Southampton based band Alice Avenue are a self-described “blues fusion trio” who are well on their way to success and have developed quite a rapport with their ever growing fan base. The trio have managed to create a sound that is undeniably unique; a mixture of funk, blues, rock and soul all rolled into one incredible package. Collectively they have been compared to artists such as Paolo Nutini, John Mayer, Jamiroquai and even the great Jimi Hendrix.

Whilst together this bluesy band create outstanding music, individually, who are Alice Avenue?

• Name: Mike Wyatt 
• Instrument: Vocals/guitar 
• Inspirations: “John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Robben Ford, David Ryan Harris, the whole bluesy scene in general but still a love for newer stuff and the classic rock scene like Slash, The Rolling Stones e.t.c.”

• Name: Jordan Easby 
• Instrument: Bass 
• Inspirations: “More of a punk upbringing but with everything from The Ramones, The Clash, Pino Pallidino, James Jameson, John Entwistle, Rocco Prestia e.t.c.”

• Name: Alex Kemp 
• Instrument: Drums/percussion 
• Inspirations: ”More of a jazzy background in drums, playing in jazz bands from an early age, used to follow Dave Weckl a lot. I don’t really have a favourite drummer, I like to just listen to music and drumming for what it is.”

Not only have the band played in several venues around south-east England but they have also played at the famous 100 Club where musicians as great as BB King, The Rolling Stones, The Clash have also performed. As well as playing at the 100 Club, the band have also played at The Joiners which NME have described as the best small venue in Southampton. It doesn’t end there, the trio have also appeared on radio stations in Southampton and America and lead singer, Mike Wyatt, has played alongside the Tings Tings and played for Dannii Minogue. It’s amazing to think that a small band from south-east England have already done so much but for Alice Avenue this is just the beginning.

Alice Avenue fans prove to be very loyal, sharing the bands music and growing the fan base. Referring to themselves as the ‘Alice Avenue Army’, this is what they had to say about the trio:

• @IvanaElite says “I like them because somehow, they’re different with a vintage ‘something’ that makes them exciting. Great sound and never plastic made music”

• @Holly818 says “I like Alice avenue because their music is gorgeous, they’re unbelivably cool, they’re stylish, their songs are amazingly catchy and they really care about us fans as they always have time to chat.”

• @lynd5969 says “I love Alice Avenue’s music for their uniqueness from other new artists on the horizon. The jazz element and soulfulness to their sound is gripping.”

• @StefMacinelli says “Alice Avenue is a group with a jazz/rock sound that makes them very unique compared to other bands. Not only are they very talented but they’re such nice down to earth guys. They make you feel like you have a connection to them. They put so much work, heart and soul into their music and it shows.”

• @mcminn3 says “I love Alice avenue because their music doesn’t just move your soul.”

• @nutter_abbie says “I like Alice Avenue because their voices are awesome and they are really nice to talk to and the music they produce is fab!”

• @MrsNickJonasChi says “Well I love how they are so close to their fans, you know I’m from Chile and they have been very nice with me; they make me feel really loved”.

• @1DAndAidenRule says “I just love their voice and their songs are so beautiful! I can’t wait for the album!”

• @AliceAvenueArmy says “The music they make is so real and they have their own great style and being so hard working and just great guys makes us want to support them as much as we can…bring on the album, bring on 2012!”

It’s hard to imagine such a diverse combination but the only way to fully understand this uprising band is through their music. Their latest single ‘Let It Go’ (featured above) and previous single ‘See It Through’ have had a fantastic response from loyal fans and new listeners alike and as their debut album ‘Unreliable’ is round the corner we can only expect to see this band go from strength to strength.

‘Let It Go’ & the ‘See It Through’ EP are available on iTunes. ‘Unreliable’ is out tomorrow!