Hectic times as band battles on three fronts

Ok Broken

MUSIC EXTRA: THE life of an Ok Broken band member certainly isn’t dull at present, with prestigious gigs, movie filming and a possible starring role on BBC television coming up over the next few months.

These are hectic times for the exciting Oldham Indie four-piece, with Adam Heap, Gaz Wright, Dave Furnival and Phil McArdle also progressing in two national battle of the bands-style competitions.

The most high-profile of the two is the UK’s Best Part-Time Band competition, run by the BBC. Heats will be shown on BBC4 shortly, with the final on BBC2.

The band is on the way to make the heats stage, having been visited at their Shure 5 Studio rehearsal base by a production team apparently impressed by what they heard.

Bassist McArdle said: “It’s not been a new experience being filmed, but it’s been a bit different having to think about how to come across in an interview and how to look. It was exciting.

“We’ve done what we need to do with it now, and whatever happens, we’ve done well getting to where we are.”

The band is also progressing in the Sound Waves talent competition, the next stage being a showcase gig at the Liquorist in Leeds this Sunday.

The band is also making another film - not a short like “Differently, Ok”, which the band starred in earlier this year.

This time the four will play major roles, including stunts, in a full-length feature written by Louis Beckett, a Failsworth-based artist who runs the Miners Community Arts and Music Centre in New Moston.

The silent film is due for release later this year and will feature a soundtrack from the band, Red Light Effect, the Moods and Death to the Strange.

Guitarist Wright appears to fancy pursuing an acting career to go hand in hand with his music: “When I was studying music technology there was a drama class next door so I used to sneak in there sometimes.

“It’s a chance to experience another world. We’re part of this big web of production and it’s great.”

Once filming wraps there will be several high-profile gigs for fans to look forward to before the end of the year.

The lads will support highly-rated outfit All the King’s Men at the Live Rooms in Manchester on November 21, then a week later in the March of the Mods showpiece at Stanley House in Audenshaw.


LISTEN to Simon’s exclusive audio interview with Phil and Gaz from Ok Broken at: