IT HAPPENED !

LIVE AND UNSIGNED - WE MADE IT!

Well after the shock of getting through to the Area finals, we knew we had to do something amazing, something to really make us stand out!

All about the song choice:

We put it out to the fans, which song should be play at the Area final?  Which original? Which cover? This was the hardest decision in the competition so far! After the success of playing ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries, at the regional final, we needed a new cover that would equally if not more so WOW the judges.

Many songs were suggested; from ABBA to Coolio, we considered them all. As a rock band our aim was to find a song with a great hook, something that we could make our own but be familiar enough to capture the crowd – even if they were other bands supporters!

We wanted to put on a show worthy of a Grand Final; playing to the crowd as if they were all there to see us, meanwhile always aware that this could be our last opportunity to play in front of the Live and Unsigned Judges.

We made the most of our biggest chance to impress them. Believe in F.A.T.E’s motto has always been to play the same to a crowd of 10 or a crowd of 10,000, Manchester gave us the largest, rowdiest crowd we have ever played to, we embraced it!

Madonna’s Like a Prayer was brought to the table; no one laughed or thought this was unsuitable. Danny worked out the chords and attempted to learn the lyrics – the song had been chosen.

This was an awesome choice, but it was seriously hard work! We had to trim down our fan favourite Dis-attach (Original) to mash it seamlessly with Like a Prayer.

Ashley (drummer) was very vocal in the mash up; her job is to keep Danny in check when re-inventing time signatures.

 So we thought we had figured it out, we practiced it several times, it was ok. We didn’t beam with confidence about it, but we thought a little more practise and it would be fine.

So we tested it out at a gig, unfortunately the sound man was not our friend that night, Danny’s vocals were very low, so something was just not right on stage. We had asked the crowd to let us know what they thought of the mash up, they were not shy in critiquing the songs.

Many loved it, and said positives words of encouragement but the brave few said “something just wasn’t right”.

Taking on-board everyone’s comments we went back to practise the following week and worked on the mash up for the entire session. We altered parts, making the sound clearer, trying to focus on what we wanted to sound like.

Victory! After four hours we were happy.

We had one last gig before the Area final; we cautiously decided to play it again to our fans. Using it as one last chance to practise, we rocked it.

HE'S ALIVE ....... no wait , it's just Donna !

It was the worst we had sounded, one guitar went out of tune, and one was squeaking – not good at all. We came off stage totally deflated, again to be greeted with both encouragement and pointers to work on. This was not a good night – oh and did I mention, it wasn’t just a gig, it was the semi-final of a local battle of the bands competition.

We were first on so we had to hang around, overthinking our performance and hoping that a crappy show before an awesome show was good luck.

We waited till 11pm for the results; low and behold…..We won! The Promoter called out “the band through to the final, on judge’s votes... Believe in F.A.TE.” We all automatically cheered, then looked at each other and laughed. The tension was gone, we knew we would play our very best at Manchester; we wanted to go to London so so badly!

The journey:

Rock Muma had truly spoilt the band with a massive picnic for back stage “ all the essentials were packed, scotch eggs, sausage rolls, sugar snap peas, Jagermeister, beer, three crates of energy drink and some cheap fizz.”

We were overwhelmed with the number of people who wanted to come to Manchester to support us. Taking a 49 seater coach and a few cars full we couldn’t be happier.

The coach park was buzzing, last minute T-shirts were bought, epic banners were displayed, and excitement was in the air.

We proudly stamped the hands of everyone on board (awesome Believe in F.A.T.E almost permanent ink branding!)

We were on our way.

The Willows, Manchester

On arrival we were shocked how tiny the car park was, but quickly boasted in the glory, that our coach would stand out even more. Dave the driver did abit of fancy parallel parking, we had arrived.

The band and supporters had a few photos taken by the bus, this did nothing to squash the nerves, excitement and overwhelming shock that we had arrived, this was it the Area Final.

