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What a first half!
It’s half-time at Demo Factor 2016, and what a first half!
Kicked off in style with the introduction of Demo Factor’s Ice Luge taking centre stage, the judges took no time to pack in the punches as presenters were told by Paul Sylvester: “You’ll have great careers – as listeners!”
As the crowd got rowdy, Livewire1350’s Freddie Wells was singled out by host Vicki Blight to critique a fellow presenter’s demo, whilst James Wilkinson was told by DF judge, Amy Voce, that he was a natural at the luge.
Pantomime aside, the judges took some convincing, but eventually talent was spotted with Capital Xtra’s Rob Watson asking to hear more of Spark FM’s Chris Anthony Boyle who was commended by others across the panel and the audience.
You can hear Chris’ demo again here: [insert-demo id=”988″]
But it was Rare FM’s Ella Atcheson who stole headlines just before the interval, as Rob Watson described her voice as “warm, engaging and cosy,” Amy explained that she only buzzed because she felt threated for her job, and DF’s very own Simon Cowell, Paul Sylvester, even crumbled admitting “I want to be your friend!”
You can hear Ella’s demo here: [insert-demo id=”997″]
As the interval draws to a close, and the drinks flow plentifully, how will the second half fair in comparison?
Follow us on twitter: @DemoFactor for live updates.
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Are You Ready…
The tension is building…
The BIG GOLD LETTERS are warming up…
And the judges are seeming surprisingly positive ahead of tonight (if this photo is anything to go by…
The judges sharing a smile before it all gets serious(ly camp). Demo Factor will soon be kicking off here in Cardiff, and we will be keeping you up to date with all the gossip, stand out demos, and pantomime moments right through to the end of the night.
There’s an Absolute 90s show up for grabs… who will claim it?
There’s only one way to find out…
Demo Factor begins tonight at 20:30, at #SRACON16 held at Cardiff University Student Union.
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George Says…
Yesterday we shared with you Sammy James’ top three reasons to enter Demo Factor this year.
Today we check in with winner of the 2014 competition, George Godfrey and get his three reasons.
[insert-demo id=”420″]
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3 Reasons to Enter Demo Factor…
Last year crowds gathered in Exeter where Sammy James’ demo was played out. It was a tough decision but Sammy’s demo wowed the judges and crowned him victorious.
Almost 12 months on we asked him to give us three reasons why YOU should enter Demo Factor this year.
Do you think this is his opinion just after winning? Have a listen to his thoughts before he found out he won.
Here’s @MrSammyJames thoughts pre DF 2015. He went on to be picked for a show @AbsoluteRadio90 #SRACon Upload yours! pic.twitter.com/jnM4j0Gryr
— Demo Factor (@DemoFactor) March 26, 2016
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Vicki Blight: Hello DF Class of 2016
Hello DF Class of 2016,
I had 5 minutes between polishing off a bag of mini eggs and prep for my Radio Wales shows this weekend, to jot down a few things to remember if you’re attending this year’s Demo Factor at #SRACon in Cardiff.
Number 1… if presenting is something you would love to do as an actual job after Uni, then you must enter Demo Factor! If played out on the night, you are going to be heard by the industry movers and shakers on the stage and also the others huddled at the back of the room. Their advice, good or bad, will be priceless!
Number 2… if you or your student radio station intends to enter the SRA awards later this year…then you must enter Demo Factor!! It’ll give you a head start on what to include on potential audio entries.
Number 3… if anyone in your group is on the fence about uploading a demo, push them off! It’s so much more fun on the night if someone you know gets picked out to be played. They’re representing your station, they are ambassadors! They must enter Demo Factor!!!
Number 4… do you like a laugh? Hope so! We do! So, we’ll be making sure everyone on the night has a good time. I have a few tricks up my sleeve…there will be the odd surprise…wink, wink, emoji, emoji! Ahhh you got to be in it to ‘win’ it…so you must enter Demo Factor!!!!
Finally Number 5… I couldn’t think of 5 better people to lose 3 minutes of your dignity with… I know I have… Chris North (Student radio royalty and finds people jobs) Paul Sylvester (A lovely chap who has Bauer Power! He runs stations and empires, whilst wearing an amazing scarf!) Amy Voce (Gorgeous gal, award winner, makes Breakfast shows look easy – she’s that good!) Rob Watson (He knows great radio…making shows extraordinary since the year dot!) and Jordan North (The nicest northern monkey-chops you will ever have the pleasure of meeting, he’s got skills!) That’s why YOU MUST ENTER DEMO FACTOR!!!!!
Now away with you…go grab some of your finest on-air moments and make it rain!!!
You’ve got until 3pm on Wednesday 30th March to upload at https://www.demofactor.com/
Don’t leave it until Wednesday though, they’ll be loads of fab stuff happening throughout the day, you won’t want to miss it hunched over your laptop!
I’ve been Vicki Blight…and this has been an Easter chocolate fuelled production.
