DUMA
The judges of the Dorset Unsigned Music Awards have decided that Achilles, Dusty Cuts, Otto, The Douglas Firs and The Goodfoot will be in the final, May 2nd at the Royal Bath Hotel Bournemouth.
In the write up of the first semi-final I waxed lyrical about my admiration of the X-Factor’s Simon Cowell’s honesty (Judging the DUMA semi-finals).
There’s no need to continue with that but it was maybe slightly ironic that while his other project ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ was airing it’s first heats of the season we were at the last semi-final for the DUMA, at a pub that seemed to mirror the town in which it was located.
On arriving in Wimborne Minster you have to negotiate a road system designed to protect the inner town from cars and anyone, without a map or directions, trying to find a pub called Pudding and Pye.
However after a variety of 3-point-turns and olde English exclamations I managed to drive past the venue and then spend another ten minutes trying to retrace my route.
In doing so I discovered that Wimborne is a wonderful yet ancient place that deserves a proper investigation. In some ways it is similar to Weymouth, which I saw for the first time last week and currently describe as a cross between St Tropez and Winchester.
The only difference is that Wimborne has a Minster and no harbour.
Once inside the Pudding and Pye you have a classic old English pub with an inviting collection of odd shaped rooms and a ceiling you could easily bang your head on. Most importantly, plenty of helpful staff behind the bar.
And they were needed because the second semi of DUMA was a busy night, with the another five popular bands looking for a place in the final.
Once again Heidi and Ian and myself were judging the merits of these acts, although in the back of our minds we knew that there were two acts from last Saturday who were the ones to beat.
The overall impression I received from the two semis was that very few of the acts seemed to realise they were in a competition and relied on their music to get them through.
The best I can describe their stage clothes would be dour, their energy lethargic and there were maybe be one or two that had the collective spirit which could see them making a living from this profession.
So full marks go to ‘Crystal Arcade‘ for their energy and enthusiasm especially the guitarist who seemed to be putting everything possible into his performance even though most of the audience couldn’t hear his licks let alone chords.
In fact Ian commented that it was a bit like watching the TV with the sound turned down. I would quite happily add that judging by the movement of his hair we’d be watching an underwater shot of a sea anemone in a strong tide.
Also giving natural entertainment were the singers from both ‘The Goodfoot’ and ‘Dusty Cuts’ while the whole of ‘Otto’ performed a fantastic set, full of harmonies, smiles and optimistic energy. Otto also possess a bass player with a rare gift – he can keep people dancing while playing a solo.
In the final they will be up against the casual surfing vibe of ‘Achilles’ who filled the room with a jazz like infusion of ambient dance.
Suzy Douglas (and log) photo by Sophie Court
But for me the most intriguing act we had to judge was ‘The Douglas Firs’. Their sound and look would suit the film ‘The Village’ and I wasn’t far wrong as they later informed me that ‘Twin Peaks’ was the source of their inspiration.
This would also explain why singer Suzy Douglas clutched a log during one song. As props go it is brilliant and if anyone in the audience objects she can always thrown it at them. You never know it might catch on with people bringing twigs and roots to future gigs.
Before we go any further I must credit Trevor Hill, the other half of Devils Music, for his ability to keep the acts flowing through the night. This is the fourth year of DUMA and the slickness was inspiring. It isn’t easy getting five bands on and off stage and the pace was perfect.
After the last notes had left the stage the judges sat down with organisers Trevor and Richard Stannard to decide which five of the ten acts would make the final at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth (May 2nd).
The judges were only unanimous about three acts and the last two slots in the final caused a lengthy discussion. It’s great fun hearing now people judge, what their tastes are and ultimately how they decide on who goes through or not.
On paper, and on stage, it is fair to say we were all delighted with the five that went though making the final a very interesting night.
Our job of judging is complete however I don’t envy the final judges, the owners of the fabulous prizes as well as DJ Rob da Bank, but I have a hunch which act will get the photo shoot and recording session, however the three slots at the festivals… it’s wide open.
You can see full details about the prizes and find out more about Devils Music here.
