It’s been a busy weekend. For many reasons judging the DMA heats is a hugely enjoyable experience, so thanks to Rich and Trev for asking me again. The two days create their own individual atmosphere; the quick-fire turnaround of support, coupled with non-stop band comings and goings meant The Spyre always felt full of energy, ...

So, the organisers have made their decision, and the heats for this year’s Dorset Music Awards have just been announced. 40 bands will perform two songs at The Spyre (formerly known as King Arthur’s Court and Rubyz), located at 101 West Hill Rd, BH2 5EB, with 20 bands eventually making it through to compete at ...

There are some people who simply don’t like the notion of bands ‘battling’. “That’s not what music is about”… “Music isn’t a competition” etc… Well, we agree to an extent with both of these statements, but we could also argue that local music is about playing great gigs in front loads of people, developing a ...

Year on year the Dorset Music Awards has grown to the point where now, it would appear the Bournemouth O2 Academy is required as the venue for the final. The 500 capacity Royal Bath Hotel reached its limit in no time this year, so next year’s event will see its climax held in the grand, ...

It takes a lot of knowledge, hard work and dedication to make what is effectively a ‘battle of the bands’ competition as credible and successful as the Dorset Music Awards. Before I start to comment on the quality on stage, it must be said the quality shown off it by not just Rich and Trev ...