The fans amused themselves for a few hours, getting every takeaway possible, drinking the willows dry, over excited as ever.

The Band registered, taking a sneaky peak at the afternoon show, oddly enough getting to watch the fellow act from York – Distracted- impressive soulful teenage sisters.

This gave us chance to check out the stage and the awesome venue, we were psyched.

Backstage:

Ashley Harrison (drummer): You want to know what it was like backstage? Both the Regional and The Area Finals were amazing! Sat talking to people who you have never met before, from all across your region, people who have the same hopes and dreams as you do is just amazing! With not one ego-manic in sight!

Joel Hewitt (rhythm guitar): We regrouped, welcoming the second wave of support, which had travelled by car. This included our oldest fan my 89 year old step great grandmother Nanna Kitch in her Believe in F.A.T.E pimped up wheelchair.

Taking a brief moment to collect ourselves, discussing what we had seen before gather our equipment and heading over to sound check.  After a short wait and a slight panic of cables it was our turn to sound check. The show was running late, so the air of the whole room was quite tense whilst people tuned up their guitars. This gave us only 13seconds of music to play, quickly getting the levels right.

Sound check done!

We were taken backstage, to what seemed like a basement/dressing room. That would later house around 50 eager hopefuls.

We made it our duty to talk to all the other acts; finding out where everyone was from, how they had got through- judges or wildcard.

We were pleased to see our fellow Sheffield regional finalist, ASHES and EXPOSE.

 Everyone was eager to find out how many fans each band had brought with them, what covers we were all playing and how thing had been going since we had last met.

We broke the tension by sharing out our picnic, beer and shots of jager. We were told we had the same slot as last time, third from last- giving us time to prepare. During this time we befriended last year’s winners THE LOTTERY WINNERS, we quizzed them on the whole competition, how had life changed, what had they been up to?

 They said how they were “most pleased they could now buy a van”.

After a short conversion, their drummer discovered that our drummer is also a GIRL!!!! She was quick to introduce herself and they shared stories of coping with boys in the bands!

Everything seemed to move quickly, before we knew it there were only two bands left before we were on! We sat down inside and broke the tension by borrowing another acts acoustic guitar and proceeded to start the party. Having a sing along, some acts in different dressing rooms came to join in and even THE LOTTERY WINNER took part- adding some brilliant four part harmonies.

 Lauren of Live and Unsigned came down saying “she had never seen such an atmosphere backstage before during the whole competition” and she commending us for breaking the tension. With that she informed us – it was time to get ready.

We made sure we were in tune, as the LOTTERY WINNERS wished us luck – telling us they would go out front and watch our performance.

This helped spur us on, giving us great encouragement. We took a second , having a group huddle, praising one another for the journey so far- remembering that although we were in a competition , we had to put on a show for our faithful fans and win over the  whole crowd.

As we got to the top of the stairs ready to go, the corridor had never felt so narrow. It was filled with acts, all wishing us luck with high fives and handshakes.

It dawned on us that this was the most important show we would play, everything we had been working for.

We had been asked by Adam the announcer, for some form of introduction, we asked for simply “who believes?” and to dedicate it to our friends’ new born baby”

We heard him announce us and the POP from the crowd was AMAZING.

We stepped out to a sea of T-shirts, banners, flags and a fanfare of cheers, whistles and applause. As with Sheffield, we felt like we were headliners.

The next three and half minutes felt like three and a half seconds.

We gave it our all, we moved around, engaging the audience- people clapped and sang along.

With that we were hurried off stage.

The same corridor that was filled on our way on stage was even more rammed on our exit, with a generous applause from our competition. At the end of the corridor THE LOTTERY WINNERS, hugged us and gave us congratulatory handshakes.

THE VIDEO !

We got back to the dressing rooms, high as kites, confident that we couldn’t have done any better. We spent the next ten minutes just smiling.

Till we heard the call:

Everyone was called up; the entirety of backstage was filled with nervous bodies everywhere.

