January 10, 2007 15:56

Unsigned band set for top 40 single

New download rules open up the charts to new talent

A group from Essex look set to become the first ever unsigned band to reach the top 40 with a download-only single.

‘Blag, Steal and Borrow’ by Koopa is currently at number 17 in the unofficial midweek charts, and looks set to remain in the Top 40 despite a likely fall by Sunday (January 14).

Speaking to BBC NEWS, singer and bassist Joe Murphy said: “You don’t need to be dictated to by the big boys, by the record labels. You can release a song and if you’ve got the fanbase and people buy it, you’ll get into the charts, it’s great.”

The band have received significant interest from record labels on the back of their midweek placing.

As previously reported, the single chart rules changed at the beginning of the year allowing any download that is paid for to be counted towards the countdown.

For more on the band go to Koopatheband.com.