Radio fame is music to band's ears

The loveGods have been picked from hundreds of up-and-coming artists to feature in Radio 1's search for the UK's best unsigned band.

The band's song, Sadie Mercedes, is being played and attracting rave reviews from presenter Chris Moyles.

Next week they will guest on Jo Whiley's show to talk about their experiences.

The band, an exotic mix comprising Australian lead singer Dah, French guitarist Art Menuteau and Brighton-born drummer Rob Kenny, will battle with four other bands.

Each day one act will drop out until the final two go head-to-head on April 2, with the winner staying on the Radio 1 playlist and getting the chance to record at the station's studios in Maida Vale, London.

The loveGods have been together for several years.

Art said: "We have spent a long time in preparation and, even if this doesn't come off, I'm sure something else will happen."

Art and Dah live together in Hove after meeting by chance in France.

Dah, who was born in Melbourne, said: "I was travelling across Europe and got stuck in Paris after losing my passport and train tickets.

"I started busking to get some money together."

Art said: "I was just having a coffee in this caf and saw her come up, sit down and start playing the guitar. I began talking to her about music and she ended up moving in that day."

After spending time in London, the couple moved to Brighton.

Dah said: "I came down one day and immediately rang Art to tell him we were moving.

"The place reminds me of Melbourne and I doubt if we could be anywhere else in England so diverse."

The loveGods regularly pack Brighton venues the Sussex Arts Club and Komedia but are turning their attention to their first full-length album.

Their mini-album Between Dogs And Wolves is available on their web site www.thelovegods.com They are playing an acoustic set at the arts club tonight and will be at Komedia on April 28.

Go to www.bbc.co.uk/radio for more information on the band's competition.