There was no time wasted, first act was announced EXPOSE had got through, they ran down the hallway.

Only two more acts were guaranteed through….

Then the second act going through to play the O2

BELIEVE IN F.A.T.E

I was blow away, ASHLEY and JOHN ran on stage, I fell over – my legs gave way! DANNY followed in shock.

We were greeted on stage by deafening cheers, screaming voices, teary eyed family and friends.

London baby!

Adam once again had to hush the elated crowd; they were so loud and so happy to be part of this landmark in our career so far.

Home time: As we boarded the bus DANNY gave yet another inspirational speech to our supporters; screaming LONDON! The response was football like chanting of “FATE, FATE, FATE, FATE” We thanked everyone.

High spirited in our success Driver DAVE played a collection of old rock songs starting with DONT STOP BELIEVING, we sang, cried, drunk and chatted all the way home to York. What an epic journey.

DANNY PORTER (LEAD GUITAR) “Amazing, incredible, unbelievable, a massive honour. Awesome. This is the BEST thing ever.”

JOHN HEAVER (BASSIST) “To make it to the final had been incredible for us as a new band (13months). In a much maligned industry it’s been a real privilege to be a part of such great contest. It would be wrong not to congratulate Live and Unsigned and Future Music for their integrity and commitment to giving new acts a platform to showcase our art and every opportunity to raise our profile. No false promises but great reward for hard work. Can’t wait for London, bring on the O2!”

We are inviting you all to join us on SUNDAY 26TH JUNE at MOR MUSIC on WALMGATE - where we will be filming a FLASH MOB event - We will be performing Live INSIDE Mor Music !!!

The road to final is snowballing now, with massive support from the people of York, we truly cannot believe we will represent them in London.

Believe in F.A.T.E – See you at the Rock Final!

LIVE and UNSIGNED AREA FINALISTS and EXPOSURE AWARD WINNERS!

BELIEVE IN F.A.T.E – BLOG AWARD ENTRY

Wow what a journey!!!!!

Gemma Holloway: Our Journey started one dark, wet December night; we were having a pow pow in one of our York locals. We were discussing a new project our first music video – but hey that’s another story!

Ashley (drummer) arrived looking very excited with herself; she announced to the group that she had just seen LIVE AND UNSIGNED advertised on Facebook. She listed off the array of prizes, the tour, the judges, the whole shebang! We were all agreed – this was a fantastic opportunity, this could be are big break!!!

Literally as soon as I got home I registered the Band, the auditions were in Sheffield and were only 6 weeks away!! We knew we had work to do! Christmas came and went then, first practise we had decided within a few minutes what song we wanted to perform for our audition. We choose F.A.T.E our self-titled track, confident that it had that ‘something special’ to get us to the next stage!

Audition day was so much fun! However our roadie / driver took us on a slight detour that nearly took us half way to Derbyshire!!! On arrival at Sheffield City Hall, it hit us that we were part of a MASSIVE competition. The room was full of musician’s, everyone had their guitars out, every nook and crangie of the room was filled with hopeful auditionees!

 The colour had drained from Danny’s face, Joel and John were hyper and Ash was calm and collected. Everyone was thinking the same thing, ARE WE GOOD ENOUGH??

Bringing two drivers along meant that we bystanders added to both the excitement and the nerves. After what felt like eternity the band were called away and off they went.

 We waited ….

Over to Joel (Guitar) :

It hit us, we were being judged on something that we had WRITTEN!

How different this is to performing a cover song, this was our own words, our own music – this thought was enough to turn Danny (lead singer/guitar) INSANE !!!

As we sat in a corridor we waited with three other bands, able to hear the competition audition – our first chance to see what we were up against.

We took a moment: knowing no matter what the outcome, we were happy. If we didn’t make it through, we knew that we were just not what they were looking for. Putting ourselves forward for this, we were safe in the knowledge that THIS IS WHAT WE ARE!  Like us or not we would go away with our heads held high.

