This year’s Big Gig competition has revealed its finalists. As part of Cardiff Festival, the Big Gig has shortlisted ten acts, with two semi-finals set for the 22nd + 23rd June, leading onto the final on the 15th July which will be hosted at Clwb Ifor Bach. The competition is widely successful, with previous winners having gone on to release albums, tour around the world and perform at festivals. Narrowing down the finalists will be tough with six going through to the final where they will be judged by a panel of music industry professionals.
The ten acts competing for the win and prizes including a headline and supporting gig, new kit and recording time are:
- The Shop Girls, pop-rock band with catchy tunes
- Holiday in the Mind, a family dance and electronic group
- Naomi Rae pop soul artist
- The Moonbirds, a funk blues group from Merthyr Tydfil
- Fire Fences, indie-rock foursome
- Fountainhead, electric folk band
- The Brwmys, folk worldly tracks
- Olivia and the Saint, combination of jazz and dance
- Himilayas, rockers
- Dave Morris and the Knock, a group of musicians blending numerous genres into one
Tibet and Junior Bill will be playing at the semi-finals as special guests. All the acts are vastly different from one another and the semi-finals look to be promising, and will only lead to the difficult decision of who will be the winner!
The Big Gig, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Semi-finals Wed 22nd + Thurs 23rd June, Final Fri 15th July. Tickets: £5. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net
words BETHAN GIRDLER-MASLEN