Kev of @RFTKPromotions talks about the 1st #metal2themasses @BloodstockFest competition final for #unsigned/#indiebands in the #northeast

RFTK Promotions in Association with 

Bloodstock: Metal 2 The Masses presents

For the very first time...

NEWCASTLE FINALS

This is very good news for the region.  Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses is a battle of the bands contest where a band from each region goes on to play at Bloodstock Festival, the UK's biggest Metal Festival.

The contest has been running many years, but this is the first time the region will be represented - taking this year's contest to 26 regions and counting.

The premise is simple - it is a battle of the bands consisting of heats, semi-finals and a final - with the regional winner playing the NEW BLOOD STAGE at Bloodstock in 2016.  This stage gets estimated crowds of 2000 fans who are hungry for new music.
Bands such as Evile, Bloodshot Dawn and Saturnian are amongst those who've gone on to do world tours or sign to major record labels since coming through this route.  Evile have just toured with Megadeth.

The Newcastle final takes place in The Cluny on June 17th.  Semi-Finals will take place in Think Tank on May 15th and 29th.

Before those, the heats, they're in Trillians Rock Bar on Feb 25th, March 31st, April 7, April 14 and April 28.

These are priced at £3 for the heats, £4 for the Semi's and £5 to the final, so fans can see quality local bands at a low price, giving more scope that they can have a night out and discover new bands, or support a friend without breaking the bank and hopefully see some of the other talent in the region.

The local promotion for these shows is being run by RFTK Promotions, with help from Jowheretogo PR.  RFTK Promotions has been through a number of changes over the last few years, but the essence began in 2006 when Kev Morris decided to try and do something about his favourite bands not playing Newcastle.

"We've all been there," explains Kev, "Picking up listings and seeing a band you love is touring and then checking the dates and finding there's nothing in Newcastle.  So. I decided to learn how to put on shows - 10 years and 200 shows later, here we are..."

Speaking about the Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition, "I'd always thought it such a shame the contest didn't run in this region.  Selby does have rounds, but nothing in Newcastle and we've a whole host of talented bands here that deserve a shot."
"I think this should be exciting for the bands and for the fans.  
"For the bands it represents a genuine path to play at a major festival - and even if the band doesn't win, we're hoping this will shine some publicity on some of the heavier bands in the region.
"For the fans we're hoping this will introduce them to some new bands - and see a lot of fine bands for the region"

For bands wishing to enter - simply email kev@rftkpromotions.co.uk - send over some links for your music and a brief intro (we'll be asking partcipating bands for more info when the heats are being pulled together).  Bands should fit musically with the Bloodstock Festival (there will be judges from Bloodstock at the final) - so should be familiar but a general guide includes but is not limited to : Speed, Thrash, Death, Doom, Folk, Battle, Gothic, Grove, MetalCore, Industrial, Neo-Classical, Nu, Post, Power, Progressive, Sludge, Stoner, Alternative, Extreme, Symphonic, Viking and more!

Bands should be unsigned or on a DIY/Small label.  Any band on a recognised major cannot be accepted.

Bands from throughout the region (Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland, Teeside, etc.) all welcome to apply.
To Apply or for more info : Email kev@rftkpromotions.co.uk
RFTK Promotions : www.rftkpromotions.co.uk
Bloodstock http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/