Tuesday, 22 September: The hunt is on for the next generation of function bands as Alive Network announces a national search for cool and stylish live performers.

The UK’s largest live music booking agency for private events is holding auditions to find the very best bands to join its Artist Management and Development Programme. Alive is looking for cool ‘anti-function’ bands, as well as original artists who want to finance their original projects with lucrative commercial work.

Those successful will join Alive’s highest-earning flagship artists as part of its Management and Development Programme. The unique programme offers bands around £7k worth of resources and support to help propel artists to a full-time career in music.

“This is a serious opportunity for artists to get a head start in the industry and create lucrative and sustainable music careers”, says Managing Director and former professional musician, Dave Bevan. “We work with some of the UK’s highest-level session musicians and original songwriters who have the space to be creative thanks to regular and well-paid work with Alive.”

“Bands on our M&D Programme play around 80-100 events per year and take home £1000+ net average per gig.”

As the largest provider of live music for private events in the country, Alive has a clear profile when it comes to bands in high demand by clients. Auditioning artists are advised to steer clear of cover band clichés.

“For those who think of function bands as cheesy, worn out rockers, they’re sadly out of step with the modern live music circuit” says Dave. “Our clients are young and musically discerning. They want stylish and cool indie/rock/festival bands who play the latest tracks from Arctic Monkeys, Florence and the Machine or Royal Blood, rather than wall-to-wall Dancing Queen.”

The search will, for the first time, also accept applications from original bands.  “We’re looking for the next gen of ‘anti-function’ bands - cool musicians and amazing live performers.” adds Dave. “Lots of these guys are in original bands who might have not considered the opportunities that commercial work can present. As part of the M&D programme, we can help them earn and support their original music.”

Auditions take place in London at The Joint on Sunday 27 September, in Birmingham at Robannas Studios on Sunday 4 October and in Manchester at Band on the Wall on Sunday 25 October.

For more information visit www.alivenetwork.com/auditions.