'We're absolutely thrilled': Ulster University student band wins dream support slot with with one of the UK's biggest pop acts
Masters student Daniel Coulter and Belfast indie band 4amclub will perform in front of thousands at Ebrington Square after winning a special Ulster University competition to secure a coveted support slot with JLS
An Ulster University student and his band are set to share the stage with one of the UK's biggest pop acts after winning a coveted support slot with JLS at this year's Live @ the Square concert in Londonderry.
Masters student Daniel Coulter and his Belfast-based band, 4amclub, will open the show at Ebrington Square on Saturday, August 29, after emerging victorious in a competition open to Ulster University student musicians.
Daniel, who is studying for a Masters in Music at the university's Londonderry campus after graduating with a BA in Screen Production, impressed judges during a series of auditions alongside his bandmates.
The four-piece band, made up of Daniel Coulter (lead guitar), Luke Bell (vocals and rhythm guitar), Paídí Muldoon (bass) and Michael Hawkins (drums), has built a growing reputation for energetic live performances and original music, including singles Always on Her Mind and What You Do to Me.
The performance will see them take to the stage in front of thousands of music fans before JLS headline the concert.
Reacting to the news, Daniel said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have won the competition and to be supporting JLS at Live @ the Square.
"The audition process was a fantastic experience, and we're incredibly grateful for this opportunity as student musicians.
"To be performing on such a big stage ahead of such a well-known act is a huge moment for us, and we can't wait to share our music with the audience at Ebrington Square."
The competition forms part of Ulster University's commitment to supporting emerging creative talent and strengthening links between students and Northern Ireland's live music industry.
Dr Victoria McCollum, Associate Dean of Partnerships and Student Recruitment in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences explained: "Congratulations to Daniel and 4amclub on this fantastic achievement.
"One of our priorities at Ulster University is creating opportunities for students to develop their talent beyond the classroom and gain real experience within the creative industries.
"The north west has an incredible creative and musical heritage, and we're proud to support opportunities that enable emerging artists to showcase their talent on major stages.
"Performing alongside an internationally recognised act such as JLS is exactly the kind of experience that can help launch a career, and we're delighted to see Daniel and his band representing both Ulster University and the region at Live @ the Square."
Festival promoter Karl Diamond said supporting local talent remained a key part of the event.
"We are delighted to announce Daniel and 4amclub as this year's competition winners," he added.
"Daniel and 4amclub are an exciting local band with a very bright future, and we are thrilled to provide them with the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of music fans before JLS take to the stage on Saturday, August 29.
"Supporting emerging local talent is a key part of what Live @ the Square is all about, and we look forward to watching their journey continue. We would like to sincerely thank Ulster University and the Department for the Economy for their continued support in helping us showcase and develop local musical talent. Their commitment has been instrumental in providing opportunities for the next generation of artists to perform on a major festival stage.”