BBC Introducing: Grandfather Birds from Newcastle

Grandfather Birds hope to release their own EP this year

Grandfather Birds from Newcastle have already had their music played on BBC 6 Music by Lauren Laverne and supported Little Comets.

And 2011 is set to be another good year for the four-piece band - playing Radio 1s Huw Stephens Presents... in May.

Influenced by Radiohead, Phil Collins' drum solos and 70s progressive rock, the band are now releasing their first single and planning a UK tour.

They will also be appearing on BBC Newcastle on Simon Logan's show.

The band is made up of Matt Saxon (vocals, guitar and omnichord), Jim Bowmaker (bass and vocals), Mick Keen (drums and vocal) and Stu Walkinshaw (guitar, keyboard and vocals).

Originally in separate bands (some of whom were even in a Police tribute act) - they joined together to make Grandfather Birds.

Matt said: "When each band split, we got together to fool around with each others demo tapes. Eventually, particles collided in our vacuum and Grandfather Birds big bang happened. Silently.

"Music is really important. Today for example, I was sitting watching some seagulls fight over some chips that my friend's daughter was throwing.

Their new single Higher Bridges is out in May

"But it wasn't fun until I played the theme from Rocky on my phone. But in all seriousness, it's making our parents proud, it's an outlet for our creativity and it's great that people enjoy it at the same time."

Higher Bridges

Recording their new single Higher Bridges in Newcastle is described by the band as one of the highlights of their career.

Matt said: "Recording the single Higher Bridges was so much fun. We ended up running around Newcastle in the dead of night recording underneath, inside and on top of loads of the bridges.

"We got told off a few times by tired and grumpy residents."

They are now planning a UK tour to promote the new single and hope to release their first EP by the end of the year.

The single Higher Bridges is released in May. For more information, visit the Grandfather Birds website here.