Heathers tuning up for TV deal

Aug 21 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A BIRMINGHAM-based band has beaten more than 1,600 competitors in a nationwide talent search.

But pop rock band The Heathers still need people to vote them through to the next stage of the Channel 4 Mobile Act Unsigned competition.

If the Longbridge-based band mates win, they will secure a record deal and a cash advance to catapult them to the big time.

Band member 24-year-old Matthew McConnell said: "We have not entered this kind of competition before but we are hoping this will give us more exposure.

"We want people from this city to support us and it would be nice to have a band with Birmingham members winning something for a change.

"This could be a way forward for Birmingham music."

The band was formed ten months ago with Matthew, David Gwynne, Murray Gardiner and Rob Peters.

After securing a number of gigs and residencies to play around the city the group decided to take part in the competition. It is strictly for unsigned UK bands and those who get through to the final stage will be judged by Radio 1 DJ Jo Wiley.

The Heathers are currently in the top 35 bands. They need enough votes to get into the top 25, who will then audition in September and a TV programme will be televised about their progress in October.

After this a winning band will be picked.

Matthew said: "A lot has happened in the last ten months. There have been a few record companies that have been interested in us. We just want to get our music out there.

"We are not too tied down by particular genres of music, but we just like to write good music and great lyrics.

"We just want to get our music out there and get a record deal out of it and it would be good to get in the right kinds of circles of people that can help."

The band regularly play at The Hare and Hounds pub, in Kings Heath, The Road House, in Stirchley, and are due to play at The Barfly on Wednesday, September 12.

Anyone wishing to vote for The Heathers should see www.mobileact.co.uk. Voting closes tomorrow.