Former X Factor group ready to storm charts

Atherton teenager Sonny Hardman is one of five young vocalists who make up Yes Lad, who shot to notice taking part in X Factor.

Mentored by former Take That manager Nigel Martin Smith, the group now hopes to recreate the heyday of acts consisting young guys who can all sing, dance and write catchy pop tunes.

Yes Lad unites 18-year-old Sonny with Cian Gleeson from Bolton, Swinton singer Joel Hedley, Lewis Maxwell from Maghull and Jake Donlan from Colne.

The band took viewers of the reality programme on a rollercoaster ride, originally being eliminated in the Six Chair Challenge only to be reinstated for the Judges’ Houses round only to bow out for good before the studio finals.

With that experience in the locker the group will now make its first foray on to the wider music scene next month with the launch of debut single Walk Away, described by the group’s promotional campaign as “an electro-pop slice of heaven”.

The band members have written the song themselves and then enlisted the help of Sky Adams on the production duties needed for release on label Smith’s.

All the five musicians are aged between 17 and 20 and with youthful ambition on their side are hoping to take the singles charts by storm.

Mentor Nigel said: “We’ve had three different line-ups and it’s taken four years to get Yes Lad where I want them to be, but now they’re ready and raring to go.”

Based in Manchester, Sonny and the other singers in the boyband are currently touring high schools across the country performing their songs to young audiences and delivering an important anti-bullying message.

Before joining the band, Cian and Lewis performed on their local music scenes playing guitar and signing, while Jake was found showcasing his skills as a street dancer.

The group has also shot a video for Walk Away which is now available to view online.

Walk Away will be released on April 28. To find out more visit www.yesladband.co.uk.