I've said it before, but it bears repeating. Being in the music industry and doing what I do here allows me some great perks....one of which is being introduced to many talented bands via their publicists. One of the recent perks I came across was Headway, a U.K. based band whose music you likely have heard on a little show called 'The Hills'. They have played Wembley Arena with Matchbox 20 and are generating a buzz here in the U.S. with their EP 'The Start'. I expect we will be hearing a lot more from this talented band in the very near future, and hopefully seeing them on a U.S. tour soon.

I had the opportunity to talk with lead vocalist Dave Wright recently about how the band came together, and where they are headed.

CHRISTINA AVINA: I usually like to give our readers a brief background on the band, but more from the artist themselves....not a pre-written bio. What can you tell us about how Headway came together and how you came to sign with Suretone Records?

DAVE WRIGHT: Joe and I started this band when we were still in school together. We were casualties when our first band wanted to move forward and we were subsequently replaced. Neither of us felt like we wanted to stop making music and we were more determined than ever. We had a bass player and a drummer and Tom would help us out with additional Keyboards now and then. I don't remember ever having a conversation with him confirming he was a full time member, he just never left! Over the years the line-up changed and became definitive. Shaggy joined on Bass and Jay came in on Drums and its been the five of us since 2005, which is when I first met Jordan Schur and he talked about signing us to Geffen records, and ultimately his own Suretone label.

CA: You come from an area that isn't exactly known to be a hotbed of activity where the music industry is concerned. Were there a lot of people in your hometown that thought you were crazy to keep pursuing your musical ambitions? And what would you say to those people now?

DW: I think people have alot of respect for us, seeing us keep going and never giving up because its been more than 10 years. I'm sure some people think we are crazy, but I'm sure they respect our attitude towards it. It's also important to remember what a great opportunity we have been given. A lot of people working jobs they don't particularly like would jump at the chance we have. We cant waste it and I know we wont.

CA: A lot of people think that once you are signed to a label it's all sunshine and rainbows from that point on, but realistically the work is only just beginning. Now it's all about promoting the music that you've made, which some artists tell me takes a little something away from their artistic process. Are you enjoying yourself still as a musician, or has the business side been eye-opening for you?

DW: We were extremely lucky in the fact that when we came to Los Angeles to make the record, we were left to our own devices and allowed to just get on with the process of making music. Everyone at the label trusted us to do it and do it well. For that we are truly grateful. We have been around and we knew what to expect from the business side. It's very hard work. You just have to make sure you do your bit and no-one can ask for more. At the end of the day, you and your label are a team. You both want the same thing and it just takes time. In our case it's a slow building process but we don't want to release music to the rolling of tumbleweeds.

CA: You have recently been gaining some radio play here in the U.S. and your music has been featured on American television. How do you feel about the reception you are getting here in the states?

DW: Its amazing! To think there are people hearing and liking our music in places we haven't even been to yet is great. We feel like we are really starting to be embraced over there and we just want to come and play shows for everyone which, fingers crossed, we will do very soon.

CA: You've had great reviews of your EP 'The Start'. I personally loved the record, and you have a very unique style. I've had a lot of artists recently create their own genre name for how they would describe their music to people. If you had to create a genre name for Headway, what would that be?

DW: Anthemic Soft Rock.

CA: You're set to play the Splendour Festival this weekend. This is a festival not too familiar to those of us in the U.S. What can you tell us about it?

DW: Well its making its return after a few years in the wilderness, so we are so pleased to be on the Main Stage helping re-launch it. Nottingham needs and deserves a big festival like this and I'm sure next year will be even bigger, and hopefully we will be too!

CA: Is there any one specific U.S. music festival you'd like to get Headway on?

DW: We were fortunate enough to go to Coachella while we were making the record and I was very impressed. The view of the mountains from on stage looked great. I would love to play there.

CA: Following the Splendour Festival, what's coming up for Headway? Can we expect to see you back here in the states before too long?

DW: Before the end of the year we want to come and spend a good chunk of time playing some U.S dates. We have always had a fantastic time when we have been there and we really can't wait to come back. There will be more new music coming soon too. Exciting times for us.

CA: If our readers wanted to know why they should be listening to Headway, what would you say to them?

DW: Just good, honest, heartfelt songs. Why not?!

Be sure to check out Headway on Myspace for some great music, and to keep track of their tour schedule.

Headway on Myspace