The Story So Far…

• SEP formed in January 2000 with three girl singers
• Local press article and photo (Stourbridge News)
• 1st Gig at Old Hill Social Club - January 21st 2000
• Girls left the band
• Bass player Matt auditioned for vocals. Had been head chorister in local church choir, till voice broke
• Girl singer Natalie Bolton joined band. Shared vocals with Matt and Tom
• Repertoire included songs by The Cranberries, Lennie Kravitz and a few melodic numbers of their own
• Gigs at this time, BBC Music Live in Stourbridge Town Centre, Telford Carnival, Kinver Social Club, several local schools, battle of the band competition at the Oldswinford Hospital School (where they came 2nd), and some private parties
• After seeing SEP perform in Stourbridge, they were asked to be interviewed by Jenny Wilkes, for BBC Radio WM at Pebble Mill in Birmingham
• November 2000 saw the release of a CD recorded in Matt's front room, of a song written for BBC Children in Need, called 'Set Them Free'
• Website launched www.s-e-p.co.uk with free download of 'Set Them Free'
• Much media interest; articles in several local papers, radio interviews and they were asked to appear on BBC TV on the evening of November 16th
• Another interview for BBC Radio WM with Daz Hale. Accapella version of 'Set Them Free' performed live
• CIN fund-raising gig held by SEP at Rock Café 2000 in Stourbridge. Video of gig recorded. £1144.00 raised
• December 2000 lunchtime gig at Robin 1 held. To encourage young bands and their fans in alcohol-free environment
• National Music for Youth Festival - King Edward College, Stourbridge
• Asked to perform at further charity events; Poundfest @ Rock Café 2000 and again at Newport Carnival
• Natalie left the band
• Band decided to concentrate on own material, plus 'heavier' indie rock style. Much practising required
• New line-up and style performed at 'Sounds in the Park' Stourbridge 24/6/01 - went down a storm!
• 30/6/01 Battle of the Bands at Oldswinford Hospital School. 2nd again, dammit!
• Robin 2, lunchtime gig. Favourable review from UK Rocknet.co.uk
• December 2001 SEP into studio to record 3 original tracks. 'Lottery', 'Don't Tell Me' and 'Nightmare', all available to download from the website
• January 2002 Support to T-rextacy at Rock Café 2000, Stourbridge
• 4/3/02 Battle of the Bands at Robin 2. Another rave-review
• March 2002 lunchtime gig at Hardrock Café, Broad Street, Birmingham. Went well, offered residency but pressure of GCSEs meant they had to limit appearances to 1 per month for now
• Photo and write-up comparing SEP to Musical Youth in Birmingham Post and Mail
• Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2002, Poundfest Charity gig at Rockcafe 2000
• BBC Music Live, Chamberlain Sq. Birmingham for Lord Mayor's Jubilee Show June 5th 2002
  
• 23rd June 2002 'Sounds in the Park,' Stourbridge
• Matt acquires a red 'Mohican' hairdo, to celebrate leaving school!
• Dudley Zero 1 competition at Dudley Castle. June 29th 2002
• Hardrock Café, Birmingham. 7th July 2002
• The National Rock and Pop festival at the NEC. July 15th 2002 - Callum's 11th Birthday!
• Got through to finals in Dudley Zero competition to be held October 22nd 2002
• Oct 2002 WON Dudley Zero competition. Prize of a day recording at Rich Bitch studios, Birmingham.
  

Summer 2002