From W1 To West One

"What, another acoustic showcase in the West End?" I hear you cry, but this showcase isn't like any other.

This one is the brainchild of Sam Johnson and Stuart Feeney at W1 Management who evolved the idea of getting like-minded partners to invest their time in a monthly gig to highlight new and emerging talent from across Europe. The partners are W1 Management, ASCAP, Waterfall Records, Norway Now (Export Norway) and the Monroe Production Company.

"It's all about amazing songs delivered by some amazing artists," said Sam when asked why the night had been so successful. "We have had some great artists on so far and some have signed deals as a result."

The night has proved popular with record companies and music publishers who have been able to tap into this talent at a very early stage. The monthly gig takes place at The Audley, Mount Street, London W1, famous as the post-Ivors watering hole for many a star.

Pictured here is a small sample of some of the acts who have played so far, including Joel from XFM favorites South; Pauline Taylor, who is part of The Faithless and Dido-writing Posse.