The best bands often begin with a group of mates getting together and playing music just for a laugh.

That’s how The Filthy Casuals began, but what started as a hobby has become a passion for four Gloucester teenagers.

Sam Harris and Scott McAlpine met at school and shared a passion for music. Sam, Max Gregory, and Dan Taylor all met playing rugby at Old Richians RFC in Gloucester.

“It was Sam and I that both played instruments at this time and decided to jam together for fun,” explained drummer Max. “It went quite well so we were able to get Scott and Dan involved and The Filthy Casuals were formed in late September 2017.

“We are all Gloucestershire lads – Longlevens, Newent and Huntley to be exact. Dan (bass guitar) and Scott (lead guitar) are at sixth form studying for A levels while Sam and I are studying Music Technology at Gloucester College.”

The boys formed the band aged just 15 and for the last two years have been honing their performance skills covering some of their favourite bands and songs.

Over the past few months lead singer Sam has been trying his hand at song writing, and slowly but surely the band are finding their own sound.

He continued: “It’s difficult to describe exactly as we have a wide range of influences. We are kind of an indie rock band but with an emphasis on big guitar and big drums.

“We love a big punchy sound that gets people dancing and tapping their feet – we want people to be able to recognise us as soon as they hear the first drum beat or guitar.”

Inspired by the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, AC/DC and – as they are keen to emphasise – “early” Arctic Monkeys, the style of music is not where the similarities end.

Arctic Monkeys were famously one of the first bands to take advantage of the internet to grow their popularity – their first album was handed out for free at concerts and then shared online by fans.

That was in the early 2000s, and as social media has become part of everyday life, The Filthy Casuals have managed to grow an impressive following online.

Scott added: “We’ve been able to grow a fantastic fanbase and have been blown away by the response we have received at pretty much everywhere we have played, from charity events to festivals.

“We’ve always tried to thank everyone who supports us on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and we do a monthly competition for a bit of fun where you can win T-shirts, mugs and other merchandise. It’s just our way of showing how much we appreciate everyone.”

But as is the case with most teenage pursuits, support begins at home.

“We’ve been blessed with incredible support from our families and close friends who run us to and from gigs and practice week after week and have always encouraged us,” said Dan.

“We’ve made so many great friends and fans through our performances, but our parents are our biggest fans and biggest critics and they’re brutally honest! Which, however hard to take at times, we have needed.”

The Filthy Casuals released their first ever single, ‘No Hurry’ last month, and with plans to release a debut EP in the coming months, it’s an exciting time for the boys.

Max continued: “We hope 2019 is going to be a good year for us with the release of our own music. 2018 gave us so many great memories and we know how hard it is to be liked and successful, but we are determined to give it our best shot.

“We have a number of big festivals and events that we have been booked for this year and would love people to follow us on our social media sites to find out more and get involved.”

For Sam, the next few months will be especially nerve-racking as the band shares their first original songs.

“We’re really excited to be getting our own music out there to new audiences and gauging the response,” he added.

“It’s scary when you put yourself out there and you write music that bears your soul and feelings for others to judge. But it’s exciting too, and if it works and is well received then it’s the best feeling ever.”