The search is over. 27 year-old ’Emma Rohan’ is celebrating today, after winning the very first O2 Undiscovered music talent search. A closely fought contest between all ten finalists, ’Emma Rohan’ edged ahead to become the winner; The Industry Panel, including music impresario Vince Power, leading music critic Lisa Verrico, Music Week publisher Ajax Scott, XFM’s Drivetime DJ Lucio, Polydor’s Head of A&R Simon Gavin and former guitarist with Elastica Paul Jones were left deliberating late into the early hours of Saturday morning with the extremely difficult task of choosing one from the ten finalists. Having already spent months, days, and hours rifling through almost 6000 demos from a huge range of music genres ranging from soul, R & B and pop to rock, hip hop and indie metal, the exceptional standard and sheer volume of entries has exceeded all expectations. O2 Undiscovered has unearthed a plethora of new emerging musical talent from around the uk. Vince Power Said “Having spent 20 years in live music business. I am not surprised that we had such an interest from singers/songwriters and bands with original material This will be a great foundation for the winner of this talent search” Simon Gavin – Head of A&R Polydor Records “I’m really looking forward to working with Emma. The coming weeks and months will be hard graft, but will give her a great platform and stage to shine” The winner ’Emma Rohan’ from St Albans, is now set receive an unprecedented opportunity to break into the music industry, which includes workshop sessions with members of the panel as well as studio and producer time to record a track, digital release of the track with Polydor Records and an opportunity to perform at the O2 Wireless festival on 24th June 2006 as well as promotion through O2 Active to O2’s 16 million customer base. Emma Rohan combines highly distinctive vocals with songs which, swing effortlessly from the all bruised heart loveliness of Joni Mitchell, to the down and dirty nastiness of P.J.Harvey, add a stage presence that has been compared to a young Chrissie Hynde – This is Emma Rohan and her band. Entrants were invited to upload their demos at the O2 Undiscovered website or drop them into bins at O2 stores all over the UK for the chance to win a prestigious bursary and support from some of the music industry’s leading figures. The winner will now be featured as part of O2’s on going commitment through O2 Active. O2 customers and the public have already been given the opportunity to listen to sound clips of the 10 finalists and vote for their favourite online. Further updates, including ring tones and video clips can be found on O2 Active and www.o2.co.uk/undiscovered during the coming summer.
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