Distortion Project boss, James Loveday [pictured below] commented on the collaboration: I’m delighted to announce that The Distortion Project and Start Together Studio Belfast have teamed up to present a unique opportunity for 3 Heavy bands that are based in Northern Ireland.
This is an unprecedented chance for 3 acts to record their next album for free and have it released on the newly resurrected Distortion Project Records.
The three chosen bands will win one week’s studio time plus mastering at Start Together to record their album. The Distortion Project will then release that album on CD, vinyl, and digitally through our respective distribution partners and the DPs online shop. In addition, the prize also includes a sustained PR campaign via selected media partners to ensure the release is properly promoted.
Loveday continues: “The band will also receive physical copies to sell themselves. In addition to this, The Distortion Project will provide further help in the form of booking tours, shows, and festivals (where possible), to support the release as well as general help and guidance, planning, advice, strategies, etc.
This will be specific to each band and tailored to suit their needs. All at no cost to the artist in question. This is a start-to-finish, one-stop deal where every aspect of the process is managed, and aided by us, from recording the first note to releasing the album to promotion, distribution, and touring. ”
The application process is now open to bands located in Northern Ireland only. If you play heavy riffs of any description – whether it be heavy metal, black, thrash, death, modern, progressive, hard rock, stoner rock, or any of the many genres of heavy music then this is for you.
To apply, email your EPK (or link to it) together with your social media links and a Youtube video, and how you meet the additional criteria listed below to the_distortion_project@ hotmail.com
Application criteria
– Must be based in Northern Ireland
– Must be active with a stable line-up
– Must have live experience and be prepared to tour and play live in 2022 and beyond. Tour experience is a bonus too.
– Must have, or be working towards, a full album’s worth of material. This project is geared towards full-length releases and not Eps etc.
– Must be unsigned / self-signed. Having previous releases on a smaller label is fine too.
The application process is open for TWO WEEKS and the closing date is WEDNESDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2022.
This opportunity has been funded by Gary Lightbody and Davy Matchett at Third Bar Artist Development.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2021
