From folk music to panda-pop (yeah, we're not sure what that is either ...) five of the country's rising musical talents will sing for their supper tomorrow night and then some. The MTV Kickstart final takes place in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour Marine Village, with a prize package worth more than $210,000 up for grabs.The winner of the competition will walk away with everything they need to start their professional music career, including a recording package, single distribution deal, video grant, guaranteed television and radio airplay, publicity and travel package. Judged by a panel of MTV executives, music industry representatives, media and musicians, including P-Money, Mikey Havoc and Blindspott's Damien Alexander, the five finalists were selected from more than 200 entries throughout the country. Tickets to tomorrow night's concert are free, and available by registering at www.mtv.co.nz.A special will screen on MTV on June 22, at 8pm.IN THE RUNNING ...
Bear Cat Who: Dan Trevarthen and Jocee Tuck Where: AucklandWhat: Panda-popTrivia: Trevarthen claims he is actually half man, half panda. The band formed when he wrote a song to his ancestors, to which Tuck then added harmonies, creating their first song. The band's name comes from the literal Chinese translation for panda, meaning of "bear and cat". Cause For AllianceWho: Anton Minenko (guitar), James Boyd (guitar), Julian Bowater (bass), Michael Metzler (vocals), Sergio Minenko (drums)Where: AucklandWhat: MetalTrivia: Since forming in early 2007, Cause For Alliance has embarked on several national tours and have already released an independent EP, Coalesce. They also have some very nifty promotional fridge magnets. Clap Clap Riot Who: Stephen Heard (vocals, guitar), Dave Rowlands (guitar), Sam Mountain (drums), Tristan Colenso (bass)Where: ChristchurchWhat: Indie pop rockTrivia: The band are currently residing in Auckland, recording their debut EP, produced by The D4/ Luge Boa's Jimmy Christmas.Lydia Cole Who: Lydia Cole (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano), Pascal Jarry (drums), Rachel Harrison (bass) and Andrew Madjar (keys) Where: AucklandWhat: Folk musicTrivia: They formed in the bowels of the Northcote Baptist Church, in 2006, a fact Cole describes as "gross". She claims to pay her bandmates in lollies.Trigger Theory Who: Joseph Thompson (vocals, guitar), Tim Shipton (bass), Joshua Hare (guitar), Ian Collins (drums)Where: TaurangaWhat: Pop punkTrivia: You can catch up with all the boys' news and what's happening in "Triggerland" by watching their webisodes on YouTube.
