NME.COM announced the launch of its inaugural US Breaking Bands competition during a reception at the British consul’s home in Los Angeles last night (May 2).
NME Editorial Director Steve Sutherland disclosed the details of the new initiative, which offers unsigned US artists the chance to join the ranks of musicians including Nirvana, Hole and Coldplay, who found their start in the pages of NME.
To participate, artists must submit their music via NME.COM before the June 1 deadline.
Entries will be judged by an expert panel including NME.COM Editor Ben Perreau, Editor of NME Conor McNicholas, and NME New Bands Editor James Jam, as well as a wealth of other music professionals from across the industry.
The Top 10 entries will be featured on NME.COM, where readers can offer their feedback.
The band with the most positive responses from the panel and the public will have the opportunity to perform at an upcoming Club NME LA with Fred Perry Subculture, which has permanent residence at Spaceland.
Sutherland also announced that NME intends to open additional Club NME with Fred Perry Subculture locations throughout the US in the coming months.
Hotly tipped LA band The Little Ones provided the entertainment during the plush reception. The quintet are about to embark on the NME New Music Tour in the UK along with The Rumble Strips, Pull Tiger Tail and Blood Red Shoes. The tour kicks off on May 17 in Cardiff, Wales as previously announced.
“It’s really exciting that NME is here in the US,” guitarist Ian Moreno told NME.COM after their set. “There’s really nothing like it that’s so music-centric.”
“We feel privileged to be here–and we would have felt even more excited if they let us jump in the pool!” added keyboardist/bassist Lee LaDouceur.
–By our Los Angeles staff.