Newly formed Preston band The Avenhams are setting their sights on the big time.

The band added its final member – their ‘missing jigsaw piece’ – earlier this year and now say they’ve found an electric energy.

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The Avenhams’ story began in 2015 when founding members Jaz Elliott and Thomas Hardy met at an open mic night at now-closed arts cafe and bar Korova.

“Thomas and I got to know each through the small but unique Preston music and party scene,” said Jaz. “After every event, rain or shine – but usually rain – we would finish our nights with a few friends in Avenham Park and a few tins of anything we could get our hands on.

“We met our drummer Charlie Fay at Ships and Giggles one night and shared ideas. Eventually we rented a room at The Mill in Aqueduct Street.”

After a period of enjoying playing together but not taking the band too seriously, Jaz, Thomas and Charlie drifted in 2018. But one song got them all back on track.

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Jaz said: “One night in the studio alone I composed a song called ANNA. I had written poetry and music since I could remember, but this felt like it came from somewhere deeper. This would be the band’s first demo.

“Even though I’d played with naming the band after the park, now it just felt so natural and The Avenhams was born.

“But like all great things, it didn’t happen overnight. It took us almost three years to find our fourth member. During this time we played a handful of gigs and recorded two singles as a three piece.

“Then about five months ago, during lockdown, we received an email from a very talented guitarist named Reece Parry. Since then we have played a handful of shows that have blown the crowds away.

“Reece was like that last jigsaw piece you have been looking for, for a long time. But naturally once you find it, it fits right in and completes your image. In our case it completed our sound.”

The Avenhams describe themselves as ‘a rock band but indie-alternative-esque as well’.

“The songs I write always start with an acoustic guitar and usually a chorus,” said Jaz. “I hear the music in my head. I believe a song is great if when stripped to the bones, it still sounds great.

“Once I’ve got the basics down I sit down with the band and we clash styles and finish the instrumentals. I love catchy choruses and mix these with my ears telling me which chords sound fun. I can’t say much on the theory side, however they just work for me.

“The real magic happens when I show the lads and we plug in because it just lifts a room. We seem to have stumbled on some electric energy between us and in the songs.”

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Now The Avenhams are looking to the future with big dreams.

“As a band we want to achieve everything you can, there is no ceiling.

“We want to make songs that will stick around for more than just a few years. We want to make people spill their beers and forget about everything with our melodies in their ears.

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“We just want to make people happy.”

To find out more, follow @theavenhamsuk on Instagram.

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