National Student Music Awards invites submissions

Acts of all musical hues are being invited to compete in the 2005 Lee Cooper National Student Music Awards.

Following regional heats at UCC on February 23 and UCD on March 3, the Grand Final of the Battle Of The Bands-style competition takes place in Dublin's Temple Bar Music Centre on March 24.

Whoever gets the nod on the night from the panel of industry experts will walk off with recording time at Grouse Lodge studios, a Beat FM radio session and the chance to compete in May's UK final where recording time in Abbey Road, a BBC radio session and independent record deal are up for grabs.

"The NSMA acts as a good showcase opportunity for new and emerging acts and through its close links with UK record labels, broadcasters and promoters we look forward to identifying a number of promising Irish acts and help them get noticed in the UK," says awards promoter Dave Reid who also scouts here for Atlantic Records USA.

If you or one member of your band are in full-time third level education, send demos to NSMA, PO Box 8169, Dublin 6W or log on to www.nsma.com for more details.