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Live and Unsigned audition success for Smiling Assassins - hear the track that got them through
CALDERDALE band Smiling Assassins are two steps away from appearing at London's O2 Arena after their 90-second performance won the judges' approval at a regional audition.
The five-piece group - Dave Sykes (guitar and lead vocals), Ian Miller (bass guitar and backing vocals), Ben Brezinski (piano), Gregory Walewski (saxophone) and Paul Whitworth (percussion) - joined 500 other bands in the auditions for this year's Live and Unsigned competition at The Willows conference centre, Salford, on Sunday.
The band, who describe their sound as "melodic sophistication", impressed judges with their song I Owe It All To You, penned by Dave.
Click 'play' above to hear the specially-penned track.
Smiling Assassins were one of 60 acts to book their place in the regional heats of the contest on Sunday, March 7, when they will return to the Manchester venue. If they are successful they will play at the regional final at The Willows in May.
If they clear that hurdle the national grand final at the O2 Arena awaits later this year - where their music could be heard by judges including broadcasters Annie Nightingale and Mark Goodier.
The band has been given 25 tickets for the regional heats to sell to friends, family and fans and Dave says they hope to sell even more and organise a coachload of supporters for the return trip to The Willows.
He says: "It was surreal. The feeling of being judged is a bit uncomfortable but it was our first professional competition of this calibre."
Dave is a former member of Halifax band Kubrick, who won the 2004 Pulse Radio Battle of the Bands contest and played at the Party in the Park, Bingley, in front of 35,000 music fans.
The Guide: Your weekly arts and entertainment pull-out - free with the Courier every Thursday
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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