They’re the latest indie rock band lauded by Radio 1 and were so trusted by their record company, they were given as long as they needed to progress. Lead singer James Kellegher tells us how that went (well, clearly).

What was it like when you first heard your music being played on Radio 1?

It was amazing. We’re very grateful for the backing from Radio 1. Then I had to do an interview with Zane Lowe (former radio 1 DJ) and I’d listened to him for years on end. I was bricking it. I kept thinking: “This guy is super famous and super professional and I’m sat in my bedroom with my nephew banging on the door.” I had to tell my mum to come and get my nephew as I was on the phone to Radio 1!”

How did it feel when you got your record deal?

We were signed in 2013 and part of the deal was that they’d let us do our own thing for a while. They wanted us to evolve naturally and progress. They just said to contact them when we were ready. We did that for a year and a half. That’s one of the reasons we did want to sign with the label.

And how did your music change in that time?

We have definitely progressed. We’re all very different people from when we started the band. We started off as an indie/folk band like Mumford and Sons and then we thought “let’s try and be our own band”. It’s been great to be able to progress with no real pressure. We’ve been very lucky.

Your videos are quite quirky. Are they fun to make?

The director Markus Schroder just comes up with these crazy ideas that we don’t believe are going to work and then they do. He says: “Trust me, it’s going to be great.” They’re like silent movies. They have us playing with it all happening around us. Maybe we’ll dress up and get in on the action in one video.

Have you played the Forum before?

No, but we're really excited about it. We wanted to visit the smaller places that we've been to in the last few years and some new ones as it's Independent Venue Week, so we picked them for that reason. (Find out more at www.independentvenueweek.com)

BEAR FACTS

Eliza and the Bear are James Kellegher (lead vocals, guitar), Callie Noakes (vocals, keyboards), Martin Dukelow (vocals, guitar), Chris Brand (bass) and Paul Kevin Jackson (drums)
The band signed to Capitol Record in 2013
The new single, It Gets Cold was released this month and was a Radio 1 Track of the Day. It came with a theatrical and memorable video, made by director Markus Schroder.
The band’s debut album, Eliza and the Bear, will be released on April 1. Their visit to Tunbridge Wells Forum is one of only a handful of dates they are playing ahead of the album release.

DETAILS

Eliza and the Bear play Tunbridge Wells Forum on Tuesday, January 26, at 8pm. Tickets £10 in advance, over-16s only. For details go to www.twforum.co.uk