Local bands reach the ‘UnTapped’ final

The two bands will join fourteen other bands from throughout Northern Ireland to compete to win a coveted support slot at Tennent’s Vital in August.

Both local bands will play at a showcase in the Limelight in Belfast on May 17 and they are hoping their local fans will go along to support them on the night.

Trucker Diablo began in early 2008 as four friends coming together collectively as a group to play music they loved and that defined them as individuals.  The band soon built up momentum through the local support of fans and strong word of mouth across the internet.

Recently, Trucker Diablo have self-released their debut album ‘The Devil Rhythm’, which features a guest appearance from fellow Northern Irish rocker and new Thin Lizzy frontman, Ricky Warwick. In addition to the endorsement from Ricky Warwick, the band has also received accolades from Joe Elliot (Def Leppard) and Cormac Neeson (The Answer).

FutureScope are a Lisburn based electronic four piece using live instruments and vocals to bring an enthralling live performance of all things trance, house and dance to life.

They began in summer 2010 as the alter ego for songwriter, pianist and producer, Niall Hilary. The band quickly picked up interest from within the music industry and have already received radio play on BBC ATL and RTE Pulse.

“When I saw the competition advertised, I couldn’t not apply,” said Niall. “I didn’t think we would make the final but it is great.

“We have a couple of warm up gigs over the next week and we are getting a new cover song ready for the showcase as well.

“We are quite excited,” he continued. “We are playing with a couple of bands we have played with before so I don’t feel too competitive about it. The sixteen bands chosen are really top bands and I just feel honoured to have been chosen for the shortlist.”

One of the judges for Tennent’s UnTapped is Joe Dougan from The Limelight and Shine. “The final sixteen are a fantastic representation of the best in new Northern Irish music,” said Joe. “The line up for the showcases is looking really strong, with a great musical variety and lots of different genres and I can’t wait to see which bands will make it through to play Tennent’s Vital.”