We’ve profiled the Best of British Unsigned Music Awards Best Band nominees so that you can do your research before voting. Each bio is accompanied by the band’s most recent youtube video so that you can give them a listen whilst you read.
Once you’re done don’t forget to vote at www.vocalzone.com/vote
Described by The University Paper as ‘set to breathe new life into the genre’, Leicester based indie band Arc Isla blend energetic harmonies and charismatic lyrics with catchy guitar lines for a furiously fun indie sound. Despite only releasing their debut EP last November they’ve already got a reputation as a relentlessly high energy live band capable of both tight four-part harmonies and powerful, melodic breakdowns.
Scottish Indie Rock outfit Atlas Run have honed their craft extensively touring Scotland and captivating audiences with their combination of personal, intimate songwriting and grand, explosive instruments. July of this year saw the release of their eagerly anticipated debut EP ‘Depths’, which was packed with the anthemic and catchy choruses they’re becoming known for.
Stoke-On-Trent natives Divenire are a four piece Indie/Alternative band big on feel-good vibes and high energy live shows. Leah Hamer of music blog Rebel recently wrote of their song Quaint Romance ‘the raspy, pop vocals of Dom Morgan open the track with confidence. With sweet guy-meets-girl lyrics, they remain true to their heart, continuing to create teen love songs that remind you of butterfly riddled stomachs and sweaty palms.’
Describing themselves as ‘kind of like a love child of an old jazz guy, that’s trying to be cool with a young EDM DJ’, DRGM are a trio hailing from Dalston, London consisting of Ellen (Vocals), Gregory (Keys), and Goose on drums. Sounds magazine said of their EP Etc. ‘DRGM (…) have blended Ellen Wright’s emotionally intelligent smoky vocals with a pop trip-hop soundtrack, laid down by Greg and Goose to create an EP that’s both intriguing and a platform for an interesting future.’
Powerful vocals, catchy choruses and electric banjo riffs are all thrown into the pot to create the sound of indie pop five-piece Five Days North. Their infectious sing along choruses have won fans over across the UK. Manchester Evening News wrote that they ‘have more than a hint of White Lies / Joy Division about them’ and Getintothis.co.uk said ‘Pop rock with a folk charm, the quintet creates a marvel of light dancing melodies.’
Oxford formed Little Brother Eli have a unique blues / hip-hop crossover sound which RCM writes ‘gives you the feeling that every single second has been filled with crafted perfectionism’. With a sound that brings Jack White or the Black Keys to mind, Little Brother Eli take powerful vocals, growling guitars and gritty solos to create their own twist on bluesy garage rock.
Influenced by the likes of Cream, The Beatles and The Who, Liverpudlian indie rock three-piece Shamona lay enigmatic vocals over driving guitar for their distinctive sound. The band have opened for The Blow Monkeys, The Amy Wadge and Pete Riley Duo and played Liverpool International Festival and Strawberry Fields Fest to name just a few big live dates.
Hailing from smokey London town, two welsh reprobates and a Brummie enigma on drums make up the three piece that creates an eclectic mix of punchy, groovy indie/rock song that are sure to get you on your feet.
Simon ‘Elbee’ Meekey, Ali ‘Lemon Drizzle’ King, Neil ‘Bigland’ Bland and Ryan ‘Styles’ Ashmore are The Wax Lyrical Sound, an alternative rap group from the Midlands. With music showcased by BBC introducing and becoming regular supports for American band Crazy Town, you’ll find energetic live shows and a unique blend of rock riffs, hip-hop beats, colourful lyrics and a scintilla of funk!
Winters Island are a London based Indie Electro trio comprised of Andy Trimmer, Sam Thomas and Will Kay. The journey since their launch in March 2014 has been packed full of surprises, especially the interest shown by some of the industry’s heavyweights; Dermot O’Leary broadcast ‘Fire’ during his BBC show saying “a great track, very different I can’t wait to hear what you think”. Gill Mills on Amazing Radio said “I for one wouldn’t mind having a trek around Winters Island”.
