Premier Unsigned

Last week, a friend sent me a link to this 'unsigned' competition with Premier Radio, one of the biggest Christian radio networks in the UK/Europe. I don't usually go for these things, and although I'm hustling my way through the mainstream music market, I have an EP to promote to whoever will hear, so I figured it would be a good way to get some interest generated, and the Christian world have always been really supportive of my music.

With 24 hours til the competition entry deadline, I entered. The next day I had the producers on the phone telling me they liked what they heard and I was chosen for the top 10 and that they will be playing one of the songs from my EP on their show every night from 6pm, and talking about each of the 10 finalists!

The prize for this isn't money, a car, a pony or anything like that, it's to play a 30 min set at The Big Church Day Out Festival in West Sussex, England in May, which would mean great exposure and a really good opportunity to network. There is expected to be over 2000 people there, as well as it being supported by some great Christian Organizations and bands (Delerious? Michael W Smith, Cathy Burton etc) so it would be great to get there and let a wider audience hear our tunes...

So, this is where you and your computer come in!

Every week now, for the next 5 weeks, you can vote online HERE


If you scroll down, am last on the list (apparently in biblical terms thats good;) and it would mean a lot if, while you were here in the world wide web, you clicked in and gave me your vote! (You get to hear a full finished, mastered track off the EP before it's even available too!)

They will be kicking one artist off every week for the next 5, and then the final 5 artists will go to a judging panel. Crikey!

SO, for the next 5 weeks, it's down to you and your friends and family, and anyone you know that has an email address! Spread the word!

I do appreciate all your support, and as a side note, the EP is off to print, and I am so so glad there is nothing left to do until the launch, which is on April 26th, 830pm at Blick Shared Studios, Malone Road Belfast. If you are around, it'd be lovely to see you!

Ok, it's all in your hands lovely people!

Thanks & love,

Mel

ten and nine, eight and seven, six and five and four

....the countdown's getting lower every day...

Right now, the four tracks of the EP has left the mighty hands of producer Declan Legge, and is awaiting the magical mastering process by T.W. Walsh, somewhere in the U. S. of A.

To be honest, I'm at that stage of the game where I don't think I can listen to these four songs any more! I'm extremely proud of how it's sounding and all the many people that contributed their time and talents to it, but I just want it to be here already!

If you haven't already seen, I'm having a small launch party at Blick Shared Studios, on the Malone Road in Belfast on Sunday, April 26th (830pm), and would love to see you all there...it's a cozy little spot, so you may have to squish in and sit on a knee...anything to bring people together!

Til then, I'll be hurrying away in the background, trying to make the launch night a wee bit special, working at getting the tracks on itunes and the like, and preparing a few merchandise treats for y'all.

I'm hoping to release 'My Brother's Keeper' as a single in due course and getting it on the radio...I know it's my song, and maybe I'm blowing my own trombone here, but to me the words hold a bit of weight in light of the recent events in our fair land. Maybe people will feel what I'm feeling, time will tell...

Giving Up & Giving Out

Some friends of mine have started a 'Give Up & Give Out' blog for Lent, exploring how we can live out the goodness of God in the midst of a land parched of just that...I've been keeping up so far and have been really challenged by these daily thoughts.

Go see for yourself here

CarJamz

This is my new favourite song. Particularly good to blast while driving...

Down to the Wire

While I was scouring tinternet tonight, I came across this item, which is actually for sale. I'm pretty glad I don't have any use for this, I come home for lunch most days.

Anyway...I thought it was clever.

The EP release is quickly approaching, and I'm trying hard to balance my job, organizing everything that goes into a DIY music career, taking care of health(I heart pilates) and making time for the people that are important to me...it's a fine balance.

I'm headed to a Northern Ireland music convention in the Big Smoke on Fri & Sat, which will hopefully be a good time to network and make some good connections, along with a good place to ask some really 'in-the-know' people some of my burning questions about how to keep moving forward with this old music thannng.

I'm really excited about how things are sounding in the recording process, and I can't WAIT for all of you to hear these 4 songs. At the minute I'm working on getting a cracking launch night venue together and I'm also thinking of getting some small merchandise items ready to sell along with the CD. This is where you come in....

What kind of stuff do you think would be fun/creative/interesting to have as merchandise...? Answers on a postcard (or just leave me a comment)... Oh, and please be realistic - I'm not sure I can afford to buy 'Mel Wiggins' branded bicycles or anything like that in mass...

The Bird and The Bee

I've looking up some new music lately, trying to be inspired and determined to find something not crap to listen to. Anyway, amidst my hunt, I came across these lovelies and had a peek at some of their videos on youtube. I particularly like this tune, and really love the vid. It's 'the end of Little Miss Sunshine-meets-Peter Kay's uncle knobhead joke-meets-catchy little number'. Check it. Oh, and PS: If you're not feelin the song, at least fast forward it to 2:15 in and watch the rest for comedy purposes.

The Geek In Me

For those of you that know me half well, you'll know that I have a (not so)secret passion for all things interiors. I have recently come across some tres cool sites that have given me some inspiration for beautiful design. Here's some of my favourite unattainable bits and pieces coveted along the way...

Stuff is from Anthropologie, Graham & Green, Three Potatoe Four & DesignSponge...worth a visit.