Glastonbury has begun its regular hunt for an unsigned to band to play the iconic Pyramid Stage this year, and has also confirmed the first act for 2013.
Until 5pm on January 24th, the Emerging Talent Competition is inviting unsigned bands to send a link to their music on the festival’s official website, which will all then be judged by a panel of 40 music experts who will whittle down the list to 120.
A final eight are then to be put forward to Michael and Emily Eavis for a final decision. Past years have seen the likes of Treetop Flyers, The Subways and We Have Band being picked for a coveted spot on Glastonbury’s main stage.
Meanwhile, Malian singer Rokia Traoré has become the first act to be officially added to the 2013 bill, with Emily Eavis revealing the move was made in part to highlight their ‘solidarity’ with the country.
“We have a long tradition dating back to the 80s of African acts playing the festival,” she has said. “Given the situation in Mali at the moment, it felt particularly important to show some solidarity. We want to stay out of the politics, but if we can give musicians a platform we will always do that.”