THERE was rock, sweat and plenty of cheers as fantastic new music website lovemusic24.co.uk finally went live.

Jessica Gallagher

THERE was rock, sweat and plenty of cheers as fantastic new music website lovemusic24.co.uk finally went live.

Music fans of all ages gathered for an all day launch gig featuring ten bands from across Suffolk and Essex to kick off the brand new social network site centred solely around local music.

From gentle acoustic to high energy rock there was something for everyone as The Steamboat Tavern in Ipswich rang with the sound of the county's talent.

Compered by Ipswich Community Radio (ICR) DJ Ozzy throughout the day followed by Radio Suffolk's Stephen Foster in the evening, the day ranged from a few people enjoying soothing acoustic sets in the sunshine to a frenzied, jumping crowd showing their appreciation of high octane rock bands.

Following the gig, Mr Foster, known to many as Foz, said: “It was fantastic. It really proved yet again how much energy and talent there is on the local music scene.

“It never ceases to amaze me how many bands are knocking around and now there is a platform for them with the website.”

And Steamboat landlady Val Bint agreed that the day had gone well.

She said: “There was a great buzz, lots of people and a nice atmosphere.

“I think it's a great start. It got everyone involved and interacting with each other. There are lots of bands around here and now the common link is the website.

“It's going to be an important feature of the music scene in the area.”

THE WEBSITE

A social networking site dedicated to music.

It is aimed at everyone from bands, solo artists, venues and fans to people who simply just love music.

Bands and venues can add details of their gigs to create a great guide to what is going on in the music scene around the area.

There is also the chance for bands to upload music they have written and for people to write their own blogs.

Music lovers can also get their photo albums on line from their favourite gigs as well as sending in reviews of bands they have seen.

And from August each band will be able to enter their own songs into a Battle of the Bands contest next year at a venue yet to be revealed.

The prize will be recording time with Ipswich based Punch Studios and Punch Music Academy. It will consist of recording a maximum of three songs which will be fully multi-tracked and mastered to professional standards.

Click here to visit our new lovemusic24 site!Click here to visit our new lovemusic24 site!