IT’S been quite a ride for Earlestown band The Ks.

The quartet have been together less than two years but every time they do a show demand continues to rise.

They have taken the Manchester scene by storm, selling out gigs at the 150-capacity Jimmys, 340-capacity Deaf Institute and 500-capacity Gorilla, culminating with their triumphant Academy 2 show to 950 fans in January.

Now they have just been added to the Sunday line-up for Neighbourhood Weekender, hosted by SJM Concerts, to see what share of a potential 25,000-strong crowd they can pull their way.

“We’ve been playing with SJM for a while,” said frontman Jamie Boyle.

“We sold out Gorilla while they were promoting us and then we sold out Manchester Academy 2 last month when we played to a crowd of 950.”

There is no denying that hype is building for The Ks and that rapid rise in popularity is what led to them being added to the Victoria Park festival bill.

Jamie, 23, added: “Every time we take on a new challenge our fans seem to completely blow it out the water.

“It’s steady growth but I don’t think we’ll get used to it because it’s a bigger venue every time and we’re surprised every time it sells out. We really appreciate that support from everyone.”

Warrington Guardian:

The Ks pictured by Lee Harman

Growing up just outside Warrington, Jamie and the band consider Neighbourhood to be a hometown crowd and they are also good friends with Burtonwood rock and roll band Slydigs, who are currently on a hiatus.

In fact, their guitarist Ryan Breslin is the brother of Slydigs bassist Ben Breslin and joined the band when they toured the world with The Who. Jamie said he is gutted to see band taking a break after they helped inspire The Ks.

Both groups also shared a stage at Parr Hall last year to mark the fifth anniversary of Warrington Music [WAM].

He said: “I was out with them all the other day. They feel it’s the right decision for them but it’s sad to see such a good band not doing it anymore.

“I hope they get back together in the future as they’re such a talent and good lads as well.”

Jamie has a good idea what to expect from Neighbourhood as he was there in 2018 – not as an artist but as a fan.

Suffice to say he will be making the most of his performer’s pass.

He added: “With it being on our doorstep and with that line-up, with Richard Ashcroft on the Sunday, there’s no chance I’m going to miss it.

“I’m definitely sticking around after our set. We’re really excited about it.

“It’s always going to be amazing to play alongside a line-up like that and to be doing it in front of a hometown crowd is the best of both worlds. I went last year and I absolutely loved it and before I even knew we were playing it I was bigging it up saying it was one of my favourite festivals.

“Everything was perfect last year – the line-up was great, the set up was great – everyone I was with loved it.”

His highlight was DMAs.

“The only thing was they clashed with Gerry Cinnamon so I saw half of Gerry Cinnamon’s set and half of DMAs’,” said Jamie.

“But I absolutely love that band. I haven’t missed any of their Manchester or Liverpool gigs for years and I’ve bought tickets again for April.”

Meanwhile, The Ks have just been in the studio to finish their fourth single, Hoping Maybe.

Anticipation for the band’s singles has been on a similar trajectory to their live shows.

They are already on about 1.3 million plays on Spotify for their first three singles, including fan favourite Sarajevo.

Jamie added: “It’s just been steadily rising so at times you don’t realise but when we did hit the million mark it did take us back a bit. When you put in perspective and think a million people clicked on that track it did blow our minds a little bit.

“It makes you feel what you’re doing is worthwhile and keeps you going.”