We got the name Blue when..
We were working with top R 'n' B producers Stargate and were shivering atop a snow-capped mountain near the coastal town of Trondheim. “But then so is everything we do,” offers Duncan. “That's why we chose our name. Blue. It just seems to fit. In fact, everything's fallen into place since we got together.”

We got together when..
In August last year, Antony Costa and Duncan James met coincidentally after meeting in the audition circuit. We then realized that our mutual interests extend beyond the confines of smoky and beery hangouts. We then decided to form a group. But then we needed a couple more guys to make up the numbers.

So Duncan decided to call up Lee Ryan whom he considers “the best singer around“. Things fell into place when Lee brought in his flatmate, the equally talented Simon Webbe. So there you go, Blue is born.

Blue is..
Duncan 'Dunc' James, born on 7th April 1979.
Likes Seventies Funk and hates McDonalds.

Duncan was brought up in Dorset till the age of 13, before his mum relocated to Sidmouth in Devon - where he first realised he “had a voice.” After studying Drama 'A' Level, Duncan decided to use his newly discovered singing powers to get some experience at both holiday resorts and a spate of embryonic bands, which he says were “perfect for cutting your teeth on but no more than that!” Luckily, the land of average bands was quickly left behind when he met fellow Blue-member Anthony at that pool hall.

Antony Costa born on 23rd June 1981.
Likes George Michael and hates Heavy Metal.

Born and bred in Middlesex and north London respectively, Duncan's mate Antony already has a pretty impressive CV for a 19-year-old. Not only has he had parts in Grange Hill and The Bill (“for some reason I always seem to play the parts of cheeky little thugs!”), Antony also played the lead part in the hit BBC sitcom Chalk. Singing? He was always a natural, but he never deemed it a serious career option till he met Duncan.

Lee Ryan born on 17th June 1983.
Likes Motown Villain and hates Jungle (“the music obviously”).

Lee, a Southeast London boy, is the youngster of the group. Brought up in Blackheath, he tried the drama school thing - but hated his teachers. “They're always trying to steer you towards West End musicals - and the last thing I wanna do is some cheesy big band number!” So that was that. Lee promptly headed off to the nearest audition and, grabbing some bit parts in Holby City en route, met Duncan and the other guys.

Simon 'Solo' Webbe born on 30th March 1979.
Likes Ice Cube and hates Eggs (“it's an allergy thing”).

The oldest member of the band, Manchester-born Simon originally had his heart set on being a professional footballer, and was signed to Port Vale, before being poached by Stoke City. That was after he'd been approached by Derby County, Birmingham City, Liverpool and Shrewsbury Town. In fact, the nearest he'd got to a microphone was with Criminal Damage, a hip hop sound in Birmingham he'd occasionally rapped with, but that was enough to make him quit the beautiful game and head down to London.

Our songs are.. Besides working with Stargate, we have also recorded tracks with Jonny Douglas (All Saints, George Michael), Quiet Money (Sade, Dane Bowers), Elliot Kennedy (Steeleworks, Five) and singer songwriter Ray Ruffin, son of Motown legend Jimmy Ruffin.

We'd like to emphasize on tough grooves and soulful vocals, with tracks ranging from the smooth disco-tinged R 'n' B of “Too Close” to the classic pop harmonies of mid-tempo track “If You Come Back” (produced by Ray Ruffin), which beautifully showcases Lee's vocals. Watch out too for the brazenly funky debut single All Rise, a seriously hook-filled blend of melodic harmonicas, crisp percussive beats, and plenty of vocal attitude &#shy not to mention a nicely low-slung rap from Simon.

Says Duncan:
“I know it's been said a million times before, but we want the music to speak for itself. We want to be respected for being a quality act, and not known for being as in-yer-face as some other bands.” Simon adds: “We don't think we're special, we just do what we do without winding people up. If we could achieve a little success along the way then we'd be happy.”

All Rise

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