A SWINDON indie rock band are hoping to wow the judges after making it through to the area finals of a national music competition.

Blackwaters beat off competition from thousands of others to win a place at the Southern England final of Live And Unsigned at the Portsmouth Guildhall on May 21.

Lead guitarist Dave said it was massive achievement for the group.

“We are just one step away from the finals at the O2 Arena in London,” he said.

Blackwaters began as a three-piece acoustic band in 2009 and now has full electronic sounds with Dave, lead singer John Mcdonough, rhythm guitarist Lee Pettifoot on bass and Ben Fletcher on drums.

The group won the support of Swindon Town FC players when they performed at the Winners Lounge, at the County Ground.

John said: “If we won we would be happy to play a free gig at the County Ground.”

The four are hoping to prove that they are the hottest talent in the UK playing before the grand lady of rock, BBC Radio One’s Annie Nightingale, and Kerrang magazine’s Alex Baker.

Annie, who has judged the competition for three years said: “I look forward to hearing and seeing all the finalists at Live and Unsigned.

“I will do my best to encourage them on their way to an exciting and successful future, bring them on.”

Live And Unsigned is the biggest national music competition for unsigned bands and musicians and attracts 10,000 entries from across the country every year.

The overall winner of the competition will be offered a recording and management contract with Future Music, along with a winner’s package which includes festival slots, UK touring and up to £100,000 in investment.

If Blackwaters make it through to the national final, which will be held at London’s O2 arena, they will play before judges such as Slade frontman Nobby Holder, singer Shola Ama, and Ras Kwarme, as well as various A and R men.

For information and tickets visit the website www.LiveandUnsigned.UK.

com.