The Performance...

As entered we were asked who we were, and were we ready?  Spilt seconds of getting the guitars right we nodded to each other – we were ready!

We played the shortest minute of our Lives! This four hour trip had boiled down to just 60 seconds!!!

We played to them as if they were 5000 people not 5.

 I accidently unplugged my guitar, by stepping on the lead – within half a second I’d plugged back in and continued in true ‘rock star’  style, Danny’s eyes widened, John  (bassist) rocked out . We put everything into it.

The breakdown came , John and I caught each other’s eyes- bumped fists in TRUE EPICNESS kicked in to the last 23 seconds (as seen on our YOU TUBE)

With of shout of 1, 2, 3 LET’S GO !!!

We put in the last ounce of effort within us, leaving us completely drained. They had heard enough….

What came next we were not prepared for; questions flew at us, where had we played? When was our next gig? How long had we been together? Without hesitation Ash (drummer) and Danny listed off previous venues, gigs and future gigs (one the next following week) whilst we had to dodge the next hopeful act entering the room. Ending with a massive thank you and a wave …

We stepped out wondering and hoping … WAS THAT ENOUGH????

The next 20 minutes felt like three hours, as Danny pondered about this ability as a song writer, a guitarist, the leader- carrying the weight of everyone on his shoulders. We sat there watching group after group, who had played both before and after us each getting their decision … we waited …

Getting closer to the announcers lunch break and being one of four acts left; some of us were convinced, we hadn’t made it …

We were all called up,

then it was simply announced “congratulation’s guys you all made it”

We leaped up – so proud at what we had done!!!

TOGETHER WE MADE IT !!!

Back to Gemma:

They text me saying they were through just before they re-entered the waiting room … They walked in, arms up in the air , the three of us cheered , making the whole room look up and see Believe in F.A.T.E had made it through !!!

Back home ….

More Joel: immediately we went to the practise studio, we took a moment to TAKE IT IN! We had a chance to play against the best bands in our region, before what should have been the arduous task of finding two songs that would fit together. This seemed to come quite easy, we picked two of our songs in standard tuning. Then it was a case of choosing the most powerful parts of each song, showcasing everyone’s skills whilst bringing the energy that we are all about.

By choosing our set opening song (Today is Tomorrows Yesterday) we knew this was punchy enough to grab the attention of everyone listening.

Also by selecting our most popular ‘sing-along anthem’ our cover of The Cranberries ZOMBIE we knew people would be on their feet!  After putting together what we thought was the best combination of songs, we put it too our fans.

WHAT WOULD THEY LIKE TO HEAR?  Guess what? They cemented our thoughts, unanimously suggesting ZOMBIE! We knew what we had to do!

So we practiced ….We did Radio interviews, practiced, spoke to the press, practiced some more, we did all we could do to spread the word and gain support!

Then with just days to go before the live show at Sheffield, we had the opportunity to give everyone a preview. Giving us feedback and confirmation that what we had done would see us through. Playing a gig to a buzzing crowd , WE WERE READY !

Regional Final:

The regional final happened to fall on our year anniversary, we had gone from playing in a kitchen to playing in Nation Competition in a Major City Hall was incredible!!

Here's how the day panned out....

Myself (Gemma) and Joel got dropped off outside Sheffield City Hall, crazy excited and eager to register !!!

Danny, John and Ash appeared looking positive and not too nervous ....

Danny and I counted the cash , beaming at the number of tickets we had sold, handed one over to our coach driver (couldn't miss him out !) and stood in line to register. Proud as punch I clutched my press pack (a beautiful purple folder - in case you were wondering) I had worked so hard , I was confident that I had done all I could at getting the band out there .

·        four York press articles

·        one Scunthorpe telegraph article

·        7 minute long phone interview on FOXS DEN

·        10 minute long BBC Introducing band interview 

·        two large features on YORK GIG GUIDE

·        EPIC review of a local york gig

But was it enough ????? 

