Singing In Harmony: Women's Institute members audition to record with new WI band The Harmonies
Last updated 7/13/2010 10:15:22 AM
Womens Institute members audition to record with new WI band The Harmonies
First they were known for making jam, then they became famous for posing nude for a charity calendar.Now, The Women's Institute is aiming to set alight the music charts.
In an X Factor-style search, five talented members will be hand picked from the 205,000 members across the UK to to form a new group, The Harmonies.
A spokesman for Universal Records said: "We're thrilled to have this unique deal with the WI to launch the winning group – and plan to invest over 1 million pounds in the project."
The search began in February when a call went out to all WI members via their magazine, WI Life, to send in a demo showcasing their vocal talents. From a staggering 600 renditions of Jerusalem, the entrants were whittled down to a shortlist of 30 finalists. Those 30 were invited to the legendary Abbey Road Studios to perform live in front of a panel of judges. The 5 winners will be revealed in September.
The largest women's organisation in the UK, The Women's Institute was formed in 1915 with the aim of revitalising rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then, its aims have broadened, playing a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.
The Harmonies' debut album, The Voice Of The WI, will be released in October. But will their label mates at Universal - Amy Winehouse, Cheryl Cole and the Sugababes – be inspired to be potential future members of the WI?