'Quirky' girlband wow judges and make music competition finals (From Enfield Independent)

'Quirky' girlband Ellamore wow judges and make music competition finals

5:45pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Three vocalists from a “quirky” girlband have made it through to the regional finals of a major music competition.

Sophie Theodoulou Fay Grant, and Penny Phillips formed motown band Ellamore a year-and-a-half ago, and are desperate to hit the big time.

The girls impressed the judges at the Open Mic UK auditions in Camden and are gearing up to perform in the regional finals on Sunday, October 21.

Ms Theodoulou, who lives in Enfield Town, said their Acapella audition was nerve-wracking as they had to perform on stage with four other groups vying for a place in the finals.

The singer, who went to Southgate School in Oakwood,  said: “It was nerve-wracking but at the same time, really exciting.

"We have been working really hard and it was great to hear people in the music industry giving us feedback.”

“We are quite different to most girlbands, our music is quite quirky and we make sure we have our own strong harmonies.”

She works in hair salon Emma Claire Hair and Beauty Spa in Church Street, Enfield Town, but would like to focus on her “passion” for music full-time.

Ms Phillips, from Essex, and Ms Grant, from Derby, are practising their vocals at the salon as well as Ms Theodoulou’s home in order to make sure they are on top-form for their next audition.

The Enfield singer is feeling positive about the next stage, although does not know who the group will be up against in the regional, area and grand finals – held at The O2 arena in Greenwich.

The competition attracts more than 8,000 acts each year, with the winner receiving £5,000 and a chance to secure a record deal.

She said: “It is really hard to tell because we don’t know who we are up against; I hope we get through the next stage.

“We are really trying to work hard and get as many people to follow us.”

The band is due to perform at the Dugdale Centre in London Road in Enfield Town on November 11.