THEY are a favourite of the Bolton music scene and even have their own army of fans – but this band is hoping to grow its loyal brigade into a full force.

The Jade Assembly has been top of the bill for festivals and gigs around the region for the past four years.

Next month the indie four-piece is aiming for their next step on the music industry ladder with the release of new single Got My Star.

Recorded earlier this year at Wolverhampton-based Magic Garden Recording Studio, the band worked with producer Gavin Monaghan, who has more than 25 years experience in the industry with the likes of Ocean Colour Scene and The Twang.

Frontman John Foster said: "We were looking for someone to record with and someone mentioned Gavin to us. When we spoke to him, he said we had been on his radar for a couple of years and he would love to record with us – which was nice to hear!

"This track was getting a really good response live, it's upbeat and certainly fits in to what you hear on the radio at the moment. Gavin was one of the people who recommended that we release the song.

"It's about striving all your life for something and eventually reaching that goal.

"The pre-sale is going really well and the touring is definitely helping. We love that and it's what we want to do fulltime.

"We are getting very close to that and I think the new releases will push us to that. That's what people around us are telling us and that's what we hope for!"

Got My Star will be released on November 6 and is currently available on pre-sale as a limited edition 7" vinyl.

John adds: "Vinyl is having a really big comeback at the moment. It's something a little bit different and we only have a limited 500 copies available."

Fans can also check out the new music video online and to drum-up the excitement for the track, the band, which includes lead guitarist Gareth Smedley, bassist Daniel Hayes and drummer Andy Watson, have hit the road on a special tour.

It has seen them playing stages in Bolton, Warrington, Wigan, Newcastle with Leeds, Blackburn, London and Manchester also on the agenda.

Of course the self-dubbed Jade Army fans have been out in force, packing out the Alma Inn last Friday as well as a growing legion of new followers.

John said: "I've lived in Bolton all my life and never played the Alma before – it was absolutely rammed and we loved it.

"That's what we do it for, seeing everyone singing the songs and it's like a big family. We've been seeing familiar faces and a lot of unfamiliar ones as well.

"Every night of the tour has been packed out and our biggest how to date will be in London's Camden Town on November 2.

"I just want to thank everyone for their support, without them we couldn't do this. The support from everyone in Bolton is always amazing."

Jade will play Napier in Blackburn this Saturday, followed by Bier Keller in Leeds on Sunday. They return to Manchester for the Jimmy's gig on November 4.

They have also recorded another track alongside Got My Star, which they will be releasing next year, and fans can catch them in action as they are due to announce more gig dates for the next two months.