Meet rockers Rebel City Radio

catches up with the region's best unsigned acts and meets the musical stars of tomorrow - this week it's Rebel City Radio.

The ones to watch this week are so ambitious they're not waiting for any old label to sign them but have instead decided to create their own.

Stourbridge's Rebel City Radio is a four- piece rock band bursting with enthusiasm and ready to hit the big time.

Band members are Robbie Sparks on vocals and guitar, Mac Mayhem on vocals and guitar, Dave Halloran on bass and backing vocals, and Joey Biggs on drums.

The group started performing in 2008 and recently released their debut album. They are now looking forward to bringing their sound to audiences around the region with a number of gigs – that is, when drummer Biggs' broken wrist has healed.

So what are the band's top moments so far?

Sparks said: "I'd like to say recording the album was one of the top moments of the band but it was one of the most frustrating, long-winded and very cold experiences of my life.

"I suppose releasing it on our own label, and knowing we did it all ourselves will be something I'll find rewarding when looking back in later life.

"Another top moment I'd say is a cocktail of intertwining moments when playing live; feeling the energy of the crowd and throwing it straight back at them, applause, satisfaction, release, climax.

"All of which are a healthy reminder of why you put yourself through it in the first place."

Citing influences such as The Clash, Nirvana, Ramones and Levellers, the band say they differ from other rockers out there because they try to steer away from imitation.

Sparks said: "We have a wide range of influences within the band which probably helps prevent us becoming too repetitive.

"In all honesty though, we don't spend any time trying to be different. Musically we don't so much write but just play what feels right and ultimately keep what sounds good to us.

"We don't set out to please anyone else other than ourselves. I think that, coupled with brutally honest and personal lyrics, it offers enough for us to form our own identity.

"We live in a world where people need function and order, otherwise they'll flap into a dizzy mess, so it's impossible to not be pigeon-holed. Even 'alternative' is its own genre now."

The group will be headlining a Kerrang Showcase gig by Emma Scott Presents . . . at The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, on February 18 next year and the lads hope lots of people will come down and support them. For more information about the band visit www.rebelcityradio.co.uk, find them on Facebook by typing Rebel City Radio, or go to their MySpace site at www.myspace.com/rebelcityradio