Whilst queuing Danny and I spotted a fellow contested looking at my folder, Danny proudly opened it and showed him - his response was simply "WOW" . We were so chuffed; he didn't have any press coverage!!!! 

Our attitude has always been to work hard - if you are given a list of things to do to impress the Judges - Why oh why would you NOT do it ????  Madness ! To add to that another band whilst registering revealed to the Live and unsigned staff that that had given out 34 of their tickets without taking payment!!!! 

Never in my life have I been so proud of my own organisational skills.

We could not have done it without our awesome loyal fans!!! We cannot thank them enough, filling a coach of 33 from YORK and three cars we could not of been more excited

Everyone was hyped weeks before the main event!

Then when the day finally came..... OH MY GOD we were one excited bunch!! The coach arrived with band in tow nice and early! Early enough for all our supporters to grad some food, drinks and duct tape! 


That’s right duct tape. One of our fans decided - after several pints in Lloyds Bar that he should get his ear pierced - another fan willing did so, with a BURGER SKEWER!!! Yum!!! Then came the duct tape, several of our fans , choose to fill the time by taping one fan to a lamp post !!! Foolishly she wasn't wearing a F.A.T.E T-shirt and this was her 

punishment!

Sound Check …

Joel : So we left the group to go and sound check. After so many “good lucks”, it dawned on us what we had to do … we didn’t want to let anyone down! The talent we heard before us was enough bring us back down to earth, but that the same time made us focus our efforts.

Our name was called and we proceeded to set levels, discuss sounds and adjust to the stage size accordingly. As we started playing we soon realised, there was a lack of space to really ‘show off’ the full force of our performance. We were limited to the placed we were stood. We played half a song, and left thinking, we could have sounded better. Maybe that was because the competition was watching or maybe it was just nerves.

Either way we knew we would have to BRING IT!

We had an hour between sound check and show time. We re-joined our fans/supporters/family who raised our spirits, assuring us that if nothing else they would TEAR THE ROOF OFF!!!

Backstage …We walked into the back, the corridor was full of guitars being tuned, tables being hit by drum sticks and a sober but jovial vibe.

We had just found out that we were third from last to perform. Once we had found our area, we sat and talked things threw, ate snacks and chatted to other acts.

Show time....

Gemma:  I was quickly turning into a nervous wreck. Joel's sister EMILY HEWITT started to cry with nerves (she's 28- it was emotional)

It had suddenly hit us, this could be it - the end of the road!

 BELIEVE IN F.A.T.E are amazing and very talented - but no way are they everyone’s cup of tea! They are rock/metal , they don’t really have an image, they are just normal people. The boys are definitely rough round the edges (the edges of their jaw bones) - Ashley is Blackburn born, salt of the earth (silky smooth jaw bones)

They brought 41 people with them!! Each member, is warm, friendly and outgoing. 
 More than anything they are LOVED !!!

As Joel's sister Emily sobbed I too started to tear up - This could not be the end. 

Joel: The show started we could hear the rumble of applause, and the muffled sound of the announcer.

We received texts from all our supporters, as did all the other bands – we all shared the info received as if we were passing on the secrets.

Bands came and went, no one seemed overly confident as they returned backstage.

Before we knew it, we were called up.

As we looked out to the crowd, we saw a wave of BELIEVE IN FATE t-shirts. They saw us and gave thumbs u, mouthing words of encouragement.  Thankfully the tension was then shattered as on stage a sing along of “high ho silver lining” took over the room.

Now high spirited, our name was called ….

As soon as we stepped into the room, not even on stage there was the biggest show of support we’ve ever seen. So much so the announcer couldn’t get a word in! The crowd were so loud!!

Guitars plugged in, and a shout of WHO BELIEVES ?! Everything got turned up to 11 !

The next three and a half minutes flew by, it was amazing to see and hear everyone.

