Having announced, this year’s headliners, The Isle of Wight Festival 2018 has opened up a competition for new bands to perform on the bill alongside the likes of Depeche Mode, The Killers, Kasabian and Liam Gallagher.

The Isle of Wight Festival “New Blood” competition is open to artists and bands throughout the UK. All artists have to do to register is submit an original song they feel best represents them.

John Giddings says “There are so many great unsigned artists out there so this is all about discovering them. It’s fantastic to give new bands and new talent the chance to play at one of the biggest festivals of the summer, featuring legendary acts. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be at same festival as The Killers, Kasabian, Depeche Mode and Liam Gallagher! Every band in the country should be putting themselves forward for this!”

Only the most talented submissions will go through to the Live Rounds where artists will be judged by music industry experts based on their musicianship, songwriting and fan engagement. This means the winner of each Live Round is chosen based on pure talent and quality.

The Live Rounds also guarantee that all artists who perform have the opportunity to play in front of industry professionals, giving them significant exposure on a globally renowned platform. However, the Industry Pick isn’t the only way to make it through to the Grand Final. The fans will also get a vote at each gig, helping their favourite artist progress through to the next round to be in with a shot to play at The Isle of Wight Festival.

Those lucky enough to make it through the quarter and semi finals will perform in one big Grand Final on May 27th at O2 Academy, Islington, where special guest judges will pick their overall favourite act who will be crowned the winner and get to perform at this year’s festival. The competition is also open to artists nationwide with an additional online voting element. Acts simply need to encourage their fans to vote for them online using their artist profile at www.hotvox.co.uk/artists. The artist with the most votes will be fast-tracked straight through to the Grand Final.

The Isle Of Wight Festival takes places between 21st-24th June 2018 and more ticket details and information can be found at www.isleofwightfestival.com.

Author

I have an unhealthy obsession with bad horror movies, the song Wanted Dead Or Alive and crap British game shows. I do this not because of the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle it affords me but more because it gives me an excuse to listen to bands that sound like hippos mating.