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Blip
BLIP was a Maidstone Borough Council initiative in 1996 to bring unsigned bands in Kent a major CD publishing and live music project.
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Thousands of application forms were distributed to bands, venues and retail outlets throughout Kent to find the best unsigned bands. On offer was a day recording one song in a professional studio for the BLIP compilation CD LP, followed by a promotional gig in Maidstone Corn Exchange for two nights (4 & 25 Oct 1996).
A total of 72 BLIP submissions were received. A panel of four independent judges selected 12 applicants despite intense competition. The judges felt the bands selected were producing the best sounds in the region. Their energy destined to put Maidstone on the music map.​
In conjunction with BBC Radio Kent, the tracks received the all-important broadcast.
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The BLIP project was an extension of the 'Alive' compilation CD LP released in July 1995 which represented the developing music scene in Maidstone. The BLIP compilation album features bands at all stages of development - for some of the musicians this is their first band, while others have trod the stage at large-scale pop music festivals. But above all, the bands represented the cream of rock and pop talent.
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This project was funded by Maidstone Borough Council and South East Arts.
BLIP has been compiled by Adam Geary, Andrea Lee, Steve Carley and Trevor Mason.
Engineered and Produced by Steve Carley.
Recorded and Mixed in June 1996 at Post House Music, East Peckham, Maidstone, Kent.
Mastered in August 1996 by Graham Semark at Red Studios, Wouldham, Rochester, Kent.