A SHEPHERD'S Bush musician hopes his band will 'go global' after making the finals of a major talent competition.
James Collins, 21, who grew up in and still lives in Macfarlane Road, formed MITSOTU with friends Holly Cooper and Jimmy Essex, both 22, just over a year ago.
The trio, who met at college, already have successful careers as performers, with James having just returned from a tour with Janet Jackson and Jimmy from a tour with The Saturdays, while Holly has been a contestant on X Factor.
But they decided to try their hand as a group after impressing observers with their urban pop sound and entered Live and Unsigned, one of the country's major talent competitions for original musicians.
After waltzing through the auditions, they are now preparing for the regional heats before, they hope, an appearance in the grand final.
James likens the group's style to that of Rihanna and hopes they can become Britain's biggest urban pop band.
"It's really exciting," said James, who grew up with his grandmother. "The judges seemed to really like us and we are hoping to make it big and become known around the world.
"We have all got music and performing in our blood and it is our dream to inspire people and get them to think 'If they can do it, so can we'."
The winners of the competition are judged the country's biggest unsigned act and could win prizes including £10,000 for publicity and slots at music festivals.
Live and Unsigned's Chris Grayson said: "Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility. We don't accept demos and everyone auditions live."
