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About JlsJLS consists of four members, Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes,
Jonathan ‘GB’ Gills, and
Ortise Williams.
Williams is the
visionary behind the
band. JLS was conceived
much before the band was
actually formed when
Williams, with his dream
to form a boy band was
scouring through guitar
shops, looking for
members for his dream
group. He had also put
up signs around the
University of North
London campus where he
was studying. One by
one, Williams met the
people who were soon to
become JLS, and the band
was formed in 2007.
Not only did the members
forge a brotherly bond,
but they instantly
developed a terrific
musical dynamic. The
band didn’t believe in
slacking off, they meant
business and got down to
it. JLS won the Urban
Music Awards for Best
Unsigned Act in 2007.
After a lot of
disciplined polishing
and rehearsing, the band
were already doing gigs
and arranging their own
photo shoots, when they
decided to go on X
Factor. After a series
of solid performances on
the show, the band was
the last remaining act
from Louise Walsh’s
team. The boys gained a
huge following during
the show, which was
evident when they were
saved during the first
public vote on the final
night. After a truly
close run up to the
finals, JLS were runners
up in the show, coming
second to Alexandra
Burke.
Post X factor, the band
did the X Factor Live
Tour along with other
finalists on the show.
The band had repeatedly
heard the name of Epic
Records MD Nick Raphael
who has been responsible
for artists like Jay Z
and Lemar, during the
series. It was rumoured
that Simon Cowell’s
record company Syco were
to sign JLS but the band
later signed with Epic
Records. In 2009, the
band got a supporting
slot for Lemar on his
spring tour.
In July 2009 the band
performed at T4 on the
Beach as well as Party
in the Park (Leeds)
sharing the stage with
artists like Calvin
Harris and Dizzee Rascal
among others. Beat
Again, the JLS’s debut
single was released on
13th July 2009, and six
days later made it to #1
on UK Singles Chart. The
track sold more than a
100,000 copies during
the first week itself.
JLS are only the second
non-winning act in the X
Factor to make it to #1
on the UK Singles Chart.
JLS’s debut album said
to be titled JLS is
slated to release in
November 2009. Rumour
has it that Ne-Yo has
offered support to the
band on the album. Their
second single Everybody
In Love is to be out mid
October for download.
Back in 2007, Ortis
Williams had a dream of
forming a super group.
With JLS, a whirlwind of
talent, energy and
passion, he might well
have realised this
dream.
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