Band of the month - The Courteeners

The Courteeners are an English band formed in Manchester, in 2006 by Liam Fray (guitar/vocals), Michael Campbell (drums/backing vocals), Daniel Conan Moores (Guitar), and Mark Cuppello (bass). All four band members hail from the Middleton area of Greater Manchester, and have known each other since they were ten years old.

The band's debut single, "Cavorting" was released on August 6th 2007 by Loog Records. The single sold out immediately, with all available copies pre-ordered. A second single, "Acrylic" was released on October 22nd 2007 reaching number 44 in the UK Chart, the video also received considerable playtime on MTV2.

The band signed to Polydor Records in August 2007 around the release of their first single "Cavorting". In October 2007 they supported The Coral, on their UK tour. Their second single, "Acrylic", was released in October reaching number 44 in the UK chart. Their first headline tour in December 2007 was a complete sell out. Shows at Manchester Ritz, and London King's College selling out within hours. A January and February tour was announced shortly after, supported by fellow Mancunian band It's A Buffalo. An April tour has been announced to promote their up-coming debut album St.Jude, including a date at Manchester Academy which sold out in half an hour.

The bands' third single was "What Took You So Long", which was released on 14th January 2008, received its first airplay on Zane Lowe's show on Radio 1 on 20/11/07, and, reached #20 in the UK Singles Chart. The bands next single will be "Not Nineteen Forever", which is set for a March 31st release.

Their debut album, set to be Named St Jude was recorded at Olympic Studios, and produced by Stephen Street of Smiths, Blur, Babyshambles, The Zutons and Kaiser Chiefs acclaim. The album is due to be released on 7th April 2008, although it was originally expected to have been March 3rd. In the NME, frontman Liam Fray was quoted as saying that "Aftershow, Not Nineteen Forever, Fallowfield Hillbilly, Bide Your Time, Please Don't, Acrylic and What Took You So Long" would all make the album. Although it had been stated that "Acrylic" would not be included on St Jude, it appears at track 21 following 8 silent tracks, possibly intended as a 'hidden track'.

In early March The Courteeners where confirmed to be performing at the 2008 V Festival to be held in Stafford and Chelmsford over the weekend of August 16-17.