THE benefit to musicians entering talent competitions is finely balanced between good exposure and a sign of desperation.

On a local level there is a point where you reach your peak, but when it goes national, and on TV, then there is every reason to plunge in.

Alternative metal act Broken Links are flying the Eastleigh flag this Saturday on Sky Showcase 2 (Ch. 203).

They’ve reached the semi-final of The Source which has become so popular that entries for the second series have already opened.

And although Broken Links tend to shy away from such events singer/guitarist Mark told me: “It was clear they were putting in a lot of time and money to make the competition work for everyone.”

Ben Martin is one of the producers behind the show and he cites two reasons this Manchester based show is doing so well: “Not only does it have the backing of Factory Records but it also aims to give unsigned acts a platform for quality exposure.”

Last week Broken Links visited the studio to be interviewed for this weekend's show and if they make the final they will be playing live with six other acts.

So if you are disgruntled with X-Factor’s hold on the nation’s eyeballs then give this show your vote and give Broken Links the chance to win the £10,000 first prize.

Compared to Jamiroquai’s recent observations about X-Factor, it’s a much more eloquent way of demonstrating your frustrations.

Full details can be found at bethesource.tv Text VOTE 1015 to 61166, after 10pm this Saturday until 4:30pm on Sunday, or dial 09012991015 between the same hours. Calls will cost £1 from a BT landline other services may vary. Text will cost £1 in addition to your network charges.