Blue Vinyl Records
This UK four-piece made an immediate impact on the English charts during 2001 with a string of well-crafted pop/R&B singles. Duncan James and Antony Costa, who first met on the audition circuit, decided to form their own group in early 2000. They soon teamed up with Lee Ryan, who they had first noticed on the circuit, and his flatmate Simon Webbe, an ex-professional footballer. A management and recording contract with Innocent Records ensued, and the quartet was placed with several songwriting/production teams. Their debut single "All Rise", written by leading Norwegian pop team Stargate and taken from the album of the same name, reached number 4 in the UK singles chart in May 2001 and spent several weeks in the Top 10.