Need to get your music heard by the biz's most important ears? The Unsigned Band Review (UBR) can point a spotlight in your direction. "Loads of talented people don't know who to approach to move their careers past gigging at the local pub," says the website's founder, Kat Jackman, 29. "Our artists get feedback from music-industry experts and help in securing festival slots."
London-based Jackman launched the free-to-join, ad-supported site in 2008; since then, more than 6,000 artists have signed up. Each has their own profile which industry figures such as XFM DJ John Kennedy, Groove Armada musician George Vjestica and key A&R execs can review. "To know what, say, Mumford & Sons' A&R man at Island Records thinks of your music is incredibly valuable," she says. Talent is categorised so reviewers get convenient access only to what's appropriate to them.
One act to benefit from the site's links to radio is Juan Zelada, whose track "Breakfast in Spitalfields" was recently added to Radio 2's A-list. A step up from the pub, then.
Click the gallery to hear some UBR acts to watch.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
