James Noon
London, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
James Noon from Beckenham has been given the big thumbs up by judges at the Open Mic UK auditions. Along with the other most impressive acts, James has made it through to the Regional Finals and will now be performing at the live stages of Open Mic UK 2010.
Open Mic UK 2010 is the exciting national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists of all genres who perform either covers or original material.
One contestant who has evidently caught the judge’s eye is local talent James Noon, now competing for a place in the National Final at the O2 in London and the chance to grab a break through recording contract. Thousands of hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of auditionees queued patiently on the day for their turn to impress the judges. But it was James that wowed the panel and has now been given an opportunity to prove that they are the best on the Mic in the region. Those who made it through the audition stage will now take part in a live Regional head to head battle alongside the best talent in their area. They’ll be performing in front of hundreds of audience members and a professional judging panel to win a place at the National Grand Final.
Chris Grayston head of A&R at Future Music comments “We are searching for an act that not only has the live ability to impress an audience, industry judges and A&R associates, but an act that has the potential to become a professional recording artist. The standard was high last year and this year looks set to be even better.”
The competition is divided into age categories; Under 18, 18-25 and 25 and over; all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK.
There’s over £50, 000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner of Open Mic UK 2010 will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30, 000 investment! They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.
There are plenty of development opportunities available to acts taking part courtesy of ICMP, who will be offering songwriting courses and master classes throughout the competition. The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from National Radio, BBC Introducing and Regional Press.
The winners will not only get to perform on stage at the 02, but they will be thrust into the media spotlight through television, radio and print media and all winners will be invited on the Open Mic UK Tour, which boasts 100 gigs across the country.
For more information go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk Or better still come down and support your local talent performing; you can purchase tickets from the website www.openmicuk.co.uk or on the door subject to availability or from James himself.
- Open Mic UK
Discography
'Lothian Blue' released 27/04/2010 MERIDIEM RECORDS LTD.
'Astral' release September 2010 MERIDIEM RECORDS LTD.
Photos
Bio
Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist, Composer, Producer.
James Noon certainly has the Midas touch when it comes to his music.
Classically trained from an early age, James dedicated himself as a young child to perfecting all genres as a guitarist and composer. Inspired by great songwriters and musicians such as Van Morrison, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and The Eagles to name but a few.
Soaking in the influences of Jazz, Country, Blues and Folk music has allowed James to craft a unique sound with striking references to the legends of Guitar; Clapton, Martyn and Knopfler whilst also allowing world music strands to move seamlessly throughout his songs.
A heady 4 Years at the University of St Andrews gave James the chance to ‘cut his teeth’ on the University circuit. Forming several bands including Jazz Trio’s and Quartets and even taking the lead in a 9 piece Funk/Soul band, James gigged his way to a professional standard and worked his way and music into student life.
In 2009 James started up Meridiem Records Ltd. An independent label, from which he could launch and publish his own material.
The debut release on Meridiem Records is the long awaited ‘Astral’. A completely individual endeavour on which James wrote, played, recorded and produced all of the tracks himself. “It’s very important to me to retain artistic control and vision. By doing the whole thing myself it gives me an opportunity to indulge in my musicality and to experiment with new ideas and techniques”
The concept for ‘Astral’ (a ‘nod’ to Van Morrison’s ‘Astral Weeks’) was to create a series of individual songs inspired by life, aspirations, love and dreams. A spiritual understanding of the world, metaphorical in narrative whilst heavily grounded in the pop format.
His debut single, the beautiful ‘Lothian Blue’ takes the listener to the white sandy beaches of the East coast of Scotland, whilst ‘Train to Georgia’ is a lamenting ride into the Mid-West.
Upbeat classics such as ‘Somebody to Love’ and ‘Good Plan Gone To Waste’ clearly show Noon’s talent as a gifted songwriter and musician, with pitch perfect precision on lead guitar, that leaves the listener humming the melody long after the Car engine has stopped purring – perfect driving music.
His debut album ‘Astral’ is a fusion of musical influences across all genres. His lyrics paint dreamscapes designed to provoke response and emotion, all inspired by the most personal of experiences.
James has everything to play for with the release of ‘Astral’ in July 2010 on Meridiem Records and his long awaited entrance into the world of professional entertainment does not disappoint.
If Astral is a taster of things to come, we at Meridiem Records are ‘praying for a little bit more’ from James.
Meridiem Records Ltd.
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