Being in a new, unsigned band in Ireland can be very stressful.

So watch where you spill that pint, unsigned band members.

UNDERWIRE: So how does an unsigned band land on so many soundtracks and TV shows?

The Long Blondes are about to shrug off their tag of 'best unsigned band in England'.

As a believer, you buy shares of an unsigned band's stock for $10 a pop.

Last season's plug of unsigned band Au Revoir Simone on Grey's Anatomy was just such a find.

An unsigned band that formed just two years ago has been chosen to support Bon Jovi tomorrow night.

Or it is, if your tastes are for the amateur, the unsigned band, the one-hit experiment, and the occasional total stinker.

Guitarist Dorian Cox talks to Kevin Courtney THERE'S something cool about being called "the best unsigned band in the country".

Another nominee, Hieroglyphics, an unsigned band in Philadelphia, has used its site as a publicity platform since being dropped from its record label.

The first ever unsigned band to appear on Conan O'Brien, their live shows epitomise the DIY ethic that has been adopted over here.

Sheffield band The Long Blondes, however, can't wait to shed the "best unsigned band" tag, before they are branded with it forever.

Last year, unsigned band The Crimea made global headlines (and beat Radiohead to the punch) when they gave away their new album online.

The shop has also recently started Sunday lunchtime sessions, profiling young unsigned bands.

The shortlist for The JD Set, the annual unsigned bands competition, has been announced.

Those looking for new music, particularly from unsigned bands, may want to browse through MySpace.