Streetwaves St Helens Final, St Helens Festival 2008
In an exemplary showcase of local talent in the St Helens Festival Music Pavillion, Newton-le-Willows based five-piece Red Orchestra won the day with a highly charged performance to be declared St Helens’ ‘most ready’ act. They win a day’s recording at Liverpool’s Elevator studios and to play the Mathew St, Creamfields and Eclectica summer festivals.
The afternoon began with a captivating display from acoustic songbirds DaViglio who impressed audience and judges alike with their crystal clear harmonies, soaring songs and all round professionalism. Adapting smoothly to the bigger stage, their delicate yet confident sound won them many hearts and a close second place. The girls win a day’s recording at St Helens premier studios, Catalyst with renowned Loungs producer Andy Bowes.
Eventual winners Red Orchestra followed with a tour-de-force of rock and roll conviction, musical ambition and stage presence that drew inquisitive audiences in to fill the expansive pavilion space. In the space of two short songs they signalled a bold new presence on the musical map, drawing comparisons with earlier North West mavericks turned stadium heroes The Verve, whilst asserting a fierce sense of individuality.
Fresh from successful shows at the Manchester Academy and across the North West, the final act of the day was Acoustic Box. Though missing beatbox maestro and bassist Dame Cryan, they battled valiantly to claim the runners up slot with a highly polished and exuberant display of precision punk gems.
Judges including the Lancashire Hotpots’ Bernard Thresher and Streetwaves 2007 winner Josephine Grace faced a daunting task on deciding a winner. “It was a painful decision for the judges, having to decide one winner from three immensely talented actsâ€, says Streetwaves co-ordinator Garth Jones. “All impressed in their different ways and would easily hold their own on the bigger stages. In the end though, the judges had to choose one actâ€. A winning combination of anthemic songs, stage presence and professionalism tipped the balance to acclaim Red Orchestra as this year's most ready act.
Streetwaves would like wish all our entrants the very best in their musical endeavours and to thank the following acts for their part in making this year’s competition such a great success:
Acoustic Box
Aguila
Arial Chambers
DaViglio
Kim & Danny Wellens
Laura Oakes
Nuclear August
Red Orchestra
Triptych
We'd also like to say a huge thanks to the judges - Josephine Grace, Thom Tyrer, Bernard Thresher, Al Carney and Kick PA - and all those at the St Helens Arts Service, Citadel Arts Centre and the Culture Company for all their hard work behind the scenes. See you all next year!
Streetwaves Team
