THE Northern Echo has launched this year's Big Chance competition, which aims to find the best band or artist from the region.

The competition, presented with Music Zone, will help a local artist or band along the road to success with a fantastic package of prizes, including three days in Sanity Multimedia Studios, Stockton, and 100 copies of their recordings on CD

The competition is being hosted with radio station TFM and the final playoff gig will take place on September 24 at The Forum Music Centre, Darlington. The Big Chance is organised by music website Revolution.

"The Big Chance is now an established part of the North-East's music calendar," said Revolution editor Sean Leonard.

"There is a wealth of talent in the region and we want to help people move forward in the music industry."

The prize package includes photography for the winning CD, and artwork courtesy of advertising agency House of Type, of Middlesbrough.

In addition, the winner will receive cash towards the printing of the CD inserts.

Title sponsor for the first time is Music Zone, the UK's largest independent music, film and book retailer. Music Zone will be distributing the Big Chance winner's CD in its shops.

"Music Zone is delighted to be supporting The Big Chance," said Marketing Manager Ian James.

"As a major music retailer with 15 stores throughout the region, this is a great opportunity to encourage local raw talent and grassroots music

"Who knows? One of The Big Chance entrants could be the next big seller in Music Zone."

Other sponsors are Fourth Chamber, Blackett Hart and Pratt, and Air Clothing.

Entrants must be from the North-East or North Yorkshire and are asked to send a one-track CD or MP3 of original material to the address found on www.thisisrevolution.co.uk.

All entries must be accompanied by an application form, available from Revolution.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 30.

Published: 28/06/2004