Opportunity rocks as bands prepare to battle it out live

A BATTLE of the Bands has been organised to help give local groups from Edinburgh and the Lothians a platform.

The competition will see 16 bands compete over four heats to win a place in the final.

Heats start on Saturday, 17 April, at Prestonpans Labour Club.

The event has been set up by East Lothian musicians Colin Findlay and George Logan, who have been supporting live music in the area for a number of years.

The pair recently opened The Lane Recording Studio in Prestonpans with the aim to provide an area for young aspiring artists to record.

They also highlighted a need for a platform for young bands to perform, after becoming frustrated at the lack of opportunity for bands to play live.

The winner of the competition will be given a free session at The Lane to have their own EP recorded, mixed and mastered.

Mr Findlay said: "The live music scene has changed so much over the years – there used to be a plethora of live music throughout East Lothian, but there just doesn't seem to be the platform for bands any more."

More information on the event can be found online at: www. thelanerecordingstudio.co.uk.