The band began writing and demoing songs right away to start gigging as soon as possible and in true rock band tradition, they invested in a van and hit the road. For the next two years My Favourite Runner Up made it their business to play everywhere and anywhere to chase their dream. Playing good venues in front of nobody, playing bad venues in front of nobody, sold out hometown shows, sold out shows in random places, decent pubs, typical pubs, back gardens, parks, bedrooms you name it, they’ve played it, while selling their homemade demos along the way.
By 2008, although picking up a lot more fans along the way, not much had really changed for the band in the first two years. They soon realised that they needed a decent CD for anybody to stand up and really take notice. So the band saved up their pennies and booked in to a studio. Sadly the results of that CD were devastating; as the demos they threw together at home were of a higher quality than the CD they invested over a thousand pounds and four months of their time in. This was a low point for the band but it didn't last long. They had already wasted too much time. They decided to put their fate in their own hands and record an album themselves. The band invested in better studio equipment and began writing and recording new material. The results were much better, not great, but good enough to prove our potential to the people that matter. As a result, getting the CD promoted in Kerrang Magazine, playing lots more shows and receiving festival offers and an audition to the prestigious ‘UK Live & Unsigned Competition’ in 2009.
My Favourite Runner Up reached the Grand Final of the competition, which over 10,000 acts had entered, reaching the final 15 and playing in Portsmouth’s Guildhall with over 100 fans following to support. Despite not winning the competition, they had impressed many rock promoters along the way; especially in Manchester during a semi-final show. After the competition the band got lots of decent gig offers in addition to building a sizeable fan base, particularly in the Manchester area.
Since the competition, the band have gone on to headline shows in Manchester Academy 3 and Manchester Club Academy three times as well as playing four gigs in two separate ‘In The City’ events. The gigs kept coming, but it wasn't constant touring; something the band craves.
In April 2010, the band was presented with an amazing opportunity. They recorded a five track E.P in the reputable Longwave Studio Cardiff with Romesh Dodangoda (Funeral For A Friend, Kids In Glass Houses, Bullet For My Valentine). The response to the CD has been hugely positive, gaining the band many new fans and faces.
There is huge potential within My Favourite Runner Up and even bigger ambition. All this band wants to do is to play the music they love to the people that love it. They are hardworking and fully committed. My Favourite Runner Up has come a long way without any guidance or help, the
team is literally the four members of the band. There is no life if there is no band.
