Video: X-Factor band The Reason 4 in Sheffield debut

That’s some build up from the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and producer responsible for some of the greatest hits by Bryan Adams, Take That, The Spice Girls and more.

But the feeling is mutual.

The Reason 4, who made a memorable impact on last season’s X-Factor as the likeable tattooed builders, say he is simply a music genius.

The self-proclaimed ‘manband’ - a little older than your average new boy band - are Marc Higgins, aged 29, Nathan Rawlings, 30, Glenn Vine, 26 and Scott White, 29. They made it as far as Simon Cowell’s house.

Now Eliot is planning to help them to the top after they signed to music publishers Sony ATV and asked for his help. Their debut single, Take It All - out on August 7 - will be the first ever release on his new FarWest Music label, to be followed by album, Crying Out Loud.

And it’s all been made in Sheffield at his Steelworks studio, where he has produced monster hits for superstar pals.

VIDEO: Press the play button to watch our exclusive video chat with The Reason 4 and Eliot Kennedy - plus get a sneak look at their debut music video.

Eliot told The Star: “The record has a very rough edge as far as a pop record is concerned, but it goes with the way they look.

“There’s lots of guitars, heavy programming and massive big drum sounds. It was a fantastic album to make. The best record I’ve ever made I think. It’s amazing.”

Marc said of their guru: “He’s a genius. You’ve only got to look at what he’s already achieved.”