How Viola Beach took on the music industry after self funding their debut single, Swings and Waterslides

But it all started for Viola Beach when they self-funded their debut single, Swings and Waterslides.

Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy from Sugar House, based at St Helens' Catalyst Studios, worked with the band on five tracks between 2014 and 2015 before their breakthrough.

"It's been a massive shock," said music producer Lee.

"We're both devastated and it's hard every time we hear the track."

The last time the Warrington band came into the studio was just before their first official gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool for BBC Introducing's Dave Monks.

"They came in a couple of days before that just for us to work on the set with them and spruce up a few of the tracks," said Lee, 33.

"We heard a lot of the potential new songs and there was one in particular called Call You Up which blew us away "It was the sort of song that sends shivers down your spine."

Lee said that even back then he could sense something special about the band.

He added: "There were a few line-up changes during our time working with them but you could tell there was something about their frontman, Kris Leonard.

"Not just in a musical sense – you wanted to be his mate. He was a charismatic guy.

"Jack Dakin's drumming was also very different which led us down certain paths. He had his own style.

"People got on board with them not just because of the music but because of the way they were as a bunch of lads. There was a really good atmosphere in the studio.

"Some bands we work with have this sort of well thought out plan.

"Kris knew what he wanted to do but they were just mates and wanted to make a good noise together and they did.

"They were different. We get a lot of bands that turn up and try and sound like Peace or Foals.

"That’s fine but you’ve got to have your own thing and I think they made that look effortless. We had the privilege of trying to carve out their sound for them as well."

Viola Beach and their Woolston manager Craig Tarry were discovered by BBC Introducing, a service for under the radar bands, when Kris sent in the track, Love My Love.

BBC Introducing Merseyside presenter Dave Monks became a huge supporter of the band and got them a place at Reading and Leeds Festival.

"We remember as a team sitting in a room listening through to all the tracks for consideration and being blown away when we heard Swings and Waterslides," said Jason Carter, head of BBC Introducing.

"A true stand out track from an incredibly exciting new band. Things moved fast for the band from then on, with growing airplay at Radio 1 via Huw Stephens as well as support from 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

"At Reading Festival weekend, we stood with an excited Craig Tarry backstage who was glowingly showing us how the band had reached number two on 'Hype Machine' that day following their performance at the festival.

"In September last year, the Warrington boys brought their sparkling indie pop to the legendary Maida Vale Studio 3.

"With continuing success, it was announced just less than two weeks ago that the band would join us out in Austin, Texas for our BBC Introducing showcase at South by South West music festival – a first opportunity in North America.

"The thoughts of the whole BBC Introducing family are with the friends and families of Kris, Jack, River, Tomas and Craig."

In a way, things have gone full circle for Viola Beach since their death because all the attention is again on their debut single, Swings and Waterslides, where it all began.

The song is making its way up the official chart and the iTunes chart as fans, friends and family support the band's dream of having a number one.

"I wish they were here to see it," said Lee.

"It’s great that people are getting behind but it is very weird seeing it for me and Ady as Swings and Waterslides is just something we recorded one day in St Helen’s.

"It’s very sad but it’s been amazing and humbling to see the likes of Liam Gallagher encouraging people to download it.

Kris and bassist Tom Lowe set up their own record label called Fuller Beans to launch Swings and Waterslides.

Lee added: "It is essentially an unsigned track. They funded it themselves and it is probably a long time since an independent track last entered the top 40.

"It’s staggering what happened but I’m hoping there is going to be a great legacy there.

"What Viola Beach proved is if you do things properly and write great songs and get your act together anything is possible.

"They have inspired a lot of the bands that we work with and I think it will inspire a lot of the bands in Warrington."

Viola Beach were due to play a sold-out gig at the Pyramid on March 12 and at Parr Hall on October 1.

A spokesman for the Culture Warrington venues said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about the passing of Warrington’s Viola Beach and their manager in a tragic road accident in Sweden.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the members of the band at this very sad time."

Jack Dowling, from Viola Beach's promoter SJM, added: "We have lost an incredible group of talented young men.

"Individually brilliant, together even better. I'm humbled to have shared time with them and I know how proud the town of Warrington has been to produce such shining stars."