'It's mad how far we have come so fast': Meet the Northamptonshire teenagers finding success with their new band

A band set up by four schoolboys from Northamptonshire is finding success having released a single online and featuring on BBC Radio Northampton.

Matthew Cotter, Bradley O'Dwyer, Emerson Button and Tristan Forshaw spent most of the lockdown writing songs and rehearsing having set up Artefact around a year ago.

The group of 14 and 15-year-olds recorded a bunch of tunes at Fitdog recording studios in Gayton and their single, Lost, has been released on all the main music streaming and download sites.

On September 25, the Kingsthorpe College, Elizabeth Woodville School and Guilsborough Academy pupils were interviewed by DJ Wayne Bavin and their track was played on air.

Tomorrow (Sunday, October 4) will be another milestone for the band as they will be performing live for the first time since coronavirus struck and releasing their EP, No Purpose.

Matthew told the Chronicle & Echo on a call with all the members: "It's crazy to think this time last year me and Bradley were jamming in the garage and now we have music out and our own merchandise, it's mental.

Bradley continued: "I distinctly remember Matthew came over for a sleepover and we said to ourselves we can either just keep jamming in the garage or we can start this and make this work.

"It's crazy that was just over a year ago and slowly we've got to where we wanted to be."

Drummer Matthew and lead guitarist Bradley, who go to Kingsthorpe College together, started the band before enlisting Emerson on bass and Tristan on vocals and rhythm guitar.

Artefact describe their style as grunge combined with rock with elements of punk and pop during the radio interview.

They performed together for the first time in November last year and when Covid-19 arrived, the foursome went on a 'songwriting spree' on Facetime.

Bradley said: "It wasn't as good as being together but we have some great songs and when we were able to rehearse in person again that was an amazing feeling to play our own songs."

Fitdog studios helped Artefact turn their creations into a professional recording in the form of a four-song EP including Lost plus Ultra Violet, Living In The Moment and Sirens.

Tristan said: "It was a shock to be able to record our songs on proper equipment and then have it on your phone, that was a great moment."

Getting the songs on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and the other streaming services proved more complicated than expected for a label-less band of teens but they managed it.

Last week's interview on the afternoon show on the radio was another highlight for the band as Lost was played live and they were recommended to BBC Introducing.

While they do not have any physical copies available to buy online, they will be selling copies of No Purpose at the outdoor gig at the Thomas A Becket pub in Northampton at 2.30pm.

The boys' parents and teachers have been very supportive and are all proud of their hard work and success.

Kingsthorpe College tutor Jema Kinsman: "During lockdown, they channelled their creativity and continued to chase their dreams of finding success in the music industry and were productive and focused during a time of national uncertainty.

"Hearing their music for the first time reminded me of the kind of music I used to listen to when I was their age and I couldn't resist contacting BBC Northampton to see if they would play their song.

"It snowballed into an interview and both students were naturals. Listening to their interview made me realise how humble and dedicated they are as a band, and I feel so lucky to be a spectator in their journey.

"They are a credit to their parents, to Kingsthorpe College and to themselves. Big things await for Artefact!"

For the bandmates, they just want to keep gigging as much as they can and see where it takes them - but a record deal would be the dream.

Matthew said: "It feels like forever but when you look back it's mad how far we have come so fast but we've got a long way to go before we're where we want to be."

Bradley added: "I'm happy with where we are though and I think you've just got to stop and think how far we've come."