The Strategy

TOP band The Noisettes told us Don't Upset The Rhythm - which a Beaconsfield band will be hoping not to do after winning a spot on the group's UK tour.

Indie rockers The Strategy beat hundreds of acts to earn a supporting slot alongside the London-based band, whose hit, Don't Upset The Rhythm, had us dancing this Spring.

The three-piece, made up of former Beaconsfield School pupils Andy Hamwee and siblings Sarah-Jayne and David Jones, are busy recording new material in between their university studies.

The trio have also been on the road touring and played to hundreds of people at the famous Truck Festival – so how do they balance studying with preparing to line up alongside a chart-topping band?

“It's hard work but also a lot of fun”, says 18-year-old lead singer David.

“I saw The Noisettes support Kasabian at Wembley Stadium earlier this year and they are amazing live, so to support them will be a really good experience and one we're all looking forward to.

“They had a competition on their website inviting bands to send them demos and details about their bands – our manager Michael put us forward and we all kind of forgot about it.

“Then last weeks I got a phone call out of the blue saying we had got a spot on their tour, which was a great shock, especially as The Noisettes hand picked us themselves – it wasn't a record label or promoters, which makes it even better.”

In addition to The Noisettes gig – the band are also set to appear on BBC Radio's Introducing series – meaning more hard work and long hours.

But, having grown up together, gone to the same school together, started a band together and now both attending Oxford Brookes University together, does David get fed up with sister 'S-J'?

“Not really - we're pretty close, we write songs together, we both study music and it has always been an interest and passion of both of ours – so it's all good.

“I'd love to end up with some sort of career in music and I know she would as well, but we've also dabbled in a bit of acting as well.

"We've had bit parts in the last two Harry Potter films and we're also going to be in the last one as well.”

So is Daniel Radcliffe an early celebrity fan of the band?

“We've met him a few times and he's a really nice bloke and the rest of the cast are all cool as well. We've had some great opportunities and experiences and we're just hoping we get a break.”

Visit www.myspace.com/thestrategy - Simon Farr, Bucks Free Press

Introducing... The Strategy

The Strategy have made, and are still making friends and inroads in the industry; this is just the beginning.

Please state the names of all the band members and the instruments they play…

David- Guitar and Lead Vocals
SJ- Bass guitar and Vocals
Andy- Drums

How would you describe your style of music?

Indie/rock music

What would you say are your musical influences?

Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings of Leon, The Strokes

How did the band form?

The Strategy have been together for 5 years now, after best mates Andy and David met at school and sister SJ completed the band, we now hold a tight, unique sound.

Of all the songs you have written, what’s your current favourite and why?

David- ‘Find You’ because it’s my old time favourite, it really gets the crowd going, and puts a good start to our set.
Andy- ‘Night of your life’ because every time we play it we get a really good vibe and a great response.
SJ- ‘Take my Hand’ because I love playing the bass line and singing the chorus!

What’s your most memorable gig and why?

Oxford Brookes Student Union with Blood Red Shoes and The Warlocks because we all had a great laugh backstage and the crowd were awesome. Also playing Truck Festival 2008 gave us great inspiration and a clear image of what we wanted to do as a band.

What’s your fan base like?

A mix. Mainly young teenage girls but also young adults.

What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done / sent to you?

Where an interesting looking middle age woman drew the name David on her chest and took a picture and posted it on our myspace.

Name one unusual fact about each of you?

SJ – Addicted to tea
David- Holds Grade 5 Tap Dance
Andy- Secret gypsy and ice skater

If you could record a collaboration with ANYONE - who would it be and why?

Red Hot Chili Peppers because each one of us has developed our playing technique through listening to the band and we enjoy their music greatly.

What’s the band’s ultimate ambition or what’s your dream?

To play Reading festival and Wembley stadium.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Thanks to everyone who’s supported us so far! We’d love to see anyone who likes our music to come to one of our shows!
last updated: 15/06/2009 at 13:48
created: 15/06/2009 - BBC Threecounties Radio,

Some excellent singing and good harmony backing vocals. The band locked well together, with a really good drving bass line and strong drumming. The songs were interesting and had intelligent lyrics and a good structure. The second track, 'Stacey', had real energy, driven well by the drums, and there was some excellent variety in rhythm patterns giving the song a sense of shape and movement. A really slick and experienced sounding band on the evidence of this CD. - David Beers, Music Critic