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Biography
While Union J may have began life with an audition for the fourth series of The X-Factor, the band's actual formation would come a good four years afterwards. The first seeds of the band were sewn when the 14 year old Josh Cuthbert auditioned for the show in 2007, thanks to this audition, he came to the attention of Alpha Dog Management's Blair Dreelan. Dreelan was impressed with his voice and his look, and decided to work with him on a number of projects, sensing greatness in him. A couple of years, later, Cuthbert struck up a friendship with Jaymi Hensley while they were both studying at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, and since they were both natural performers, they teamed up with Jamie Hamblett to put a band together, which they named Triple J.
In 2012, Triple J auditioned successfully for that year's series of The X-Factor, as did a young singer and songwriter by the name of George Shelley, but Triple J were sent home just prior to the set of auditions at the judge's houses. However, another group called Rough Copy were surprisingly sent home, and Triple J were invited back on the condition that they added Shelley to the group. They gladly accepted the opportunity, three became four, and Triple J were renamed Union J. Almost immediately after their debut they became fan favourites dominating almost half the online discussion about the episode that they first performed on as a four-piece.
They eventually finished in fourth place, and had such a fervent following that a record contract with Sony Music soon followed. Their debut single was recorded in January 2013, released the following June and was a roaring success, peaking at number 6 on the UK Charts. Ever since then, the band have become one of the most popular boybands around, supporting the likes of The Vamps and Selena Gomez while playing their own headline shows all over the world. The sky is very much the limit for Union J, and while they've reached heights that many can barely dream of, their best days are still far ahead of them. For that, they come highly recommended.
Live reviews
Union J could be the hottest new competitors on the scene currently monopolised by the ubiquitous One Direction. There have been many eager voices calling for this apparent resurgence in the ‘90s staple that was the boy band.
The four-piece could be proof that it’s working. Straight-down-the-line, feel-good, toe-tapping, un-alienating wholesome, goodness in the form of four striking young lads who met at an X Factor audition. As a 24 year old male watching them play at Cofton Park in Birmingham, I knew I was out of place. But seeing the crowd of mostly girls enamoured by the catchy, piano-based pop anthems Beautiful Life, Loving You is Easy and Carry You, I didn’t care. I got on board, started fist-pumping, even sung along to the infectious refrains. And I had a bloody good time.
They’re like four Mick Jaggers, relocated in the twenty-first century. I challenge anyone to tell me how they’re any different to how the Stones were when they played to swathes of screaming fans after Beggars Banquet dropped in 1968. They’re cleaner, more commercial. But the Stones were also ‘sellable’. Union J are as spirited as any great British act and are four young saplings worth watching.
tom-lee-7
With the diva personalities of One Direction with growing demands and further disputes, fellow X factor alumni Union J could be set to usurp the quarrelling quintet with their own blend of danceable pop. What sets these guys aside is their hard working dynamic and overall likeable personalities. You get the impression they are having the times of their lives every time they step onto stage and clearly get on well as people.
They also hold their fans in the highest of opinion as they know it is thanks to their support that they made it to fourth place on the X factor and then continued to have a lucrative followup career. They delight the fans with brilliant renditions of favourites such as 'Where Are You Now' and 'Beautiful Life'. They also cleverly design the setlist so each member has an opportunity to showcase their vocal which range from acoustic to R & B. Jaymi personally shines during a cover of 'Listen' by Beyonce which is no easy option for any artist let alone a young man in his 20s. There are big things ahead for Union J so watch this space.
sean-ward
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