King of Play band members Richard Snowden and Ben Stubbs, both 15, wowed judges and a 400-strong crowd at the Live and Unsigned gig in Sheffield on Saturday 1st March.

They beat off competition from seven other acts and are now one of seven bands who will go on to the regional finals at Sheffield's Montgomery Theatre on Saturday 12th April.

"Getting through that heat was definitely the proudest moment since we got together," said Ben. "We never expected to get this far, but the concert was brilliant and the Worksop crowd were definitely the loudest."

Richard and Ben formed the band in October 2006 after meeting in a music class at school and have continued to flourish ever since.

They have penned seven songs together - including Marilyn which got them through the semi final - and said the writing process was a team effort.

Click here to see a video of King of Play performing Marilyn.

"We do argue a lot, but usually one of us goes away and pulls it off for the best," said Ben. "We just love having cups of tea and jamming - there's nothing like it."

The band signed up to the Live and Unsigned contest through social networking website Myspace.

The musical pair are now putting the finishing touches to their next song, which they will perform at the regional finals next month.

If they are one of the lucky two to be selected, they will go on to the national finals in London in June and could win a major recording contract worth £20,000.

"We are really excited," said Richard. "We still can't believe we have come this far, and it means a lot to hear people singing our own songs."

For more information about the band and to hear their songs, visit www.myspace.com/kingofplay01.

(Interview by Chantal Spittles)

Click here to listen to the band play Famous in a Love Song.