Brush with fame in decorators' deal

Vocal quintet The Overtones are hoping for a brush with fame thanks to their five-album deal with Warner Music.

Frontman Timmy Matley, 28, said: "It's a dream come true."

The vintage music buffs – who specialise in doo-wop performances – have been concentrating on rollers rather than rock after forming their home decor firm.

They decided that working together would give them a chance to brush up their act while they made a living.

But now they hope to hang up their overalls on the back of the release of their debut album Good Ol' Fashioned Love, which is out in October.

They were spotted during a tea-break by a talent scout as they worked at an office near London's Oxford Street.

Matley, from Cork, and bandmates Mark Franks from Manchester, Lachie Chapman from Sydney, Mike Crawshaw from Bristol and Darren Everest from Essex release their album of new songs and classic covers on October 18.

And a first single Gambling Man comes out a week earlier.

Falsetto Everest, 29, said: "We only started the painting and decorating as a way to make a bit of cash and have a chance to rehearse at the same time.

"We never dreamed that would be the way we would get spotted by a label."

Matley added: "We have gone from our painting rags to musical riches.

"One minute we are trying to make ends meet wallpapering, the next we are signing a multi-album record deal with Warner."

President of Warner Music Entertainment Conrad Withey said: "The Overtones are the find of the year.

"I've described the boys as the Take That of Doo-Wop, which sets a pretty high bar but they are up to it both in terms of talent and looks.

"With the current vogue for '50s and '60s music and all things vintage, this is perfect timing for the album and the start of their recording career."

The deal for the decorators follows other record label contracts which have gone to nuns, Cornish fishermen and Chelsea pensioners.