THEY have mesmerised Oxford venues Magic Cafe and Baby Simple.

Now two music teachers are swapping the humble surroundings of Oxford’s intimate venues to light up London’s O2 Arena.

Called The Lost Art, Greg Hooper, 27 of Oxford, and Gordo Francis, 29, of Bicester, only began playing together six months ago.

But the pair won three heats and beat about 10,000 contestants to book their place in the Open Mic UK national final.

Next month, they will face 60 other acts at the 02 in front of a judging panel that includes Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale, and performers Shola Ama and Pete Cunnah of the band D:Ream.

A £5,000 prize to spend on development of their music, and a publicity package with national music press exposure awaits the winners.

Both play acoustic guitar, are classically trained, and have a repertoire that stretches from their own work to modern pop hits and classic rock numbers.

The pair’s showstopper is Mr Brightside by American band The Killers.

Mr Hooper said: “It’s a good one for ending the set, although if we are in the zone the crowd usually gives us a great reaction.

“At first we weren’t sure about it. We entered as soon as we formed the band. It was kind of an afterthought.

“We thought it might be a bit X-Factor-ish, but it’s been such fun, and we’re a little bit starstruck at playing the O2 to be honest. It’s going to be our biggest gig by far.

”We didn’t think it was going to be anything like this. It’s really helped us focus on our act. When you’re in a band you can get into songwriting and performing but something like this makes you focus on your showmanship.

“We just decided to go for it. Most of our days are filled with writing music and practising. We’re also feeling around for management. If we were to win we would invest in studio time, but the exposure aspect will be great.

“We’ve had great support from loads of our friends in Oxford.”

Mr Francis is head of music at Bruern Abbey School in Chesterton, and Mr Hooper is a music tutor at Marlborough School in Woodstock.

The pair have a range of influences from singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley to Led Zeppelin, Queen, Nick Drake and composer Stravinsky.

Their route to the final took in the regional and area heats, and they have performed in Nottingham, Oxford and at Oxjam in Clapham, London.

Anyone hoping to catch the duo before their London show will be treated to a rendition of Queen’s Bicycle Race at the White Horse in Stonesfield on Wednesday, January 9.

Mr Hooper added: “We haven’t quite worked out how we’re going to make the sound of the bells yet, but that’s part of the fun.”

 

THE Lost Art’s top five performance tips:

  • Don’t stop playing. If you forget a lyric, make up another one
  • Don’t scapegoat the sound man – if your guitar is too loud, play quietly and mention it to him after you finish. A good musician never blames the sound desk
  • Set up your mic stand properly (otherwise you may find that it starts to sink downwards mid-song and you have to finish the performance singing on your knees – we’re speaking from experience
  • Don’t get too distracted or overwhelmed by the occasion
  • Don’t be afraid to make eye contact with members of the audience. Engage with them