The heat is on in the annual hunt for emerging rock and pop talent. The nationwide Jose Cuervo Untamed Sounds Competition kicks off in November and will run weekly at various venues around the country until February next year. This is a prime opportunity for young musicians to get a break and stand the chance of winning a day in a recording studio, as well as cash prizes.

Gareth Haarhoff, UDV's Cuervo brand manager says South Africa has tremendous musical talent that cries out for an opportunity to be heard, and the competition is an ideal way for Cuervo Gold tequila to encourage the country's young musicians. All competing bands must be unsigned and perform six of their originally composed numbers before a panel of judges. The clubs' crowds can help sway the decision as each person is given a voting slip, and their vote contributes 20% of the overall count.

Three bands will compete each week. There will be three first-round heats at each venue during November, December and January with the finals culminating in February. Places are limited, as only nine bands will be allowed to compete per venue.

Bands have to apply at the venues in order to compete. In Durban this is The Burn on (031) 210-0076 and the heats start on November 25 to continue on December 16, January 27 and February 24. The winning band at each final will get a day’s recording in the studio. In Durban, this will be at Dog Ear Studios. Bands also stand in line to win cash prizes courtesy of Jose Cuervo. During the first round heats the winning band wins R300 cash and the other two bands R200. Then on the finals the winning band in each region wins R500 cash with the other two R250.

More details from co-ordinator Simon Foulds on 082 770-7524 or visit www.emergingsounds.com