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Previous winners include Birdy!

Unsigned Music in Portsmouth has been discovered by Open Mic UK music competition. The best unsigned music in the region took to the stage last weekend. The music contest has provided industry feedback for the best unsigned musicians in the region.

Successful auditionees in Portsmouth performed at Highlight in front of a large crowd and the Open Mic UK industry experts. Judges included vocal coaches, music journalists and A&R managers. The singing competition feedback on selected acts can be seen below.

Judging the unsigned music in Portsmouth were Stuart Slater from Slater Drum School, local magazine editor Martin Perry, international singer Rosalind Fountain, Dielle Lodrick from Igloo Music, Rose Paul from St Pauls Lifestyle, and editor for Sussex newspapers Phil Hewitt.

Find industry feedback below. Please be aware views expressed by judges are opinions and subjective to that particular judging panel. These views in no way reflect the views of Open Mic UK, and are published with a view to being beneficial to the performing acts. Please take the feedback on board with a view to helping in the future.

Unsigned Music Portsmouth – Feedback for 16 and under category singers

James Molyneux- Not easy to open the show and maybe affected by nerves. Some good movement and elements of performance, but a little more vocal coaching required.

Jess - Nice voice and lovely intonation - much promise here. Watch image and plosive consonants but definitely top half today. (Convincing theatrical style)

Declan Murphy- Great attempt to connect with the audience! Try to work on image even at this early stage. This performance improved and became more confident as it progressed.

AliceTilbury – Comfortable vocals, and generally secure technically. Aim for much more engagement with the song and audience. It just felt like you were not quite ready but do stick at it.

Ash Blakely– Really enjoyed this! Not musically perfect, but increased in fluency and conviction. Also full of dynamic shape and musical interest. Split the judges but top half for sure.

Anjeli Diack– A good foundation on which to build your vocals.... keep it up! Very likeable and enjoyable.

Charlie – Fantastic attention to image – suited the choice of song very well. Unfortunately the vocal range did not quite suit the song choice which struggled to hold longer durations in the upper register. Some more vocal coaching required but many positive aspects.

Crystal Cooper- Excellent song choice, good image and good sense of communication. Try to consider your dynamics and shape over the course of the song, (learn when to hold back) but a stronger act overall.

Declan Moore–Lovely voice and movement. Continue to develop stage craft and confidence.

Ellie Earl– This act really caught the attention. You suit the style, and voice is mostly strong.  Perhaps just a little more stagecraft sand presentation is required but very good. Musical accompaniment was well considered and supportive.

Hannah Bowler– You were not overawed by the occasion, held the vocals well, and image looked right for you. However, the song content was not for a 10 year old! Didn’t work in this respect (just cannot relate the lyrics to a ten year old girl – be a bit careful about this), but much promise overall.

Heidi Harries– Moody, good image and use of stage. Vocals developing nicely but keep on with the coaching and training. Should be fine to go through.

Jade Bunyan– Heartfelt, thoughtful performance. Continue with vocal training to maximise potential. Watch image.

Lauren Harrison– Much thought has gone into this! Very Kate Bush–esque but dancer’s costumes were too revealing. Again, keep up vocal training...

Lydia Wootton– Nice vocal and some personality came though. Consider working on stage craft and vocals.

Megan Linford- Good performance, image and song. Well done!

Olivia Collins– Image contrasted with the song which worked for you. Try and perform with more confidence and stage craft – just a little more experience required but good effort. Some commercial potential here.

Unsigned Music Portsmouth – Further Feedback

Paige Robinson– Expressive, colourful, nicely presented and correct song for your style. Unfortunately some pitching inconsistency today...

Sam Jones– Great sound and image. Now develop the performance to look at and connect with the audience, less so the fretting hand on your guitar!

Shannon – You have developed since last time we saw you – well done! Keep going...

Tia Jade Ayling– After a slightly nervous start, you settled and demonstrated good low register tonal control and projection (although continue to work on support here). Increasingly good engagement with the audience. Be a little careful with song choice – aim to suit more your vocal range and inject greater individuality

Mollie Scott- You’ve got great nerves! Bold choice of song and nice delivery. Good luck in the next round!

The guest act for the day was Fdot1, who treated the crowds to brilliant performances of his original upbeat hip hop.

Unsigned Music Portsmouth, Enter Now!

All successful acts at the Portsmouth Regional Finals will now be performing in the live Area Final Showcase on 27^th November at Highlight in Portsmouth. Come along to see the best unsigned talent!

All acts are competing to make it to the Grand Final on January 21^st at The O2!

Don’t miss your chance to perform in front on industry professionals! You can enter Open Mic UK now!