bandit - four star lovers

08/12/2004

For the four 15 year-old members of local all-girl rock band Four Star Lovers, the Autumn term at KEVICC promises more challenges than usual, thanks to a new regional initiative designed to give them a head start in the music business.

As part of the BandiT scheme, funded by Dartington Plus, Ann Bosher, Amy Rogers, Lili Powell and Steevie Daw will combine their academic work with a series of professional workshops and clinics covering all aspects of the music industry, climaxing with a showcase concert at The Totnes Civic Hall on Saturday 18th December.

The scheme was launched in July with a week-long summer school at KEVICC, where young musicians drawn from the South Hams and beyond were put through an intensive programme of rehearsals, lectures and performances under the watchful eyes of industry professionals.

In addition to covering subjects such as sound engineering, stage presence and promotion, the young musicians were challenged to compose, perform and record a new track from scratch during the week, to appear on a promotional CD to be distributed by Dartington Plus the Arts Council funded body set up to promote musical excellence in the southwest.

“The track was different to our usual style, but it was great experience putting it together. I really hope we can get it on to the CD and get more exposure,” said lead singer Lili.

Formerly known as Indigo, the band has already played many local gigs, including Fordstock, but Lili hopes the BandiT experience will take them to the next level. “It has been fantastic to meet people already in the industry who have passed on so much helpful advice. It is really giving us the confidence to expand our horizons beyond Totnes and Exeter.”

Four Star Lovers with be joined by seven other local bands, all of whom took part in BandiT, for the project’s final gig in December. The concert includes original songs recorded during BandiT, with a few classic covers thrown into the mix. The project’s promotional CD will also be available on the night.

Colin Spencer, project leader of Rock On, the Newton Abbot-based charitable trust that runs BandiT, is excited by the project. “We have seen excellent work and some amazing changes of direction while these young performers work together and inspire each other. It has been great to see people breaking boundaries and becoming more comfortable with what they are doing. If this is what can be achieved after only a short time together, the Totnes concert in December should be fantastic.”

Tickets for the 18th December Bandit gig are on sale from the Ariel Centre on 01803 869200, Dartington Arts on 01803 847070 and World Video & Music.