THIS year is shaping up to be good one for Wellington rock-pop band Last One Home who have had another stunning success.

The band was one of 20 acts shortlisted for the prestigious Drake YolanDa Award, created to support emerging artists across the UK who express a commitment to their careers, demonstrate creative excellence and a drive to succeed.

Last One Home were in London recently at the headquarters of Cambridge Audio, performing live and chatting to a panel of music industry experts.

Hundreds of applicants were whittled down to just 20 and the mix of genres and talent made it a difficult job for the panel which included choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, XFactor winner Matt Cardle, Ben Earle of The Shires, Roisin O’Connor, music correspondent of The Independent, and YolanDa Brown herself, the award-winning saxophonist and presenter of CBeebies’ Band Jam.

Last One Home will meet music industry professionals and the press, and receive an award, at the Celebration Concert in London later this month. There may also be an opportunity to perform at a special winter concert with a couple of headline acts.

Tom Westlake, the singer-songwriter and guitarist, said: “Playing our music live to the panel and discussing our aspirations with them was an incredible experience. Things are moving really fast at the moment, as well as playing live shows, we are working on our next single and video which are due out in May, and we are producing our first album which will be released in the summer”.

Drummer Phil Horler said: “To be recognised for a national award in London is a big boost for the band. Closer to home, we are playing many South-West festivals this summer, including the Godney Gathering, Chard Rock Festival and headlining a stage at Home Farm Festival. We also have shows coming up soon in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bridport and Plymouth”.

Bass player Harry Lowndes said: “In the last couple of years we have worked hard on our original music, releasing an EP and four singles, all of which can be streamed on Spotify.

“Two of the singles made the semi-final of 2018’s prestigious UK Songwriting Competition. Talking to the panel confirmed we are heading in the right direction with our music. We must have made an impression because we are now being followed on our ‘lastonehomeofficial’ Instagram by Matt Cardle and MOBO award winner YolanDa Brown.”