Bradford-based indie band Kascarade has struck a chord with a local business after securing funding towards its debut studio album.

Arkoni Metalwork, based in Brighouse, has agreed to provide financial assistance towards the production of a new collection of songs by the five-piece band, who formed in 2010 and are to feature in a TV documentary.

Vocalist and guitarist Matthew Milnes, who founded the band with Luke Milnes (lead guitar/backing vocals), Michael Golden (drums), Adam Brankin (bass) and Martin Horton (keyboards), says: “This is a first; I’ve not heard of a local firm putting its weight behind an emerging band, so hats off to them! I guess you could say this is a case of ‘heavy metal’ supporting independent music.”

He adds: “The financial help will allow us to complete the full quality, studio production of songs that will feature on our debut album, inspired by the people and places that make up our everyday lives.”

The band has come a long way over the past three years and hopes latest single Northern Reign will take them further. Their debut album is released next year.

The single is to feature on an ITV documentary featuring Matthew, who was this year awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for his work on a Bradford community sports project. Called The People’s Medal, the programme is due to be broadcast on Monday, August 19, at 9pm, with Kascarade’s recent output providing much of the soundtrack.

“This will be a great showcasing opportunity for the kind of music we produce,” says drummer Michael.

“We’ve already supported the likes of The Levellers and Ocean Colour Scene and got an army of followers both regionally and internationally on the back of our Youtube videos.

“As for local gigs, we go for quality over quantity. We’re playing at the Saltaire Festival and the Cockpit in Leeds this summer.

“Unfortunately, there are precious few quality venues in Bradford, which is a shame in such a vibrant city. We’ve got a lot to shout about in Bradford, but music venues isn’t one of them. You’ve got the Alhambra and St George’s Hall at the top of the food chain, but little in the way of mid-size venues. We hope that will change soon.”

One look at the walls of the band’s HQ on Thornton Road reveals their influences, including Thin Lizzy, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, The Jam and Oasis.

Kascarade has built a loyal fanbase online thanks to a significant presence on social media sites; the result of efforts by technical guru Ian Hudson of PThirteen Digital Media who has developed their website.

“They’re a great set of lads and talented musicians to be involved in,” says Ian. “No egos here – it’s all about teamwork.”

Mark Prentice is the managing director and founder of Arkoni Metalwork, which recently announced a 30 per cent increase in turnover to £4 million and is in the process of strengthening its 50-strong workforce with new appointments and apprenticeships.

He says: “Arkoni is a success story in anyone’s song book and we’re delighted to be giving Kascarade a helping hand.

“Given that we manufacture and install staircases, as well as fire-rated glazing, balustrading and canopies, you could say we’ll be following Kascarade’s progress step by step to the top!”

For more about the band, visit kascarade.com.