We felt like rock stars, we felt like the HEADLINE ACT !!! The support was unreal!!!We left the stage, guitars in the air – with a drummer on my back !!!

Once in the green room, all we could do was cheer, laugh and smil , whilst faintly hearing the other bands say  it was the biggest crowd reaction so far. We tried to tone it down but we couldn’t – we were elated!!!

 We wished good luck to the band that we shared the room with and then bounced off the walls, over analysing what had just happened. Completely forgetting that not three hours ago, we could barely talk – through nerves ! We were so proud of what we had done – once again saying – we COULDN’T HAVE PUT ANYTHING ELSE INTO THAT  

After another 15mins we were called back into the room, ready for the RESULTS.

The Results…

Joel: We sat together; we cheered and clapped as the first four winners were announced….

As our hearts slowly sank, knowing there was only one position left, we thought we hadn’t done it!

Until the longest pause of our lives occurred….. We heard the first syllable of BELIEVE and shouted So Loud both with JOY AND RELIEF!!! As again the crowd were standing cheering, clapping and shouting with excitement!!!

We applauded each other, and the crowd – because if they hadn’t been there to spur us on, we might not have put in the same energy . At the end of the day we were there for them!!

Gemma: Without a doubt we were the loudest fans - we couldn't help but stand up , jump around, scream , clap and sing along - THAT'S WHAT FAN'S DO !!!!!

The Announcer was even put off by our loud cheers; he had to pause before announcing the next band.

It could not of been more tense, they called the out the first three bands through... we realised they called them in order of performance.

 Fourth band through…

Then the last guaranteed place.... I was shaking; Emily was crying again, Joel's Mum was white. I could see Ash's twin sister Donna looking tense. The compare dragged it out - true X FACTOR STYLE it was pure evil , this was it they had to be through ......and the "fifth act , the last of the guaranteed entries goes to .... BELIEVE  IN F.A.TE "

Oh the screams!!!  Myself and Emily flew out of our seats!!! Crying, screaming so unbelievably elated !!! The band shouted and hugged each other on stage - amazing!!!

The announcer continued with "CLEARLY A CROWD FAVOURITE, TO SAY THE LEAST" As we drowned him out in screams!!

The joy continued all the way home and into the next day!  

Then to be greeted with more good news on Monday afternoon

-WOW , we couldn't believe it . 

WE WON THE EXPOSURE AWARD!!!!

One Blackstar Amp heading our way!! Hard work had paid off!!We all phoned round each other - sharing how amazing the night was, and just how good damn happy we were!!

Of course we spread the word to our fans via facebook and twitter - Who bombarded us with praise , and more support- 35 fans have already signed up for the coach to Manchester 48hours after Sheffield !!! As I said at the start what truly loyally fans we have!!

Bring on Manchester - we've already booked a 50 seater coach 

#we believe #in it to win it 

DANNY PORTER -LEAD VOCAL/LEAD GUITAR: 

WOW.....it's such an amazing feeling...the comp has made us tighter as a unit and more importantly closer as friends.....what an epic journey...I love all of u so much i can’t describe...keep shouting, screaming and most important of all......KEEP BELIEVING....with you guys behind us I already feel like a rock star....i am truly humbled

ASHLEY HARRISON - DRUMMER

"How do I feel? Excited, thrilled, amazed, and absolutely great after Sunday. The competition is not only giving us the chance to perform on a huge platform but it is also giving us the chance to meet some amazing people who all want to get their music out there as much as we do ! I am enjoying every minute!!!" 

JOHN HEAVER - BASSIST

I've spent the last 24 years in and out of various bands of different guises. I've never been on such a thrill-ride as I am on now. The music, the team, the focus and the fun we have surpasses, by far, all that came before. The competition has truly drawn the best out of us, win or lose we have already gained so much by it. The last word must go to our amazingly loyal fans......and here words fail!.......I am truly in awe, humbled and amazed at your commitment to us.....so, simply put.......YOU GUYS ROCK

JOEL HEWITT- RHYTHM GUITAR

I was just happy to play music that I enjoy, even getting to write songs. Anything beyond a small pub venue is a bonus but if we play that well in Sheffield I cannot wait to see what we will do on a bigger stage in Manchester

Finally  I hand over to the wonderful ROB SCOTT of DISCERNING IMAGES , as he kindly reviewed the gig for us.

