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OPEN ARMS

Amalgamating addictive anthemic pop with chic dance rock, Birmingham’s OPEN ARMS “Encapsulate pop...they do it in such a unique and intelligent way” - Alex Noble (BBC WM & BBC Introducing). Having formed back in 2015, the band has seen various line up changes and revisions sonically and aesthetically, before the current format was established. Composed of front man Ben Farmer, guitarist Sam Barratt, drummer Drew Peters and bassist Tom Andrews, OPEN ARMS began as four friends who grew up together finding a common love for music and everything it encompasses.

Since then, the four childhood friends have gone on to achieve multiple unsigned band competition titles, one of which landing them a spot opening for acts such as Lulu, Peter Andre and musical youth at the Solihull Summer Fest. The band's first single “Telescope'' was released in 2017, receiving airplay on BBC Introducing which would mark the start of acclaim and recognition from BBC Radio DJ’s. “Telescope” would also begin to capture the attention of live and digital audiences, initiating OPEN ARMS’ growth within their hometown of Birmingham.

It was followed by sophomore single “Honey” released in August 2018 which was intended as the lead track from their debut EP entitled “Sunflowers”. “Honey contains explosive guitar riffs and spirited vocals combined with walk the moon - esque synth forming a captivating dynamic... demonstrating that the band have certainly accommodated their dedicated fan base with this colossal single” - (One Great Song).

Currently they are working on their upcoming second EP “Rushing Cars And Symphonies”, with their first single “Hello” released 1st May 2020. OPEN ARMS are “Setting the bar higher with each release, as they continue to bloom and develop their sound.” - (One Great Song). Carving the landscape of “Anthemic Indie Pop - these guys would be well suited to Radio 1” - Alex Noble (BBC WM & BBC Introducing).

REVIEWS

Chris Wheatley - Music News
"There is an undeniable 80's vibe here....Their music sounds like the best of that decade distilled down into a new and exciting brew."

“Honey” kicks off with some instantly arresting guitar-work before blossoming unexpectedly into a post-pop masterpiece. The melody is simply beautiful. It is the type of song which it seems must always have existed, just waiting for the right people at the right time to give it form."

Lead Singer Ben Comments on the single “Honey” and the “Sunflowers” EP:

“That first body of work is something we are all really proud of. It reflects a really fond period of time for our band where we really began getting noticed for what we are trying to do. Having newcomers at the shows singing along to the songs by the second chorus is such an incredibly humbling and reassuring sentiment that we get to experience every time we play live and it’s something we never take for granted.

DISCOGRAPHY

All music written, recorded, produced mixed and mastered by
OPEN ARMS. OPEN ARMS are currently completely independent,
with no management or record label.

ARTIST INFORMATION

Genre: Pop/Indie Pop/Alternative

Influences: WALK THE MOON / The 1975 / COIN / Peace / Prince /
Harry Styles / Tears For Fears / The Killers / The Beatles / INXS / David Bowie

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LIVE APPEARANCES INCLUDE:
02 Academy (Birmingham), 02 Institute (Birmingham), The Sunflower Lounge (Birmingham), Genting Arena (Birmingham),
Actress & Bishop (Birmingham), Jimmy’s (Manchester) The Kasbah (Coventry), The Robin 2 (Bilston), West Street Live (Sheffield),
University Of Birmingham Students Union, Bath Spa University Students Union, Pig & Fiddle (Bath),
FESTIVALS:
Solihull Summer Festival, HowTheLightGetsInFestival, Camper Calling Festival, Bearwood Shuffle Street Festival, Rock The Beacon Festival, Mayfest, EFestival , Chuckery Festival
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OPEN ARMS ARE...
Ben Farmer Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer
Sam Barratt Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Drew Peters Drums, Backing Vocals