A MUSICIAN from Kidderminster is heading “onwards and upwards” after just missing out on the final of a national songwriter’s competition judged by Sir Bob Geldof.

Dale von Minaker entered the annual national YouBloom.com music awards earlier this year and thanks to strong local support reached the semi-finals, judged by Sir Bob, producer Rupert Hine, ex-NME editor Conor McNicholas and coowner of Transmission Records, Sarah Lewitinn.

Now the competition is over Dale says he will be working on releasing his new 11-track album and gigging with his band – The Dale von Minaker Band – including a set at the Red Man pub in Blackwell Street on Saturday, December 17.

He said: “I am proud to have got that far but it was heartbreaking not to be given the chance to go further. I have been contacted by other local musicians such as Nick Townsend from Weak13 to congratulate me on doing so well in the competition.

“But it’s onwards and upwards. I have written an 11 track album and me and the band have been rehearsing the songs on it and we have started gigging regularly. I can now concentrate 100 per cent on playing live with the band and getting my songs and our sound out to live audiences.

“On a positive note, my track had over 3,230 facebook likes, more than any other artist in the contest, and loads of people have now heard my music and see me as a credible songwriter. Also, it’s not everyday that Bob Geldof discusses the meaning of your lyrics.”

Dale’s band also consists of bassist Gaz Gibbons and Steve Smith on drums and backing vocals.

The songwriter said the band’s live performance in Kidderminster on December 17 will look to capitalise on the resurgence of live music in the town created by Kidderminster Rocks.

“This will be the band’s headlining debut and we hope people will come and watch us,” he said.

“There is a renaissance for live music in Kidderminster since Mike Smith put the sold out gig on at the town hall back in October.”