The GIT Award is open to all bands with a genuine Liverpool connection.

"Think of it as the Scouse Mercury Prize - but the only criteria being that it has a clear connection with Liverpool; ie: the record was made, produced or recorded by Liverpudlians," explained Liverpool Echo journalist and Getintothis editor Peter Guy.

"Unlike the Mercurys, there will be a transparent judging panel and as many grass roots musicians won't record a full album during the course of a ...