Artist description The friendlist 8 piece Ska/Punk/Pop/Emo/Rock/Grunge band in the whole of England, diverse musical vocabulary and a huge collection of obscure covers.

Music Style Ska/Punk/Pop/Emo/Rock/Grunge (depending on the song)

Musical Influences Various styles from indie through to hardcore, bands such as the Reel Big Fish, Spring Heeled Jack, No Use For A Name, Jimmy Eat World, Smashing Pumpkins, Dave Mathews' band, The Aquabats, Blind Melon and Jackson Five.

Similar Artists Reel Big Fish, Spring Heeled Jack, No Use For A Name, Jimmy Eat World, Smashing Pumpkins, The Aquabats, Hi-Standard, Blind Melon, Silverchair, Jackson 5 and Hanson.

Artist History Their song 'Sounds Like Summer' was played by Chris Moyles on Radio One in 2001, Chris has also repeatedly played their version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and mentioned that they could be the next big thing. Since then their huge following in the Northwest has spread throughout the country and to Germany, Australia and America. The BBC chose them from over 3000 unsigned bands and singers to appear on their program, 'The Next Big Thing', on which they played two live versions of 'Peace And Sleep'. The show was broadcast on 01/03/03 and 08/03/02. They're currently featured on Session Exposure, part of the Session in Wales segment on the Radio One website. They've received lots of other radio play including two live sessions on local radio stations and regular airings on Youthcomm Radio. They've been featured on 'The Beat' powered by BBC Radio Leicester and Nottingham. This included an interview and an acoustic set as well as the playback of several tracks from their debut album 'Ride The Way'. They played three showcase gigs at Midem 2002 event in Cannes, the biggest music industry event of the year. They've played countless gigs in Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, London, Leeds etc, played at outdoor festivals and represented local charities by playing outdoor gigs to crowds of nearly 1000 people. They've also supported 'Capdown', 'Grebo', 'Caffeine', '4ft Fingers' and 'The Hyperjax' as part of their UK tours. The tracks 'Believe In Anything' and 'You Said' are being used by Black Diamond Films as the soundtrack to a number of extreme sports films which will be shown across Australia before receiving airplay on MTV, Rapture TV and ITV. Their track, 'Way To Go' was chosen by Reef and Toploader as 'Track of the week' on the BBC website in 2001. They've also set up their own website (www.wayriders.com) which has received over fifty thousand hits, where you can download mp3s, games etc... The band members have been playing in different bands since 1997, 'The Wayriders' were initially formed in May 1999. Recently they have made some line up changes, and have finished recording their second album 'Pirate Radio' for their own label, Rough Edge Records, which has received several rave reviews.

Group Members Andy (19) : Lead Vocals/Guitar, Ben (19) : Guitar, Paul (18) : Bass/Double Bass, Sean (17) : Drums/V-Drums/Vocals, Hugh (16) : Alto Sax/Vocals, Leila (18) : Trombone/Vocals, Ella (16) : Trumpet/Vocals, Ellie (14) : Trumpet/Vocals

Instruments 2 Guitars, Bass, Drums, Double Bass, Alto Sax, Trombone, 2 Trumpets, Electronic V-Drums(studio only)

Albums Ride The Way, Pirate Radio (out now!), Junior Spaceman single, Sounds Like Summer single + 4 other demos of varying quality...

Press Reviews From Ukbase.org.uk : The Wayriders - Pirate Radio CD (12 Track CD, Rough Edge Records) When I saw the description ska punkish, my heart dropped, there are so many bands out there puking their semi average crap out, BUT The Wayriders are not one of them, this is extremely impressive, great production and such a big, professional sound is coming out of my sound system at the moment, that even if this isn't necessarily my taste in music I'm really amazed. The Wayriders could blow away 90% of the American bile that is coming over the ocean with this CD if only they get the breaks, but I'm quite sure it won't be long. I could go thru a massive list of bands that would come into the same genre but if you like Ska punk but with intelligence and slight emo tinges then this is an absolute must, kids will just go crazy over this band if they get a chance to hear them. The songs are well arranged with great little riffs added here and there backed up well by their 3 strong brass section. The lead vocals even though sounding extremely American are unknockable and he has great phrasing in his voice covering a million different ranges. Fuck Reel Big Fish and the like this band is for you!!! Summary : If your into ska pop punk at all then this is a total and utter must for your CD collection.

Additional Info http://www.andysbit.wayriders.com

Location Chester, Cheshire - United Kingdom

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