YOUNG DUNDEE band Model Aeroplanes are celebrating being voted Best Newcomers at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2014 in Glasgow at the weekend.
The teenage four-piece, all former pupils at Monifieth High School, were overwhelming winners of the title and are now being tipped for massive success just over a year after playing their first gigs.
In addition to being shortlisted, Kieran Alexander Smith, Rory Fleming-Stewart, Ben Buist and Grant Irvine were also one of the few acts chosen to play live at the event, producing a blistering performance at Glasgow Garage before being announced as winners.
After receiving their award from Radio One DJ Vic Galloway, Rory said: “I feel really proud of the boys, all four of us, we always wanted to do stuff and this is our first achievement and we’re not going to stop.
“It’s been a total pleasure and we’re going for the Brits next.
“Seriously though, we’re best friends and we just want to continue with the music and enjoy it as much as we have been so far.
“Our manager Paul Grieve has made it possible, without him we’d not be here.
“The next plan is to play in England, then America.”
There was no immediate rest for the guys though as, just hours after celebrating into the night with friends and family, Model Aeroplanes were up early on Saturday morning for an appearance on Sky TV’s Soccer AM.
The only disappointing aspect of Saturday’s awards was that they were the only winners out of six bands from the Dundee area from the seven separate categories.
The awards, turning five this year, launched its public vote last month and fans voted in their droves for the Dundee contingent, with AMWWF for Best Live Act, Fat Goth and Vladimir (Best Rock Alternative), To Kill Achilles (Metal) and Hip Hop due Silibil ’n’ Brains all shortlisted.
Dundee-born DJ and radio presenter Jim Gellatly joined Vic Galloway, who was brought up in the East Neuk of Fife and attended Madras College, St Andrews, to help present awards.
awilson@thecourier.co.uk