ASPIRING musician David Hindle has received the highly prestigious Viola Beach Scholarship to further his promising musical career.

Founded by Latchford-based Priestley College, the scholarship – offering £500, with which David hopes to buy some high-end equipment – honours former students Jack Dakin, Kris Leonard, Tomas Lowe and River Reeves who died in 2016.

“It means a great deal to receive a scholarship in Viola Beach’s name because they were a band who were clearly going places,” stated David, who studies BTEC music and A-Level music technology and hopes to go to LIPA to study song writing.

“Not only is David an extremely talented musician, he is also totally dedicated and hard working”, praised music tutor Michael Grainger who nominated David.

In just six months, band Kula Bay – David (frontman and guitarist) alongside Oli Thomas (drums), Matt Carney (lead guitar) and Max Wright (bass) – have already begun to create a buzz within the industry.

Impressively, their song 7 Hours (recorded at Neon Palms Recording Studio in Northwich) has been played on BBC Introducing – a showcase for emerging talent.

At home in Paddington, David writes melodies and lyrics as well as practising each night, then sends these to his bandmates for their own spin on his efforts – especially Oli, writer of many lyrics.

“My goal is to continue writing good songs – whether for my band or someone else – and to continue working hard in music.”

David’s ability for guitar was recognised while at Birchwood Community High School, where his passion developed into song writing.

Speaking about this approach, David said: “Rather than write songs about myself I tend to write about other people as if I am at a window looking in on them.”