Live & Unsigned Sheffield – Believe In FATE www.discerningimages.co.uk York Photographer

Believe In FATE

Live & Unsigned

Sheffield Memorial Hall

3^rd April, 2011

Believe In Fate have been together as a band for a year, and in that time I have seen them grow musically and in confidence. I only saw them play last week at The Basement, and it is apparent that they are much more comfortable with who they are and where they want to go with their music than 12 months ago. Their sound is fuller and definitely tighter, they work extremely hard at what they do and it shows.

Live & Unsigned is a massive competition which allows 10,000 hopefuls the chance to display their talent in the hope of a record contract and being recognised within the industry as well as the global masses. It also gives the bands the chance to play to new and larger audiences. A one in 10,000 chance of ‘making it’ are pretty tall odds.  It’s obviously a huge money maker for the organisers and their motivation is not purely out of the goodness of their generous hearts, but I actually don’t have a problem with this – the money is put to good use no matter how much they rake off – it’s also supported by established industry folk who seem to know what they are talking about.  The X Factor has it’s place in the market however the wealth and undoubted skill of Simon Cowell alienates a vast number of ‘real’ musicians because it manufactures and manipulates with incredible hype the artists who eventually get onto the live shows. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they have discovered the likes of Sarah Ferguson & Leone Lewis, but their career paths will eventually take them away from the general public into the pampered world of super stardom.

Live and Unsigned artists play and sing live. They practice and gig constantly – honing their craft. Some are brilliant, inventive and fun, others aren’t, but at the end of the day – if they enjoy themselves – does it really matter. Music is not all about making a shed load of money for 99.9% who take it up. This competition dangles the carrot and for a rare few the dream may become a reality.

Believe In Fate made it through to the national semi-finals in Manchester on the 8^th May on the judges vote.

Why & How?

The competition was pretty stiff; all acts had something different to say covering genres from punk, folk, rock, boy band, metal to indie – a diverse offering for the industry bods to choose from I hear you say.

·         The bands musical heritage – as mentioned before, the band works very hard at what they do. Sure they may not be to everybody’s taste – but they are a sincere group of musicians who aren’t ‘up themselves’, clearly love what they do and play with a force that draws the audience with them. York has many great bands/artists  – which is probably the world best secret – from The Fallen, Glamour of the Kill, WOTB, Beyond All Reason, Tidal Fury, Kid Ego, Shed 7, Elliot Minor, Miles Cain, Holly Taymar, Jess Gardham, A Joker Rage, Bitter Image, The Pauper Kings, Dead Rebellion, Hot Fudge, Testtone 3, etc  (if I’ve missed you out sorry, I’m trying to make a point) – all say something different, but at the same time they all compliment the talents and potential of York.

·         The Band – everyone will expect me to start with front man Danny Porter, but I’m not, I’m going to lead with drummer Ashley Harrison & bassist John Heaver (love watching him work). Bass & Drums control the whole song and these two combined are tight, melodic and just bleeding good at what they do. Ashley is a very experienced musician with influences from big band right through to metal. Having a pretty lady drummer might seem gimmicky & I wouldn’t dream of making any patronising comments because that would be totally unfair – she’s the real deal, she get’s on with her work and certainly stands up on her own within the quartet. Charlie Watts was once asked what was the best thing about being in the Rolling Stones for 40 odd years?, he said “making millions of people dance to my beat” – and it’s true. Drummers make your feet tap, fact – Ashley is no different. Guitarist Joel Hewitt has come on in leaps and bounds – the first time I photographed him playing live I couldn’t see his face. He was ‘head down, rock hard’ but there was little connection with the audience. A year on he smiles, engages the crowd and obviously has overcome any initial nerves to perform bleeding good thrash rhythm that fills out the sound of John & Ashley, he’s also got bags of energy which goes with the whole set up.  I love front man Danny Porters voice – I’m not sure where the hell it comes from but it certainly hasn’t been honed from milk & honey, I think maybe more Jack Daniels and TNT, but I digress. It’s a dark, deep growl from somewhere way down – in tune and in the words of Vinny Jones ‘emotional’. He’s developing his guitar work to take on simple licks and leaders that add to the overall sound – a nice addition.

