A BAND that started out as a poetry project is performing in Keighley next month.

Stray Weather was born out of a freeform spoken work project involving poetry readings across the UK and Europe.

With their catchy brand of rock/riff-based music the four-piece have entertained audiences extensively across the North at locations including Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn and York. They have also played in London.

“I still rap to vocals, there is still prose throughout,” says singer Mikey Brown who set up the band. “We play rock shows and also hip-hop. Our music will appeal to fans of both.”

Poet Mikey who went by the name Stray Weather - an amalgamation of two bands he admired - performed his poems based on his life.

His success included making it to the final of a national poetry competition run by BBC Radio 1Xtra and the Roundhouse in London.

He decided he wanted to translate his words into music, recording an EP with his friend Ste Quinn, a fellow student studying creative music technology at the University of Huddersfield.

Another student friend, Dan Smith, joined, then Sam Sydes who studied music technology at Leeds Metropolitan University lent his electronic skill to the band.

With Mikey on vocals, Ste on drums, Dan playing lead guitar and bass, and Sam on electronics, Stray Weather was formed.

Four years on, the band are enjoying touring and are looking forward to performing at The Exchange.

“The last time we played there England was playing in the World Cup, so as expected it was a fairly quiet night,” laughs Mikey. “But the venue was great, with a great sound and a good stage. Also the staff were absolutely brilliant.

“The Exchange has a music shop and tuition rooms - it really is a fantastic beacon of music for Keighley.”

He adds: “What is most exciting is that it gives us a chance to showcase five new songs. We will be performing some of our older songs too.”

The band has two EPs - Tragedy and Ever Endeavour - online or on streaming services, plus two singles recorded in 2018 and a cover.

“Last year was relatively quiet - we were busy working on new music and are now ready to unleash it.”

Earlier this month Stray Weather wee among a number of bands that performed in Sheffield at the launch of the Yorkshire and Humberside branch of the charity Diversify that delivers innovative, exciting and educational workshops at primary and secondary schools.

“We have regular fans who come to most of our performances and we have built up more of a following through our social media followers,” says Mikey.

*Stray Weather is playing at The Exchange on Friday February 7 at 7.30pm.

For more details and information on tickets visit exchangearts.co.uk

*Also Visit Facebook.com/strayweather

Helen Mead