The search is on for the next Proclaimers. Scottish pop duos and singer/songwriters are being offered the chance to play alongside the Human League, Hue and Cry and other 1980s stars at Scotland's newest music festival.
One act will have the chance to play a three-song set in front of 10,000 music lovers at Retrofest, which takes place at Culzean Castle, on September 1 and 2.
Brad Snelling, promoter for Retrofest, said: "Acts like the Proclaimers, Hue and Cry, and the Eurythmics are all classic duos and the list of successful solo singer/songwriters is longer than all the shoulder pads worn in the 1980s, so we're happy to help give someone a bit of exposure.
"We might even have them back at the 2008 Retrofest if they are really good.
"While only one act can play on stage, we may host a few more acts on the website if they are good and deserve an extra push. And if someone's really bad, we might put them up as well - after all that's half the appeal of the X Factor, American Idol and so on - to see the really bad ones."
PR firm Beattie Communications has offered to give the winning act advice on how to help break through to the big time.
Any songsmiths who wish to be considered should e-mail newacts@retrofest.co.uk with their samples, which can be one or two songs but must be under 4MB in size and in MP3 format.
The closing date for entries is July 15.
Other acts confirmed so far for Retrofest include the Blockheads, Go West, ABC, Kajagoogoo, Jimmy Somerville and Kid Creole & the Coconuts.
There has been speculation that Culture Club and Michael Jackson are also being lined up for the event. But a spokesman for Retrofest refused to confirm whether they are in talks with the acts.
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