LIGHTS, camera, action – it’s Videotapes.

The band, made up of Dan South (guitar and vocals); Sam Griffiths (guitar and vocals) and Steve Gamble (drums and vocals) are one of four bands the Gazette has picked to take part in our first ever showcase gig.

As well as the chance to play the Colchester Arts Centre on December 16, for our Gazette Presents night, each of the bands are being featured in Soundcheck in the build-up to the gig.

Now aged between 17 and 18, all three members of Videotapes have been playing in various bands for the past few years.

Dan says: “Sam and I have been playing together for the two years, and Sam knew Steve from another band they were in. We all came together in July this year.”

In that short time, the band have managed to develop an infectious, dreamy, indie-folk sound. They’ve already followed up their initial demo, which won them a slot on our night, with another more impressive EP.

In their poppy moments, they’re the La’s and the Coral and in their melodic folk numbers, they have a tinge of the Belle and Sebastian and Kings of Conveniences about them.

Sam adds: “We’ve already done quite a few folk clubs and they seem to like what we’re doing, but we’re into all kinds of music.”

All are studying A-level music at Colchester Royal Grammar School, but apart from friends’ parties and some folk nights, they haven’t really dipped their toes into the local gig circuit.

Dan says: “One of the best gigs I ever went to see was Grammar school band Streetlight Youth, at the Colchester Arts Centre, so to be playing a gig there is very exciting for us.”

Look out in the next couple of weeks for profiles on the other bands.