A FELIXSTOWE rock band is hoping to take the first step on the stairway to stardom in a national competition with the recording of a single as top prize.

A FELIXSTOWE rock band is hoping to take the first step on the stairway to stardom in a national competition with the recording of a single as top prize.

Silk and Steel, a five-piece teenage group which plays glam and heavy metal music, has won through the first round of the prestigious Live and Unsigned event, one of the country's biggest live talent contests.

Some 10,000 acts auditioned across the country for the competition and now the band is looking forward to the regional final in Basildon on April 13.

The band comprises guitarist Oscar Charlton, 14; lead singer James Beuchet, 15; guitarist Luke Wallace, 19; bass player Craig Lucas, 19; and drummer Curt Culley, 15.

Most of the line-up has been together for about 18 months but there were a couple of changes a few months ago when Luke and Craig joined. They all live in Felixstowe except Craig, who comes from Shotley.

They have played gigs at various venues around the area, including McGinty's in Ipswich and The Cork in Felixstowe.

Oscar said: “We just started off jamming together for fun and then it got more serious.

“We write our own songs with everyone contributing to lyrics and riffs and we have been working really hard.

“Everyone is really dedicated to what we are doing - we all want to be involved in the music business and we won't stop until we get out of here.”

The group will have to perform two songs at the next round in Basildon - one of their own and a cover version.

“It makes you very focussed because you have just this one chance to get up on stage and do it, but we are thrilled to have got through and really looking forward to it,” added Oscar.

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FASTFACTS: Live and Unsigned

Auditions are held all over the country with winners going through to regional finals and a chance to make the national final.

Entrants have to sing one of their own songs and a cover of a hit.

The aim is to find potential recording artists and is open to bands and solo singers from all genres.

The winner receives a �20,000 package with Future Music to record their first single.

Finalists are also invited to take part in a 100-gig tour, including performances at many top festivals.

Last year's winners Kiddo360 have already won the Vodafone Live Music Award.