·         The Performance – it’s the first time I’ve ever reviewed a band and mentioned how they came on stage, but there’s a first time for everything. They walked on with confidence, smiles and waves, clearly up for the task. The York support was noisy, enthusiastic and announced to the 400-500 crowd there that something a bit special was going to happen. Their song choice was Today is Tomorrows Yesterday with a twist, in that it morphed into Zombie by The Cranberries. It worked excellently – so much so that the crowd joined in – which was the only band this happened to on the night (there was nothing wrong with the other acts by the way, they all did well, but Believe In FATE achieved a sing along – how cool is that). Each band is only given three and half minutes but this three and half minutes seem to last a few seconds – clearly the supporters wanted more – but rules are rules.

·         The overall support for Believe In FATE – Gemma Holloway manages the band, is proactive in getting gigs, ticket sales, press coverage, coaches, merchandise and the rest sorted. It can be a thankless task – trust me, I know lol – but I think she’s damn good at it. The amount of people with Believe In Fate t-shirts on at the gig was great to see – some folk had even made a flag/banner to wave – Glastonbury eat your heart out J – bringing a coach load of fans and a couple of car loads to this event was a great showing – everyone enjoyed the experience (even Steve the driver). The semi-finals are in Manchester on the 8^th May & you are more than welcome to come and add your support to a fairly new band, who are lovely people and sincere musicians to maybe (fingers crossed) reach the final at the O2 in London.

Rob

http://www.discerningimages.co.uk

york photographer

What's in a name ?

What's in a name ? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet !


Well when it come to the music business a name can make a big difference! It can draw people too you, or can put people right off you . In 2011 there must be thousands of up and coming bands in the UK alone. Which often makes it difficult to come up with an original - never been used before band name.


When FROM ALMOST THE END first started out 11 months ago  we thrashed out a few names and then settled on FROM ALMOST THE END - with John designing the FATE logo we have on out T-Shirts , amps and Guitars.


At the end of January the awesome ROGUE FRAME filmed and produced out very first music video ! Which we love !!!!

But it inadvertently brought something to our attention ...
There is another FROM ALMOST THE END !!!! You tube listed all their video's with ours in the middle !!! BAD TIMES !!!!
When we looked into it we found that the other -FATE are from Essex and dis-banded two years ago.
So ... we thought it didn't really matter and if we become super famous then maybe we would change the name !
However !!!! Someone told them about us and they kindly requested that we changed the name .
After much hoohar from both us and our fans - we cut or losses , and became BELIEVE IN F.A.T.E


WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Well - I've worked hard to promote the band and got them in the paper several times - and now they have a new name - so was that all for nothing ? Well let's hope not !!!


This year is going to be a busy one !
Believe in F.A.T.E are working hard -


They are entered in :
METAL 2 THE MASSES  - Battle of the Bands - chance to play at WACKEN !
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wacken_Open_Air

LIVE AND UNSIGNED 3RD APRIL at SHEFFIELD CITY HALL- Regional finals


DUDESTOCK - YORKS FIRST OPEN AIR FESTIVAL - Battle of the Bands 21st March @ The Duchess !!!


So new name - Believe in F.A.T.E - new FACEBOOK page 


Spread the word !!!!! Hope you like the new name - we do !!!