WITH 30 applicants already, judges of the ffg studio time competition will have their work cut out for them.

Now in its third year, the competition - run by the ffg Studios in Bredon, near Eckington, in conjunction with Worcestershire-based critic Toxic Pete - is open to bands worldwide.

The only rule is that your are an unsigned musician.

"Last year's winning bands came from Bristol and London," said Toxic Pete, aka Peter Brown.

"They come from all over, the world in theory. It could be anyone but it'd be nice if it was a local group."

The contest premise is simple - artists are being asked to send in demos, along with a biography introducing themselves, to Pete and ffg Studios, then sit back and wait while they do the judging.

"Essentially," said Pete, "what we're looking for is musicianship, songwriting and potential. What doesn't matter is the quality of the recording of the demo. We look through that and listen to the music."

First prize is enviable - two full days in the ffg Studios, giving the winner a professionally produced product any up and coming band would be jealous of.

The ffg Studio is based in a converted Costwold barn, parts of which are several centuries old. The comfortable recording studio is equipped to produce master-quality recordings of almost any kind.

There is even overnight, self-catering accommodation on site for those from further afield.

"The end result for the winners will be a fully mastered, fully produced CD," said Pete.

"It's a fantastic prize."

Second prize, equally enviable, is one day in the studio - something that would normally cost a band hundreds of pounds.

To enter the ffg Studio competition you must * Be an unsigned band or artist * Contact Toxic Pete by e-mail democomp@toxic pete.co.uk - to receive mailing details * Send a demo/CD, biography and contact details Toxic Pete * Wait for the judging to commence Entries must be in by April 30 and the winner will be announced following judging in May. All applicants will receive a review on Pete's website www.toxicpete.co.uk.

To find out more go to www.ffg.co.uk.