THE vibe of extra-loud indie music throbbed through the attic of NMTV in Manchester when a new band, Picasso’s Own, had its first rehearsal after lockdown performed by a trio of 18-year-old musicians.

Joshua Jorritsma plays synth along with bass guitar, electric guitar and acoustic guitar.

Ben Griffiths is their drummer although, he is also a “phenomenal” electric guitarist and Cal Britch, plays a mixture of them all except drums. And Cal can sing, too.

Joshua said: “NMTV was a cool place to rehearse. It was really exciting. There is a very young vibe there. It was perfect because we didn’t have to hold back. We were jumping around.”

Ben and Cal have a background in the Manchester music industry, headlining at the Deaf Institute and playing for crowds at Hole in the Wall and Jimmy’s.

“We can all have a good shot at swapping our instruments around”, said Joshua, who has played with a selection of different ensembles ranging from professional orchestral to school jazz bands.

He also sang with the award-winning choir at St. Ambrose College.

Cal said: “We want to bring in the funk yet we want people to dance to it.”

“We have been practising songs such as Don’t, by Ed Sheeran, all the way to the indie sounds of Rex Orange County,” said Ben.

“Because everyone will want to party after lockdown we want them to enjoy our sound.

“We are a band but we will take the time to work like artists to create new colours. We are proud of our colourful and bold name.

“Picasso inspires us to write our own music

“We are looking to wearing pastoral colours which he loved.

“Just as he augmented the traditional forms of art, we want to change the perspective young people have of our art – music.

“Ideally we would like to help other young artists who may use paint or the spoken word and get ideas from them,” said Joshua.

Ben said they intended to use make-up artists to “create a cool face.” Before he studies philosophy and theology at Exeter University, Joshua, from Altrincham, intends to take a year out to concentrate on the band.

“We want to make it into something which uses creativity and appeals to everyone,” he said.

To keep himself afloat during that time, he will continue to work as a waiter at Bistro Pierre in Altrincham.

The band would like to take bookings for festivals, parties or anything else. To get in touch, e-mail joshuajorritsma@gmail.com.

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