INFLUENCING everyone from Nirvana and The White Stripes to Kent's Tracey Emin has leant Chatham’s Billy Childish a cult status that's hard to beat.

So it's little wonder he continues to prove an inspiration to the present Medway music scene including promising rock outfit The Lovedays.

In just a few short months together the band have already found themselves recording an album and are fast building a loyal following. As their frontman Ben Jones enthused, there are many reasons to be optimistic with a number of acts from the county making serious breakthroughs.

"People always seem to feel ashamed that they come from the Medway area, but there are some interesting things going on," explained the 24 year-old singer who attended Mid Kent College.

"There's a real scene building up with bands like UpCDown C, Lupen Crook and Underground heroes all getting record deals."

Although he's yet to sit down and have a real chat with the man who provided inspiration for his group's name, there's little doubt the old punk artist would doubtless approve of their hard-grafting work ethic.

"The thing that makes Billy Childish's music brilliant is that he embraces the fact that he is from round here. Our name actually comes from one of Billy's characters, William Loveday," he added.

Since moving to Maidstone around 10 years ago, Ben began songwriting and playing in a number of bands including touring with US outfit the Un-Americans.

"But putting together a enthusiastic young line-up for the Lovedays including guitarist Jason Crispe, Samuel Jacques on drums and bass player, Ned Wombwell has been a fine challenge.

The harmony-fuelled group have picked up strong melodic influences from the sounds of the 1960s, mixed with a distinctive edge of their own and released a well-recieved EP, When The Lights Went Out.

"I have always been into music with melodies, from Brain Wilson and Lennon and McCartney, Ray Davies and The La's to Dylan, whom I particularly love as he really cared about the songs.

"That's the approach we are taking with the band now. I have played in groups where it's all about what kind of shades you're wearing, but this is different, we're leaving our egos at the door and focusing on putting on a good show for everyone," added Ben.

The moment the band are holed up at Ranscombe Studios in Medway finishing their latest stint of recording. With any fortune they could well be yet another act from the area picking up a major contract.

The Lovedays play Flaming Henry's in Maidstone on December 16.