They didn’t plan to be a proper band.

When five lads from Walthamstow, Upminster, Loughton and Debden got together in Autumn 2011 they had given up on their dream of stardom and just wanted to make music for fun.

But four years later Eliza and the Bear have supported the likes of Imagine Dragons, Paramore and Twin Atlantic and have just announced their self-titled debut album will be out on February 19 and includes recent single Lion's Heart.

We caught up with lead singer James Kellegher, 26, from Essex, ahead of the band starting their UK tour in Manchester on Thursday (Oct 1) and coming to KOKO in London on October 7.

Describe each band member in three words.

Martin Dukelow (vocals and guitar) - The pretty one

Callie Noakes (vocals, keyboard)- The crazy one

Chris 'Brandy' Brand (bass) - The band muscle

Paul Jackson (drums) - The mysterious one

Me (lead vocals and guitar) - Am I allowed to describe myself?

How did you get into music?

I just started playing in bands with my mates at school, I started playing the drums cos I loved making s**t loads of noise.

How did you meet?

We all live about 10-15 minutes away from each other. We all knew each other when our bands all played together at the local venue!

Where do you live now?

We all live in the same place! Essex/east london

Favourite place to hang out in east London?

I’m sure you’ve got a good chance of bumping into one of us in Shoreditch, failing that we spend most of our time at our studio in Loughton.

What’s with the name? Tell the truth!

No Eliza’s, no bears. Just a collection of poems Paul found one day and we liked the name! As simple as that.

What do you sound like?

A festival in the blazing sun

Tell me about your first ever gig?

We were terrible, it was empty, and Brandy forgot to turn his bass on. Sums it all up really.

When did you realise it was no longer a hobby?

About two years ago we played Wembley with Paramore. That was a real 'wtf is going on?' moment. I never in my wildest dreams thought i would actually play Wembley arena.

What can fans expect from your gig at KOKO?

Lots and lots of dancing. And we are gonna treat people to some album tracks.

Do you have loyal fans in London?

We do! I can almost guarantee I’ll know who will be front and centre at the KOKO show!

Are you all single to mingle?

A few of the boys are!

Which celeb do you fancy?

I speak for all the boys - Taylor Swift.

How does it feel to have recorded your debut album?

It feels like a long time coming for us. it was three years in the making, and to be able to sit back and listen to it all is incredible

Which is your most personal song/which was the hardest to write and why?

A lot of the songs on the album are personal. The most personal is a song called Cruel.

What hardships have you had to overcome to make it this far?

Writing an album is hard, when you enter the studio to write with an album in mind, you have to approach it differently. It took us a while to find our feet.

Hhen did you start getting arthritis in your hands?

I actually had it in my knee! about 3-4 years ago now

How does it affect you?

It probably benefitted me, I started writing songs about it and people seemed to like them!

Who has influenced your music?

We are influenced by many people and things. A lot of new bands influence us, there's nothing like fresh music!

Is it all sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll?

We are basically Motley Crue

Is it easier to pick up dates when you‘re in a band?

I wouldn’t know!

Best gig/moment to date?

Wembley with Paramore.

Coolest person you’ve met?

Paramore!

What‘s the most embarrassing thing to have happened to you on stage?

My guitar cut out in the first song of a set before, it was just me playing. Silence. It was awful

Who is the best looking member of the band?

Dukey!

How important is hair when you’re in a band?

I think you can be in a band without hair. Moby, Michael Stipe are both legends

Who is the brains of the operation?

I think we all think we have brains, but maybe we are just lucky.

Who is the bossiest?

Callie likes to be the boss

Who is the hardest to get out of bed?

Paul maybe, he’s always the most tired in the morning.

If you weren‘t in a band what would you be doing?

Putting up adverts looking for a band.

Any hidden talents?

My feet are like hands, I can pick most things up with my feet.

Where can people hear your music?

Itunes, youtube, spotify, apple music, deezer

Details: www.elizaandthebear.com