THE HUMMINGBIRDS
IT’S been a busy 12 months for The Hummingbirds. The Liverpool five piece have played around the country, performing alongside Pete Doherty, Sandi Thom, Status Quo and The Christians, as well as putting on a show for the Queen’s visit to the city.
The lads, who describe themselves as a modern skiffle and folk ensemble, won the best newcomer award at the Liverpool Music Awards and have attracted some high profile fans.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney regularly tweet about the band, describing them as one of their favourite new acts.
The band formed in 2011 with members Jamie Davies (vocals/guitar), Matthew Brougham (guitar), Michael Kountis (lead guitar/vocals) and Richard Smith (cajon/vocals) and Ryan Lewis (bass/vocals). It was 2012 that has really propelled the band into a new league.
“The Cavern gig was a big highlight,” says Jay. “The whole day was amazing. Being tracked all day by a camera crew, singing on the radio and then playing at the Cavern to our fans was boss. It’s been long hours, a lot of travelling but so rewarding.”
With a packed programme of gigs coming up, the future looks bright for The Hummingbirds. Find out more at www.wearethehummingbirds.com.
ESCO WILLIAMS
SINCE bursting onto the music scene at just 17 years of age, solo artist Esco Williams quickly went from promising performer to capturing the national media's attention – winning the MOBO Unsung Award earlier this year.
Part of his prize was to perform at the MOBO nominations launch to an audience including Misha B, Tulisa, Stooshe, Fazer, Olympian Louis Smith and a number of top record labels.
In January, Esco also made it into the Top 20 artist’s list in MTV’s Brand New For 2012 category, after submitting a track that he wrote more than four years ago.
The Toxteth singer is also a member of Sense of Sound, as well as a youth facilitator and a singer/songwriter. He has opened for RZA, Dead Prez and Sugababes, and has been playlisted on 1Xtra, FLAVA TV and AKA.
Find out more at http://soundcloud.com/escowilliams
JETTA JOHN
FELLOW Sense of Sound choir singer Jetta John has had a fantastic year. She was headhunted by Paloma Faith to be her backing singer before going on to work with Cee Lo Green.
Earlier in 2012 Jetta hooked up with renowned DJ and dubstep artist, Jakwob for the track Electrify. The track received support from BBC Radio One by MistaJam, Nihal and Zane Lowe, who also made it his Hottest Record In The World Right Now.
Jetta has signed her publishing deal with Sony ATV and has been taken on by Models 1. Find out more at www.primarytalent.com/jetta.
DOMINIC DUNN
FIFTEEN-year-old singer songwriter Dominic Dunn spent the summer playing at the Paralympics and putting on series of free workshops with industry experts for budding musicians.
“I managed to talk myself into a Liverpool Sound City networking event in The Hilton in May, while I was in there I met lots of people from the music industry including representatives from FM First Monday based down in London,” says Dominic.
“I contacted the people from FM First and they sent me details of a few opportunities. Applying to play a set at the Olympics was one of them. I sent in an application with links to all my music etc and after a few rounds of selection, found out that I'd been offered a slot.”
The Kirkdale teenager is already building a following in the city, and has been putting his efforts into helping other young people get a foot on the ladder.
LAWSON
THIS time last year Lawson were four unknown musicians with big ambitions. Now they’re stopping traffic as screaming girls wave banners when they come into Liverpool.
Hundreds of excited schoolgirls – some with their mums – waited outside Radio City and Juice FM radio stations this summer when the four-piece came to promote their second single, Taking Over Me.
Fazakerley-born singer Andy Brown, 25, says: “When we came to Liverpool it was amazing. The amount of fans that turned up to see us visit the radio stations was crazy. It really makes me proud to know that we have so many fans in my hometown – especially as it's a city soaked in musical history. To even hear local radio stations playing our songs feels extra special.”
The former Liverpool University student, who grew up in Ormskirk, was previously a member of boy band Avenue, alongside The Wanted singer Max George.
Andy and bandmates Adam Pitts, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher are riding the wave of popularity after touring with The Wanted and earning themselves an army of fans.
“I miss Liverpool a lot when I'm away,” says Andy. “I'm from a very close family and although they get along to as many gigs as possible, there's nothing quite like being back home and enjoying a home cooked meal with them all.
“Living down in London now, I do miss the Liverpool banter and going to Heebie Jeebies.”
Lawson will be touring across America and the UK this year – and they’re promising to be the next big boyband.
