Talented former Burnley Youth Theatre students says 'sky's the limit 'for his band as he prepares for UK tour with multi award winning girl group Little Mix

A talented young musician has spoken for the first time of his 'open mouthed elation'  after he won the live final of a TV reality show to launch the band who will go on tour with the multi-award winning girl group Little Mix.
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Patrick Ralphson (20) and his band, Since September, beat off competition from four other rival bands to win the viewers' vote in the final of the BBC One show Little Mix: The Search.

Patrick and his fellow bandmates will now support Little Mix on their UK tour next year.

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Describing the moment when the band were announced as the winners, Patrick said it was 'a very tense minute that went on for a long time.'

Patrick (far right) and his fellow Since September band matesPatrick (far right) and his fellow Since September band mates
Patrick (far right) and his fellow Since September band mates

"The shock, relief and elation was like an emotional outpour," said Patrick.

Admitting that the competition was hard work, with a daily routine of early morning calls to be in the studio making music all day, Patrick said: "That was always a given but I was prepared to work hard and it was such an enjoyable experience too that I am really grateful for.

"Everyone on the show, from the runners to the very top producers, were so nice to us, asking how we were and always with a smile."

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Little Mix also shared their joy at Since September's success, telling them they were ready for success and would definitely 'smash it.'

Big things are on the horizon for gifted musician Patrick RalphsonBig things are on the horizon for gifted musician Patrick Ralphson
Big things are on the horizon for gifted musician Patrick Ralphson

The competition saw individual musicians compete for a place in the bands that were then split into different categories. Patrick's band was the vocal and instrument band and they are battled it out against a girl group, boy band, a girls' dance band and an R and B group.

Thrilled when he was chosen to be part of one of the bands, Covid 19 rules meant that former Burnley Youth Theatre student Patrick and his fellow band members had to move in together in a house in London so they can be part of the same social 'bubble. '

Patrick said: "We formed a bond almost immediately and I think that showed in our performances, there was nothing forced or contrived.

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"We all get on so well and it would be weird if we didn't speak to each other every day.

Patrick with his parents and sister Sally.Patrick with his parents and sister Sally.
Patrick with his parents and sister Sally.

"The sky is the limit for us, we are all really motivated as a band and know we have potential to go as far as we possibly can because we are prepared to work hard."

The selection process for the show started back in 2019. With many set-backs due to the pandemic, it has been a long journey for the contestants and they came up with the band name, Since September, as that is when the competition began.

When it dawned on him that he would be playing at some of the UK's top arenas, including the O2 in London, where he has watched some of his own musical idols play, Patrick was in awe.

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He said: "To think I will be playing on the same stage and using the same dressing room as some of the artistes I have paid hundreds of pounds to see is mind blowing and just so exciting."

Patrick and his band will support Little Mix on their 2021 UK tourPatrick and his band will support Little Mix on their 2021 UK tour
Patrick and his band will support Little Mix on their 2021 UK tour

Patrick was given a hero's welcome when he returned to his Pendle home to be greeted by his proud parents, Molly and Dean and family, friends and neighbours who supported him on the show.

Patrick said: "It was just so nice to come home and see my family and especially my Border Collie dog Pippa."

Now living in Trawden, Patrick and his family lived in Fence for 13 years and he attended Wheatley Lane Primary School in the village.

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A ex-pupil at Ermysteds Grammar School and Sixth Form in Skipton, Patrick has been able to continue his studies in Politics and German at the University of Manchester online.

Now in his second year he is planning to suspend his studies as his degree course involves spending a year abroad, something he cannot do while on tour with the band.

"This opportunity only comes round once in a lifetime so I want to make the most of it. I am doing something that I love and there can be no better work than that, " he said.

Patrick, who started playing the guitar when he was only seven, admits that being on stage playing and singing is his 'dream come true.'

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Patrick has been a member of several local bands, including one which opened Bingley Live in 2018. He got his inspiration to play from his dad, who plays base guitar, and they have even played a few gigs together.

And Patrick cites his dad as being his biggest musical hero and influence.

He said: "I know it's a cliche, but my dad really is the one person who has inspired me. He has played in a variety of bands who are all really good."

Another of Patrick's early influences are the band McFly who he saw perform live at Towneley Live in 2011.

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But he went on to develop an eclectic taste in music and lists reggae as one of his favourite genres.

Patrick said: "Listening to reggae it is impossible not to unleash happy feelings, I love Bob Marley and the 'old school' vibe."

Patrick also plays in a funk band in Manchester playing Herbie Hancock tunes and he believes the Beatles created all pop music adding: "Anyone who says they are not influenced by the Beatles is lying."

Also a fan of Liam and Noel Gallagher Patrick Patrick's ultimate band is the Stone Roses and he explains how attending one of their gigs was a 'life changing' moment for him.

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He said: "For the first time in my life I started to actually hear the music and not just let it happen.

"It made sense how all the individual parts came together. I will be forever grateful for that gig."

Patrick hopes Since September will be given the opportunity to perform some of their own original work aswell as performing covers of well known hits on the tour.

He said: "We all sing, play instruments and write our own songs and we pride ourselves on that."

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And while he doesn't mind the 'boy band' label Patrick said Since September does not really fit that image as they have a more rock n roll and indie vibe.

He said: "The last thing I want is for us to be a carbon copy of another band.

"When we play a well known song by another band or artiste we are not trying to be like them, we play our own interpretation of it."

And even though this time next year Since September may be as big as Take That or One Direction, Patrick will never forget his roots.

He said: "Roots and home are more important that anything, I would never forget that."

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