Thursday 4th November will see 4 of the UK’s best underground hip-hop and funk artists performing at the Meanfiddler, London Astoria 2, where they will be showcased to record labels, management companies and other music industry members. The event is already creating a storm within the music industry, with the gig looking to sell-out in record speed. Headliners Shorty are one of the most respected artists on the Urban music scene. Winners of the DIESEL-U-MUSIC Hip Hop Award 2002, London winners & National runners up in the "liveanduncut" music awards, and Runners-Up of the MOBO Unsigned Awards, this is not a band to be missed Shorty, who are by no means unfamiliar with the limelight, with appearances on MTV and MTV Base, BBC, ITV, Sky and an international advertising campaign with Pepsi Cola featuring rappers Cisco and Du-Cane, are looking to secure a deal with record labels who are desperate to get hold of this urban funkadelia, hip-hop breaking artist. Shorty have just been signed to Gravy Records who are looking to prove to the world that Shorty are a major force to be reckoned with. With support from this fine label, they are certainly an act for the future. Carpetface (with backing from Freefall Collective and cuts from DMC mixing champ PHD), will open for Shorty. This unconscious joy of an artist will be fresh from his third tour of the USA (a mix of live shows and recording sessions in New York, San Francisco and the Burning Man Festival, Nevada) which will add to the growing list of artists he has already performed alongside; Wolfman, DjKrush, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Princess Superstar, Keith Levene (PIL), Bez, The Libertines and LSK to name but a few. This so far self-released hip-hop, funk and reggae vocalist/songwriter/ musician/producer already has reviewers stumbling at him, record labels lining up, and agents engaged 24 hours a day for bookings. Known as the busiest man on the scene, a PR and gigging machine, whose music is dance-floor friendly with very interesting tripped out production and cool sung choruses (Rough Trade Records), he is tipped, by many, as the next international superstar -see www.newbias.com for more information. Returning to London after their sell-out show at the Jazz Café in October, Bouremouth's The Baker Brothers go heavy on the Hammond in support of their acclaimed debut album, 10 Paces. Opening for Carpetface, they are ready for one of the biggest shows of their music careers, after their tours of Japan and other parts of Asia.. "The Baker Brothers deliver cuts that are definitely keeping the funk alive via masterful recording techniques that sound 30 years old. Solid retro-business that won’t go stale!" Straight No Chaser Opening the extravaganza will be the much talked about Freefall Collective, whose breakbeat/funk/hip-hop tunes have been ripping up the south coast and London for the last few years. Seen at many of the rawest nights in the country, with performances at squat parties across London and at some of the best the underground hip-hop circuit has to offer, the music scene is envisioning labels with check books at the ready. With a 70s feel to their funk, crossovers with soul, transgressions of hip-hop and breaks, earning them the title of smoothest band on the Urban scene, this is one of the most talented outfits since legends that are Curtis Blow and Sugar Hill Gang The evening of urban delights, with the occasional break-dancer gracing the stage, will be raising awareness of some of the shear, raw talent that occupies our pleasant isle. With the night going on till 1:00am, the public are already crowding box offices to grab tickets for what looks to be one of the most influential shows in Urban music. The show is being promoted by Fresh Sounds, who have started to turn heads with their unsigned showcases at the Meanfiddler, London Astoria and Shepherds Bush Empire, and is being programmed by Fresh Sounds Bookings, who have already made somewhat of a name for themselves, with some of the most eclectic and most exciting new music on their roster. Hosting the night will be a very special guest, to be announced on the night, who will take to the stage with back-to-back sets from DMC Mixing Champion, PHD and DJ Hudge, with more special guests on the night. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, Stargreen and Ents24, as well as through the Meanfiddler box office. Shorty + Carpetface and Freefall Collective + Baker Brothers+ Freefall Collective All unsigned and underground artists of all genres of music are invited to attend the show to submit their music to the Fresh Sounds promoters who will be present on the night. All demos will be listened to fully and considered for future shows at London Astoria, Meanfiddler, Shepherds Bush Empire, The Forum, Brixton Academy and support slots with major acts. Date: Thursday 4th November 2004 Venue: Meanfiddler (London Astoria 2), Charing Cross Rd, London, W2 Tickets: £10 Doors: 8:30 1:00am Ticketmaster: 0870 1500 044 Stargreen: 020 7734 8932 Meanfiddler Group Box offices: 02074340403 Contact: Fresh Sounds+44 (0) 1202 251392