Wyre Forest has been one of the biggest contributors across the country in this year's Rock the House competition. With nine separate acts putting forward submissions, Wyre Forest was in the top ten out of 650 constituencies showcasing local talent.
Rock the House is now in its third year and is the brainchild of MP Mike Weatherley. The final of the competition is held in the House of Commons later this year.
With nine acts to judge, Mark Garnier joined local experts Scott Garrett, from Kidderminster College's MAS Records; Mat Worley, from Stourport's Worley Strings and Things music shop, and local singer Lauren Wright, who is currently enjoying pop success with her debut single "Kiss Me" featuring on this week's BBC Radio 1 play list. Lauren was also a finalist at last year's competition.
"It is amazing how much talent we have here in Wyre Forest." Says Mark. "It was a real challenge trying to work out which acts we wanted to put forward for the next round. What makes us particularly interesting here is more than just our extensive history of popular music; it is the work being done by MAS Records. MAS is not just an important part of Kidderminster College from the point of view of production training: it is a serious business in its own right. Supporting our local talent through this extraordinary training opportunity is fantastic, and having the local musical instrument resource in Stourport, together with great local venues, is a truly unique combination."
The acts going forward are:
Band: DVM Band, with "This Summer"
Solo Artist: Fearful Fingers Harvard, with "Carpet Town Republic"
Solo Artist U/19: Ellisha, with "Mother's Day Song"
Best small music venue: Boar's Head in Kidderminster