Stuntdog are top of the hit parade

9:33am Friday 16th May 2008

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WORCESTER'S electro experimentalists Stuntdog have been named number one.

The Worcester/Rugby-based psychedelic rock group picked up first prize in the Toxic Pete/ffg Studios Studio Time Competition and won two free days in the recording studio.

"I vaguely remember our bassist Craig Wood mentioning that he'd sent some demos off," said frontman Steve Wattison.

"Then last week he phoned me shouting, We've won, we've won'. It was a bit out of the blue but brilliant."

Influenced by "many colours of the dirty music rainbow", Stuntdog's alternative sound was described by local music mogul Peter Brown, aka Toxic Pete - who reviewed every entry before judging began - as having "lots of whispery, breathy vocals nestling comfortably and very successfully within a luxuriant, fluffy electric backdrop."

He also applauded their innovation and quintessential Britishness.

"We've been recording for quite a few years now," said Wattison.

"We've played a couple of gigs in Worcester but it's actually really difficult to get gigs. The pay-to-play thing being charged to perform at dedicated live music venues is something none of us believe in. I don't expect to make loads of money from gigs but I certainly don't expect to pay.

"It's very difficult for young bands unless they have some kind of backing. They can play in local pubs, which is great for experience and learning stage craft, but just not the same as a live music venue."

The judges awarded highly recommended titles to 12 bands, including Worcester-based Zebedy Rays, vocalist Lexie Stobie, Host, Parker, and Just Sweet Theft.

To find out more about the ffg Studios, call 01684 772664 or see www.ffg.org.uk.

For the winners, visit www.myspace.com/stuntdog.