See you Wednesday night!@SRA 1week left. Don’t even think twice, upload that demo! Last year @MrSammyJames did, now @AbsoluteRadio90 https://t.co/qTYcarX4Os #SRACon
— Demo Factor (@DemoFactor) March 23, 2016
PS On Thursday…we’ll all look like ‘Phil & Holly’ the morning after the NTAs…please forgive us! -
Sammy James
Sammy is from Leeds Student Radio and won Demo Factor in 2015 in Exeter. It was a close fought race with Absolute Radio boss Paul Sylvester ‘umming & arrrghing’ for quite a while. By winning the competition Sammy got the chance to present his own show on Absolute Radio 90s at One Golden Square – a building where he still works as a Broadcast Assistant for Absolute Radio.
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Your Demo Factor Winner for 2015 is….
Congratulations to Leeds Student Radio’s Sammy James who has just won himself a show on Absolute Radio 90s.
Sammy impressed the judges but it was a close fought race to who won in the end!
You can hear Sammy’s demo below, and for more Demo Factor tips and advice make sure you catch “Demo Factor EXTRA” tomorrow morning at 11.45am
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Tips from last year’s judges
If you’re spending your weekend by creating that perfect demo ready to submit for Demo Factor then you might want to take a few minutes to remind yourself of some of these tips.
Recorded backstage at last year’s Demo Factor in Newcastle, Sam “Podcast” Parker spent time with the judges and asked for their tips on creating the perfect demo!
[sra_audioboom boourl=”https://audioboom.com/boos/2067366-demo-factor-2014-halftime-chat-with-the-judges”]
Top Tips for Demo Factor entrants
- Best link first
- Be yourself
- Do not include other people that are not part of the act
- Experiment and be creative. Don’t copy from someone else
- Don’t start your demo with a menu. Just give me the best thing you’ve ever done
- If you make me laugh then you’ve won me over
Later in the night Sam caught up with the winner, George Godfrey. They chat about what’s next for George and if there were any other demos that he was nervous about being better than him.
[sra_audioboom boourl=”https://audioboom.com/boos/2067431-demo-factor-2014-interview-with-george-godfrey-georgegodfrey-winner-of-an-absoluteradio90s-show”]
If you want to hear more from the judges last year, then make sure you check out the SRA’s Audioboom channel!
Good luck and don’t forget to upload your demo! See you in Exeter.
#DevonOrHell
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Announced: Your New Demo Factor Host
In the run up to Demo Factor making it’s return at the National Student Radio Conference in Exeter later this month, we can announce your new host!
Absolute Radio’s Vicki Blight is making the step down from the stage to be amongst the audience. She’ll be finding out more about the contestants and ensuring they get the most from the experience of having their demo heard by the judges.
Last week news broke on Twitter that Adam Catterall would be stepping down as host after 5 years.
Clarkson, Zayn and now me! After 5 brilliant years I’m sad to announce I will not be hosting this years @DemoFactor at #SRACon #DevonOrHell
— Adam Catterall (@AdamCatterall) March 27, 2015
A spokesperson said: “Adam has been a fantastic host of Demo Factor for the past few years, and we thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
An actual Demo Factor spokesperson said:
@AdamCatterall We’re sad to not have you with us. We’ll have to have a reminder of your best DF bits!! You’ll always be a part of the team!
— Demo Factor (@DemoFactor) March 27, 2015
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Blog: I’m your new host!
Demo Factor is a unique experience for presenters, producers and station managers to not only hear audio from other student radio stations, but to also get a very real insight into how the industry finds and recruits new talent.
It is the one-stop shop for how to construct links, shows and demos, to get that all important foot on the ladder of the radio industry.
Having been involved as a judge on the Demo Factor panel since it’s conception at the student radio conference in Bath, it has always been an incredible experience to offer advice and encouragement to new student radio talent. The conference has always been an amazing event that I look forward to every year and it’s so special to work with our Demo Factor team of industry experts; Chris North, Rob Watson, Jocelin Stainer, Paul Sylvester and Adam Catterall.
With Adam unable to attend the event this year, there are a pair of big, well polished, sharp, funny and caring shoes to fill. I only hope I can do the them justice, as I become your new Demo Factor host for 2015!
.@SRA V pleased to announce @VickiBlight stage dives from Judge to Host Demo Factor @sracon in 17 days http://t.co/sm20CDtIBn #DevonOrHell
— Demo Factor (@DemoFactor) April 3, 2015
As I step off the stage and into the midst of nerves, Jaeger and the next generation of award winning presenters, there will be an empty chair up on that stage…but who will be sitting in it? We’re looking forward to announcing that soon! Don’t think it’s all on you though, I’ll make sure we push the judges to say what they mean and answer your questions!
For now, make sure you get your audio ready for the conference. Don’t waste the opportunity of getting live feedback that could save you time, tears and tantrums in the future! Oh and remember…you never know who’s listening as we welcome many industry stars into the room on the night! It could be your time to shine! Best of luck and see you in Exeter! #DevonOrHell
PS below are some useful bits of advice and/or conversation starters!
- My memorable Demo Factor moment: Chris North ordering a ‘Woo Woo’, oh and the demo made up entirely of pan pipe music!
- Favourite drink: Whiskey
- Radio Hero: Steve Lamacq
- 3 words of advice: Be Yourself, Be a sponge, Be thick skinned!
