A WHITEHAVEN singer is calling on Cumbrians to help his band land a prestigious industry title.

Five Days North have beaten thousands of other acts to be named in the UK’s top 10 Unsigned Bands at the 2017 Unsigned Music Awards (UMAs), and lead vocalist Darryl Messer is hoping that his local fans can help them land the overall title.

An online vote takes place from Monday October 2 to Sunday 8.

Darryl, who lives in Whitehaven, says: "It’s a fantastic feeling to even just be nominated - it shows that all our hard work over the past four years is being noticed.

"We’d love it if we could get the backing of my local people in what could be a huge boost for the band."

Five Days North are based in Manchester, where all five members met at university, balancing their passion for music alongside their studies.

Launched in 2012, the UMAs have seen more than 50,000 music fans cast their votes, including celebrities such as rock star Frank Turner and international footballer Gareth Bale.

Other award categories include Best Female, Best Male and Best Song, and are organised by Best of British Unsigned - the UK’s number one website for unsigned music, which supplies a weekly radio show to 70 FM stations in 15 countries.

The winner of each category is crowned thanks to an online public vote.

Nominees are also put forward for 'The Critic's Choice Award' and Five Days North will hope their sound impresses a panel of three industry experts.

This year's judges are Max Helyer, guitarist for rock band You Me at Six, Dave Gilyeat, radio presenter for BBC Introducing, and Louise Dodgson, editor of online music directory The Unsigned Guide.

Max Helyer said: "For me it's important to support upcoming artists and help to give them more exposure. I’m looking forward to listening to the wide variety of styles of music submitted, some of which will hopefully become part of my personal everyday music catalogue."

The vote for Best Unsigned Band 2017 takes place between Monday October 2 and Sunday 8 at www.vocalzone.com/vote

To hear Five Days North before you vote, visit www.youtube.com/fivedaysnorth and www.soundcloud.com/fivedaysnorth

  • Five Days North will also be appearing at the Tractor Shed, in Calva Brow, Workington, on Saturday September 30 for the West Coast Social's End of Summer Party. Music runs from 5.30pm and tickets can be booked by messaging www.facebook.com/WestCoastSocial