Meet the judges

Whittling down 700 CDs and tapes to 48 hot prospects is no easy task, but one the judging panel throw themselves into with enthusiasm and abandon. Here's what they had to say about T Break 2004 "The T Break judges have one of the hardest tasks in the world - to narrow down hundreds of demos for the showcases, then choose 12 to play the festival! As we know, with Franz Ferdinand leading the way, Scottish bands are on fire at the moment and I'm sure the T Break tent at T in the Park will show the next wave of important, challenging and individual Scottish bands ready to break through! As all discerning musos know, don't bother with the main stage - get down to the T Break tent!"

Vic Galloway, co-presenter, Vic & Gill, Radio 1 "What's T Break about? Simple - it's a one-stop shop for the future sounds of Scotland."

Gill Mills, co-presenter, Vic & Gill, Radio 1 "I always enjoy judging the T Break Showcases. This will be the ninth year that PRS has been involved and during that time we've witnessed a new generation of Scottish talent emerging; bands like Biffy Clyro and Raar. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this year's line up produces!"

Stuart Fleming, Performing Rights Society "There has always been a vibrant unsigned scene in Scotland but at the moment the level of talent coming through is particularly strong. The success of the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol and Biffy Clyro is probably a factor in this trend and of course T Break really give bands the help, encouragement and profile that they need to take their careers onto another level. It's fantastic to be part of T Break again and I'm sure that we'll be celebrating the signing of one or more of this year's T Break finalists by the time we're announcing next year's line-up."

Dave McGeachan, DF Concerts promoter "Fopp are really pleased to be involved with T Break for the third year running. Scotland is awash with musical talent but due to prevailing market conditions and an over-reliance on manufactured pop it is harder than ever for new acts to progress. Initiatives like the Fopp Unsigned Network and T Break offer real support to bands at a grassroots level and help to give them a leg up through that glass ceiling."

Mino Russo, Head Of Marketing at Fopp "As well as getting a sneak preview of the hottest Scottish bands of tomorrow, we're particularly pleased to be involved with the music journalism and photography strands, finding people equipped to cover rising T Break bands when they break through to the next level."

Graeme Virtue, Sunday Herald Arts Editor The showcases...

Edinburgh

THE LIQUID ROOM Victoria St (0131 255 2564) Doors: 7pm Thursday, May 6 Certain Death Major Major Weird Attractors Mangara My Cousin Kate Yard Emcees Friday, May 7 Boss Star / De Rosa FRED / His Girl Friday Last Great Wilderness The Stick Finlays Saturday, May 8 Strange Feelings

FB Collective Lipsick! / Luxury Car Painted Little Men Playtone Sunday, May 9 Brainchild / Chase Cosmos / Elkin / Team Salt / Sporting Hero Glasgow

KING TUT'S St Vincent St (0141 221 5279) Doors: 8pm Monday, May 10 Eric And The Bunny Boilers / Forced Asphyxia / Red Bee Society / Monkeytribe Nibushi Shang Hong All My Logic

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