Platform One have revealed the judges for the 2024 Wight Noize Final taking place on Thursday 25th April at Strings Bar and Venue.
The finalists were shortlisted following an application with event partner Amplead and now have the opportunity to perform in front an experienced panel of music industry professionals.
Jess Eastwood from four-piece indie rock band Coach Party, who recently supported rock royalty Queens of The Stone Age.
Richard Hannan, who is a dynamic force in the music industry, serving as the Director of the acclaimed independent record label, Big Indie. His multifaceted role extends beyond label management, encompassing music publishing, artist management, live events, and editorial contributions to LICKS Magazine. His visionary contributions have not only shaped the industry but have also earned him the official recognition as a ‘Sector Expert’ in the music business.
Songwriter and producer Julian Emery. Julian’s career started in session work as a guitarist, providing instrumental support for acts such as Enrique Iglesias, Atomic Kitten, Kym Marsh, Blue and Annie Lennox. He has writing & production credits on records by Matt Willis (Busted), McFly, Lissie, and Nothing But Thieves. He also had cuts with Lower Than Atlantis, Gavin Degraw, Michelle Branch, Halestorm, Airways, Chelcee Grimes, You Me At Six, Broken Hands, Sea Girls, Miles Kane, Justin Young (from the Vaccines), Callum Beattie, Sam Ryder and Gabe Coulter amongst many others.
Amplead’s Gavin Barnard. Gavin has over 35 years of experience as a senior executive within the music, live events and entertainment industries. Gavin has worked with a range of world-renowned artists and companies, covering artist management, touring, stage management, promotion, artist development, marketing, live events & live film production. Gavin is currently the Chief Relations Officer at Amplead, a mentor at Help Musicians, Ivor’s Academy, sits on the steering panel of Vison 2025 and is the Vice Chair of SCEF (South Coast Events Forum).
Platform One Alumni and drummer in the band Fours, Luke Jefferies. Luke is an A&R and scout for ASONGS Music Publishing, an independent company based in London.
Producers, songwriters and musicians Jim and Rob Homes from Empire Sound. The brothers, who often operate professionally under the name Boe Weaver, have worked with an array of talented artists including Rhys Lewis, Wolf People, The Archie Bronson Outfit, 77:78, Whyte Horses, Pete Molinari, Swan Levitt and Jalen N Ghonda. Alongside their production work Boe Weaver have made several albums as artists and continue to write both for sync and Library.
Co-founder and co-owner of Strings Bar & Venue Claydon Connor. Since the opening of Strings back in 2017, the venue has become an essential resource for both musicians and music fans.
The panel will debate and examine the performances during the evening and make a formal decision on the winner at the end of the night. The winning act will then perform their set one last time in celebration of gaining the highly sought-after mainstage slot at the Isle of Wight Festival.
Andy Booth, Music Industry Liaison at Platform One, said,
“We pride ourselves on having a great connection to the UK music industry and the quality of judges at this years showcase demonstrate how important it is for us to involve them in this exciting opportunity.
“As ever we thank John Giddings and Solo for allowing us to secure the opening slot at the Isle of Wight Festival, ensuring local talent is at the forefront of what is a globally recognised event.”
Show your support
The general public are encouraged to attend the live showcase in support of the finalists. Tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Source website – this is a 16+ event and ID will be required.
Updates and more information can be seen on Platform One social media @platformoneiow.
Doors open at 6:30pm with the first act on at 7:00pm.
News shared by Andy on behalf of Platform One. Ed
