Biography
Martin Stilwell – Vocals, Gareth Padfield – Rhythm Guitar, Mike Oates – Lead Guitar, Mark Yari-Gerrard – Bass, Oliver Hughes – Drums.
Alterkicks were formed through adverts in shops in Merseyside and Cheshire. Though based in Liverpool, the band are drawn from far and wide. Ditching successful careers in programming, teaching and being on the dole, Alterkicks set about learning how to be musicians late in 2003. Ever impressed by the songwriting and shape-shifting of bands like Love, Radiohead, Bowie and the Kinks, they have rapidly managed to create a set that is, for a new band, full of stone cold classics in waiting. When Radio One’s Zane Lowe played their demo in November of 2004, Alterkicks made their first steps into the national consciousness having played shows in their native North West to increasingly loud and fervent crowds. The band made a further step on the release of their debut single, “Do Everything I Taught You” on Fierce Panda in March of 2005. With live favourite “The Cannibal Hiking Disaster” on the B-side, it was no great surprise when the limited release sold out. Following a side step move to Moshi Moshi, the band released their second limited single, the skewed, infectious pop of “Oh Honey” in the summer of 2005. So impressed was Dermot O’Leary with the singles that he invited the band on to his Radio 2 show for a live session. The band then continued to play through 2005 adding further fans at each show whilst also finding time to launch their own successful Liverpool club night, ‘Little Big Man’. With supports to Thirteen Senses and The Little Flames amongst others and a long list of headline shows, it is no great surprise that they now find themselves the proud possessors of a record contract with B-Unique. Alterkicks are currently in the studio and a single is due for release before the end of 2006, a taster for what is to come in 2007.