Sound Check: your guide to local bands, musicians and venues across Essex.

Laura aims to show she has the Essex Factor

9:00am Thursday 16th May 2013

THIS weekend Colchester’s Laura Jepp will be singing for the pride of the north of the county when she takes part in the final of this year’s Factor Essex music competition.

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The Britpop survivors

7:00am Thursday 16th May 2013

THEY were one of the biggest names in Britpop and they made an almighty comeback this year with new album Bloodsports.

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Summer and snow? It’s just a great mash up

6:00am Thursday 16th May 2013

WHO would have thought a couple of extreme metalheads and two acoustic singer-songwriters would get together to create an exotic bluesy rock sound.

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After fame, Fearne and a fall, Pete is back for ‘the music’

10:00am Thursday 9th May 2013

WHEN it comes to musical journeys Pete Brame has had a pretty rocky one. He hit the big time as a contestant on the BBC’s Fame Academy, went out with Fearne Cotton, and then spectacularly fell back down to earth with a much-publicised drink and drugs problem.

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The Smiths just got on with it...we didn't have time to think abouthow good we were

9:20am Thursday 9th May 2013

HERE are times when being professional just flies out of the window. Like when you're interviewing one of your musical heroes.

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Zeros play in Lee Brilleaux’s memory

9:00am Thursday 9th May 2013

THEY were at the heart of the pub rock R&B scene, inspiring others to pick up their guitars, shun fashionable punk and take a different direction.

Pop star’s heart and home is in...Pitsea

8:00am Thursday 9th May 2013

HE was just 17, recruited to be part of one of the biggest British boybands, mobbed by screaming teenagers and earning more than people twice his age – so it wouldn’t have been a shock if Scott Robinson had let himself go a little wild.

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Catch us while you can at the Railway

10:00am Thursday 2nd May 2013

THEY’RE about to launch their night at the Railway Hotel, but DJ duo Dpplgngrs are doing so well they may not be able to host it themselves for much longer.

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Gig worth the wait

7:00am Thursday 2nd May 2013

IT’S been more than 20 years in the making so is probably the most anticipated gig of the year.

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Albums are daunting... but I love the adventure

9:00am Thursday 18th April 2013

WHEN it comes to projects, musician Duke Special may just have the monopoly on eclecticism.

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