Music

Questions about Dorset’s musical talent were put to flight last Friday as the county’s four finalists battled it out to win a set at the Larmer Tree Festival.

Organised by Devil’s Music and Centre Stage, the Dorset Unsigned Music Awards aimed to give gifted musicians a chance to showcase their original material.

Cuan Korsten

First on stage was Cuan Korsten, Poole’s resident South African. His soulful lyrics accompanied by slightly mournful melodies gave the audience something to think about – and something look at.

As one fan put it, “My favourite song to listen to and Cuan to look at!! Perfect!!”

Next up were The Sarah Griffin Band, whose boppy tunes got everyone foot-tapping. If music could give you a cheeky wink, this band’s certainly would.

Sarah came to Bournemouth as a journalism student, became part of the local music scene and now finds it too hard to leave.

Singers and strummers Martin and Richard met at school in Bournemouth. Now over a decade later, they’re still writing and performing songs together as “Farther”.

Perhaps it’s their harmony over the years that caused them to be picked as winners of the Unsigned Music Awards.

You’ll be able to catch them at this year’s Larmer Tree Festival, playing in a lineup that includes Jules Holland and Lulu.

Last act of the night were Numidian Wish - a band with an intriguing name and an even more intriguing sound. Lead singer Elise sings with an unexpected force and the resulting songs can only be described as beautiful.

But Farther’s win meant that Numidian Wish were runners-up for the second consecutive year. Elise tried to be philosophical about the outcome.