Big boost for two Bay bands

Lee Meyer

TWO Nelson Mandela Bay bands are making inroads abroad thanks to the keen eye of record label Radio Active Productions Publishing (Rapp).

The bands, Life Lyne and Racing Tricycles, were approached by Rapp after performing at the Kingfisher FM Do You Rock competition in October last year.

Life Lyne walked away with first prize, including a music video, photo shoot and the chance to record a four-track album at the SABC's music studio in Port Elizabeth.

"We were so inspired by the talent in the top 10 that we ended up offering the top band a full length record deal," Rapp's Bronwen Nel said.

The winning did not end there. A song-writing collaboration with a yet-to-be-named international artist has also been arranged for the band.

Starting on Friday, Life Lyne's album will be cut by multi SA Music Awards-winning producer Peter Pearlson.

"Rapp has been committed to developing and assisting artists in the Bay area for the past seven years," Nel said, adding there was lots of talent in the city.

Indie rock group Racing Tricycles will have their work seen by Canadian producer Daryn Barry, who has worked with Avril Lavigne and Sum 41.

"We're stoked to be a part of it all," drummer and lead vocalist Francis Broek said. "The music scene in PE is small, but things are finally looking up."