ILuvLive
Following a brief break, the night returns with a monthly residency at Market Place, London and a series of regional dates in five UK cities supported by MTV Base.
Jade Richardson, perhaps best known as the A&R responsible for signing Ms Dynamite, Gemma Fox and Durrty Goodz at Polydor Records, launched ILUVLIVE in June 2004 as a place to showcase the huge amount of urban talent without an outlet for live performance.
Originally at the very intimate Suga Suga on Londons Wardour St, the night moved to the roomier Market Place in February 2006 and has showcased artists such as Ms Dynamite, Sway, Shola Ama, Nathan, JME, Skinnyman, Teri Walker, Plan B, Mpho Skeef and Lady Sovereign amongst many.
ILUVLIVE will re-launch today (Monday 3rd September) in London with regional dates in Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Bristol starting later in the month (dates to follow).
There will be four nights in each city (London on going) giving local talent a real opportunity to stand up and get noticed. Each night will feature between four and eight selected live acts and a 30-minute open mic spot where anyone can get up and get involved.
The regional dates will be supported by some of the UKs most exciting new talent (full line up to follow) alongside some of the UKs top DJs. The most promising acts from each city will be invited to London to perform at the grand end of session event at Cargo in February
2008 (travel expenses will be paid) in front of an invited audience of A&Rs, publishers and media.
Acts wishing to get a scheduled slot should email an MP3 and biography or myspace/web address to info@iluvlive.co.uk stating which city they would like to perform in. Acts wishing to take part in the open mic can just come along on the night and register with the stage manager.
Open mic performances can be accapella or the house band (who know most common tracks) can play along or provide a beat (original material always preferable)
Ras Kwame (1Xtra/Radio 1) and Alex Boateng will host the London dates with Resident DJs on rotation Ras Kwame (1Xtra/Radio One), Twin B (1Xtra) and DJ Wonder (Rinse FM). Full line up of hosts, acts and DJs for regional dates to follow.
www.myspace.com/iluvliveuk
'Archna Sawjani'