Four young Suffolk musicians are hoping this will be their year after signing to new record label Manic Vision. Andrew Major, Ben Ward and Simon Wilson formed It’s A Trap! after meeting when they were all students at Holbrook High School.
They’ve enjoyed success on the local stage over the years and recently added a fourth member to the line-up, lead guitarist Matthew Bunkell, 21, of Capel St Mary, formerly of Ipswich band Dungeons.
Now the feel the time is right to develop a new, more mature identity – which includes changing their name to Ideals.
Bass player Simon, 20, of Holbrook, said: “This band is not merely an extension of It’s A Trap! It is a natural evolution, a rebirth and gigantic step up in sound and maturity.
“The songs are far more personal, the music far smarter and the attitude towards being more professional. Ideals as a name, represents what we have found in this band – the ideal combination of people creating sounds that we have always wanted to make.
“The addition of a second guitarist has enabled us to expand our sound further and has added another dynamic that we always wanted. A lot of the bands which influence us have two guitarists, giving them a richer sound.”
Signing to ethical Norwich label Manic Vision has given the foursome fresh focus.
“We are very excited to have signed to Manic Vision,” added lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew, 19, of Chelmondiston.
“We can now focus on writing and recording songs, safe in the knowledge the band’s management is being taken care of. We are hoping to form a very strong and long-lasting relationship with them in the years to come. It’s a great deal and works perfectly for us.”
But there’s lot of hard work standing between them and success, especially with three of the band studying in South East London in Greenwich, Goldsmiths and the University of East London and the fourth at Roehampton University.
It all kicks off with a gig at Ipswich’s PJ McGintys tomorrow.
Next they will hit Atomic Studios in London to record their first single as Ideals under the deft touch of acclaimed producers Animal Farm, who have worked with bands such as Ipswich’s very own indie rockers Rosalita, The Levellers and One Night Only.
The single, Lungs, will be out in April and promoted with a full UK tour..
Drummer Ben, 19, of Holbrook, said: “Releasing our first single on the Manic label is going to be great. We can’t wait for everyone to hear our music. It’s going to be a lot of work but we are looking forward to the challenge.
“With a busy tour schedule we will be able to promote the single while promoting the band as well. We’re looking forward to our music gracing as many listeners as possible.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to have our music presented as a whole package with fantastic artwork, a music video as well as songs we are truly proud of.”
Ideals will also be gigging intensely throughout the year with regular shows at a series of venues throughout the UK, with a large focus on London and surrounding towns as well as frequent shows in Ipswich.
The ethos behind Manic Vision centres around forming an ethical and lasting relationship with the bands signed.
The aim is to work with them long-term, with a view to providing the guidance they need to enable them to earn a living from their music – regardless of whether they get signed to a major label. Effectively, the package is a recording and management contract.
Manic Vision’s Carl Hitchborn couldn’t be happier that the band has joined the Manic family.
“I’m delighted to have added Ideals to the label. The band is made up of talented and committed individuals who draw upon many musical influences to create a truly unique sound,” he said.
“The members have a really strong foundation, a strong unity among them all. They are hardworking and being in London opens up the door for big opportunities.”
It is Carl’s plan to build them towards a licensing and publishing deal with a major label.
“Should we get there, the other bands on the label will benefit with 50 per cent of any profits made by Manic Vision going to them to help them progress with their careers.”
Ideals will also make a special appearance with the BBC at the Swan on February 11. The show will be going out live on air between 7-8pm on BBC Radio Suffolk and will tie in with the usual BBC Introducing show on a Thursday. After the broadcast there will be a normal gig with The Cads and Ideals both playing full live sets.
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