Operation Detonation, the young Broughton band created through the inspired Salford Musical Youth project, has got through four stages to the northern final of the national SoundWaves Music Competition and will play at the O2 Academy in Leeds on 21st January, competing against a dozen other groups.
The band – bassist Rhys, age 16; drummer Amber, age 15; and Jack, age 15, who sings, plays guitar and synth – have been together around three years and have built up a bit of a following and some great gigs, including two years appearing at the packed Festwich festival and regular spots at the Star Inn. But the Leeds final will be their biggest event yet...
"It's a good opportunity and was unexpected" says Jack "We'll do a 15 minute set, a mix of both covers and own material, which has evolved into more avant garde territory, although it's still got the same rock roots."
A surprised Amber got the phone call at 11pm saying they had beaten off dozens of other bands and made the final. She believes the gig will help the band to raise its profile even further... "We just want people to know who we are and maybe get a bigger following and people coming to the gigs" she says.
For Rhys, the competition is a chance to perform in front of music business bods and the potential to get signed... "Maybe we'll have an album out this time next year" he laughs. And everyone joins in. But don't put it past them.
Operation Detonation has grown from learning and jamming sessions into a music force to be reckoned with, thanks to the Salford Musical Youth project, which is now based at Albert's in Albert Park, Broughton.
"It's very exciting, amazing, and they've had a really good year" says Kim Shaw, who helps run Salford Musical Youth "We are just volunteer parents; it's their group and we take our guidance from them."
The project is open to anyone from 12 years to young adults, who wants to get involved in music, whether they can play an instrument or not, and has just secured almost £5,000 from the Forever Manchester community foundation, sponsored by Comic Relief, towards more instruments, expenses for more volunteers and a part-time music tutor*.
"There are a lot of changes, it's getting good and is all about consistency for the kids" says Kim "Anyone can come, whether they are into rock, rap or anything, and we can offer them the opportunity to perform at gigs, although there's no pressure to do that."
Operation Detonation is undoubtedly Salford Musical Youth's success story and there's a coach going to Leeds on 21st January for anyone who wants to support the band. The coach, plus ticket, costs £15, or if people want to make their own way to the gig the tickets are £6.50 each. Call 0792 7725693 or 07969 174487 for details.
For further details see Salford Musical Youth Facebook page - click here
* The Forever Manchester funding has enabled the project to employ a part-time music tutor, for two hours every Wednesday night 6pm-8pm. They are looking for an all rounder who knows how to teach a variety of instruments and has some knowledge of the music industry. For further details phone the numbers above.
** Salford Musical Youth is open to anyone aged 12 to young adult. Just turn up Wednesdays between 6pm and 8pm at Albert's hut in Albert Park, off Great Clowes Street, Broughton.
For more details on the SoundWaves Music Competition - click here
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