Scout from ‘The Voice’

AMBITIOUS singers in Shetland should start polishing their vocal chords as a scout from BBC talent show The Voice is visiting the islands later this month.

The scout will be coming along to the latest singer-songwriter night at Mareel, organised by Sheila Duncan, on Sunday 18 May.

The Voice began in 2012 and recently finished its third series. Contestants have received coaching from showbiz singing stars including Sir Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue.

Duncan said she was “very excited” by the news.

“A scout from The Voice contacted me just before our last singers and songwriters night, saying they were looking to go to more remote locations to seek out singers for the show,” she said.

Accordingly, the format of the singer-songwriter night will change slightly – rather than using a small PA on the floor of Mareel’s auditorium, the stage and the main PA will be used to “give people the best possible chance to be heard well”.

Duncan is asking anyone who wants to take part to get in touch with her in advance so she can make sure everyone gets a chance to perform.

“In our normal open mic spots we ask people to sing a maximum of three songs, but we may need to restrict this to one or two if we have larger numbers of singers who want to get involved,” she said.

“We have a dedicated audience at our usual night, so I’m hoping they all come along and would encourage anyone who’s never been to come along too. I think it’s a great chance for local singers to share their talents and who knows where it might lead!”

* Anyone who is interested in performing can contact Sheila Duncan via the Shetland singers and songwriters Facebook page or by emailing sheila.duncan5@btinternet.com