LACONICS - onward and upward

The lads, who met five years ago at Lancaster Royal Grammar, began dipping their toes in the local music scene only six months ago.

So far, the group have already performed five gigs around Lancaster - and the most recent was to a fair crowd at The Bobbin last Thursday.

"It is quite hard for new bands to get a following together, but now things are picking up for us," says very cheerful frontman Johnny.

The band describe their style as Indie Rock, "but we like to do it in our own kind of way - a bit funkier," says Johnny.

"We are all into similar types of music, in that sense we've got like minds."

Like the rest of the band, Johnny is slap-bang in the middle of his A-levels, which can make things a little bit tricky.

"We try to practice at least once a week, but it does get hard with all the other things we have got to do," he says.

Laconics regularly hire out the Musician's Co-op, behind the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, where they have recorded five songs, and they describe the prospects for aspiring musicians in the area as "not bad at all."

"There are definitely the venues for it and there are opportunities for bands like us.

Look at how Angelica have done.

It is definitely something I see as part of my future, I think we are all looking long-term in one way or another."

Breaking into the pub circuit can be outfacing for young musicians, but with a bit of luck and a lot of effort, Laconics' story proves it is possible.

The band gave us some of their top tips.

-Start writing your own material as soon as you can.

-Get to know like-minded people who you can work with.

-Stick to the type of music you enjoy, don't feel pressured into doing material you aren't interested in.

-If possible, work with people who have had some professional music teaching, especially if you haven't any yourself.

-Make use of your contacts, Laconic's first gig was set up through a friend of the band.