Meg’s American dream comes a step closer thanks to Stateside record deal

A University of Northampton graduate’s music dreams could be coming true after a subsidiary of a major American record label offered to release her band’s single.

A year after graduating from the Graphic Communication course in 2014, Meg Amirghiasvand joined hotly tipped alternative rockers OhBoy! on guitar.

A string of impressive singles and live performances led to the Northampton five-piece signing a record contract in the UK with Alcopop! Records earlier this year – and now a subsidiary of US music giant Atlantic Records has added the band to its release roster.

Canvasback Music, home to lauded indie big guns Frightened Rabbit and Alt-J, will release two OhBoy! singles Stateside – with the label’s profile ensuring the band will get plenty of airplay on the influential US college radio scene.

“I think America is the ‘dream’ for any band so we feel really lucky to have this opportunity, particularly with a label that’s part of Atlantic Records,” said Meg, who works as a graphic designer in her day job.

“It’s been a busy summer and we’ve all worked really hard, so it’s nice to have this as a reward for all of that. Even if it doesn’t work out, just the opportunity in itself is a really exciting thing.

“Going over to the States for gigs depends on how well the singles are received, really. I’d love to do it, I’ve never been to America before and it’s always been on my bucket list so it would be brilliant if we could. Fingers crossed.”

Meg added: “We just want to thank all of our friends and family for their constant support. The response to this news has been so nice, everyone seems really pleased for us and we’re hoping we can do them all proud.”

OhBoy!’s first US single, Hey Princess, which will be released in the US on Friday 28 November, also features the handiwork of another University of Northampton alumi. Popular Music graduate Joe Carter co-engineered the record, together with band front-man Jay Brook, who is also an alumni of the University.

Watch OhBoy!’s last single, A Bird In The Hand.