are so many reasons why people want to be rock stars. The boys out of KISS simply wanted two things the money and the chicks. The boys out of Jet, Australias biggest current stars, are there simply for the music. A lot of younger musicians simply want the respect and affiliations with being a star. There are thousands, possibly millions, of small bands throughout the world who all want this life, all want this dream to become a reality. Realistically, there are just millions of small bands who are simply living the life of the unsigned.

For more information visit Triple Js Homepage.

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