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Find out more about Inverclyde funk and soul band who have summer full of gigs

Find out more about Inverclyde funk and soul band who have summer full of gigs

Yahooa day ago
In celebration of Inverclyde's thriving music scene, the Telegraph goes backstage with a local band or artist every month.
This month, we're profiling funk and soul band Sovirez to find out about their musical journey.
Sovirez are vocalist Anthony Squires, Steven Jess on guitar, Neil McKenzie on bass guitar, Chris Squires on drums, and Graeme Gray on keyboard and trumpet.
(Image: Sovirez) Brothers Chris and Anthony Squires first formed the band in 2018, and the five-piece line up was created the following year.
They officially launched in 2020 and performed at local open mic nights.
Vocalist Anthony said while local gigs helped the band get a foothold on the music scene, there's a festival they have their hearts set on.
But they're staying true to their roots too.
He added: 'The ultimate gig would have to be on the main stage at Glastonbury.
'It's iconic and special, and something I think that most bands would aspire to.
'Somewhere closer to home that would be incredible to perform at, other than the obvious choices of the Hydro and Hampden, would be Cappielow Park.'
Sovirez have achieved a lot over the last few years but there are a few moments that stand out.
Anthony said: 'It's hard to pick one thing as our biggest achievement because each one at the time has meant so much to us.
'From our first sold-out shows, and our song being named 'single of the week' on BBC Scotland, to headlining the second stage at ButeFest twice, we've had a lot of great moments.'
The band, who describe themselves as 'funky, fun, and determined', played Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival last night (Friday).
They're set for PrestFest in August, and then a double header in early September playing at the Largs Viking Festival and headlining Greenock's Gig on the Green.
(Image: Sovirez)
Anthony said getting through covid has been the biggest challenge for the band to date.
He added: 'We had just performed in public for the first time and we were ready to start gigging, and then everything just stopped.
'We used that period to really focus on writing and continued to have band Zoom calls to discuss our ideas with each other.'
When it comes to writing songs for the band, Anthony says it's very much a 'collective effort'.
He said: 'Each member tends to write their own parts. As a group we are all open to suggestions and ideas from each other.'
Members of the band are all influenced by a range of bands and artists.
Anthony said he's listening to Alan Stone, Jalen Ngonda and MT Jones, and bassist Neil is a huge fan of American singer-songwriter and guitarist John Mayer.
While there are many bands they would love to meet, there's one icon that stands out.
Anthony added: 'As a funk and soul band, it would be very cool to cross paths with someone like Nile Rodgers.
'He's a legend of the business, has written hit after hit and comes across as genuinely nice person.'
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