Acts and artists looking for a deal to start the new year can be encouraged by the fact that there are always music companies out there that are actively seraching for a new project to get their teeth into.

These companies are researched every month by the international Bandit A&R Newsletter and passed on to their exclusive band of priviledged subscribers - and you could be one of them by clicking the subscription link at the web-site to claim the December AND January issues Free before you pay anything.

Here are the opportunities uncovered in the new December issue:

PRODUCER: Mario says he is looking for 2 young, cool, edgy, female singers for an up-tempo ELECTRO project. Great Pop songs on hard edgy beats, somewhere between Kesha and Kathy Perry meets Lady Gaga. If you fill the bill for either of these openings contact NOW

MUSIC GROUP: provides a single home for Artists, which comprises seven core businesses: Record Company, Publishing, Management, Booking Studios / Production, Events and Fashion/Merchandise. they promote, develop and support the visions of their artists. and are determined not to be tied to one style or preconceived idea, but instead to embrace exceptional music from across the spectrum. MD, Ell, says they offer 360 deals to cover the whole spectrum of your career, please submit by email with an mp3 or links to your site.

LABEL: is now starting to take an interest in bands from further afield in the UK and Europe. He works exclusively with bands in the HARD ROCK, METAL and HARDCORE areas. Toby would like to hear from younger bands with no major release yet, that he can help to build up their profile with digital and possibly physical releases. Send a CD, links or an mp3

PRODUCTION CO: have studio facilities in the UK and in Switzerland and have been producing mainstream POP/R&B for a world-wide market for the last ten years. They also have their own label. Writer/Producer, Jim, says he is looking for a young female or male singer or perhaps a group with a female / male lead singer, to front a new TV. project. A good look/image and top quality POP vocals are essential. Please send a recent photo and basic vocal demo.

MANAGEMENT: based in the NE of England is involved in the discovery or new and emerging talent covering singer / songwriters as well as bands. The company is 4 years old and has three acts signed at the moment. MD, Michael, tells me that he is ready to sign an additional act for 2011 in the POP, ROCK, JAZZ, FUNK or SOUL areas, from anywhere in the world. Please email with the usual info/links

BOOKING AGENCY: arrange contracts that range from corporate events and residencies in the UK, working on Cruise Ships in the North Sea, Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Fjords, and contracts in Hotels in the Scandinavian Countries, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and many more. Stephen says that he can always place quality acts from piano/vocalists to 4 piece bands who can entertain with a solid repertoire of popular covers. This may not be your direct route to stardom but can bring in some cash and give you some international travel while honing your performance skills and remember record execs take holidays! To explore this opportunity register yourself through the web-site form.

MANAGER: Oliver, says he is interested in quality acts across all commercial genres but requires a CD and physical promo package to fully assess your potential.

PUBLISHER: Les, tells me that he is interested in hearing songs in any commercial style from both pure writers and performing acts, from anywhere in the world. Les is only interested in mainstream, commercial songs that can be pitched to established artists worldwide. Send just a couple of songs

PRODUCER: is very interested in working with great vocalists or bands on production deals, not only to record, but also to work on song development/structure so that the end product is a viable, commercial, radio play proposition. There would be a royalty spilt and also a contribution from the act towards studio costs. Submissions by email only please!

PRODUCER: in Italy has been in touch with me again to say he is looking for a top hit follow up for a female new artist (her debut single will be out soon), style Mika but for female. Please email.

US LABEL: is now accepting demo submissions for its new HIP HOP R&B and POP label, distributed by Bad Boy and Jive Records, for release next spring. If you have hit potential HIP HOP R&B or POP material only submit a four song CD, at least one live performance on DVD and a breif Bio.

US LABEL: has gained worldwide digital distribution with The Orchard, and brick and mortar distribution with Uprising/Red Distribution (Sony). In addition they secured international distribution with Code 7 Distribution (UK), 13Bis Records (France), and Shock Records (Australia). With the new year coming the label is looking to take full advantage of many new opportunities on the horizon for them and will be expanding their roster. Owner, Matt, tells me he is open to submissions from anywhere in the world in the ROCK/POP, ROCK/POWER POP or POP/METAL areas. You must show that you are prepared to work hard and have a good history of touring, sales, PR etc. Submit by EPK/mp3/email.

US MUSIC LIBRARY: says they are a small, friendly and successful outfit, happy to talk to songwriters about their music. They even occasionally help writers perfect their songs or recordings so they can be used for licensing purposes.They specialize in music licensing for TV, Film, Advertising, and Video Games and have over 10 years in the business. Sign up on the web-site, then send package as directed.

MEXICO BASED PRODUCER: who has worked with artists from both major and independent labels is looking for POP, ROCK, R&B, SOUL, or FUNK projects to record in Mexico or the US, with artists who have the talent and potential to make a great album. He's not managing or promoting projects. Please email

US LABEL: are looking for electronic artists and bands that make cutting edge music that fits the indie vibe. SYNTH, POP, IDM, AMBIENT, ORGANIC ELECTRONIC. Submissions from any English speaking act on CD or by emailed link:

US PRODUCER/PUBLISHER: has worked on projects which featured many of the legends of the music industry including: Haggard, Paycheck, Springsteen, Culture Club, Willie, Hank Cochran etc. the list goes on. Neal is interested in Singer/Songwriters and Bands in the ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, R&B, BLUES, POP, and COUNTRY areas. He is looking for the unique. Those with a sound of their own and with the drive and ambition to take them to the next level. Submissions from anywhere on CD only.

US LABEL: based in New York, deals exclusively with ROCK music.

US PUBLISHER: has been in business since 1985, are always looking for great country songs for publishing. All styles of country. Owner, Edgar, tells me he only listens to 3 songs per CD but you must include typed lyric sheets for each song. He counsels that you should be ready for the long haul as success and song placement does not usually happen overnight.

To find out more visit the Bandit A&R Newsletter website.