Band get a shot at the big time.

By Dominic Yeatman of the Redbridge Guardian.

A BAND from South Woodford is one step away from a performance in front of 23,000 people at the O2 Arena after qualifying for the semi-finals of one of the country’s biggest music contests.

Myernark are influenced by Depeche mode and David Bowie, and their performances include interactive video installations and performance art.

They were formed by former Woodbridge High School student Jonathan Young, 30, from Chigwell Road, who will be taking the band to the area heat of the Live and Unsigned competition in Basildon on May 14.

More than 50,000 musicians have entered the competition over the past five years, and this year’s winners will be offered a recording and management contract with record label Future Music.