BLACKBURN band The Words have had their music played on a Mercedes-Benz advert, a Playstation game and at venues across East Lancashire.

This weekend they headline Manchester’s top unsigned band night, ‘Academy Unsigned'.

We spoke to 28-year-old guitarist Neil as the four-piece prepare for their set in the spotlight.

HOW AND WHEN DID THE BAND FORM?

We got together about three-and-a-half years ago. Bassist Tom, 21, knew 18-year-old drummer Graeme from school. I knew our vocalist Ste from just being around the music scene and we basically locked ourselves in a room for three months and practised until we were somewhere near good enough to gig.

WHAT IS YOUR SOUND?

Something that will get you dancing and singing along after the first listen. Melody is the key for us. We don’t really try and sit within a genre when we write. There are no rules, no formulas, no right or wrong. We just try to capture moments and hope that people get it.

WHERE DID THE BAND NAME COME FROM?

It’s always hard to choose a band name. So we thought we'll check the lyrics of the songs to see if there was something in the words . . . and there it was.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

Bowie, The Cure, Radiohead, The Beatles and Motown. There isn’t a family party in the land that doesn't have to endure a good hour of Motown after the buffet. The melodies are so strong, they’re still so relevant, which is our aim.

WHAT DOES THE GIG AT THE MANCHESTER ACADEMY MEAN TO BAND?

It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and fantastic support. To close the night at this famous and historical venue is a privilege. It’s going to be a big night. There should be a big Blackburn contingent too.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELVES IN A YEARS TIME?

In a years time we want to be in a similar position musically, always moving forward, always trying to improve, still doing two or three gigs a week and still making people dance and smile. Hopefully with record company deal.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT PERFORMING?

We just do what everybody else does, we work. Ste works part time at his mum’s sandwich shop. Me and Tom have office jobs and Graeme's at college. Everything we earn goes into this band. We wouldn’t have it any other way. We love it!

l See The Words at Manchester Academy 3, Sunday 8pm. Tickets 0161 275 2930.