Band Biography

A Koala tale

From their bizarre sense of humour to the electric live shows, anyone who has seen or heard of Koala Friday can be left in no doubt that the band as it stands today is a result of friendship forged over years of playing.

Koala Friday is the alias for a musical concept and idea which the twin brothers in the band have wanted to see succeed since playing together from the tender age of twelve. Mike and Simon Davies musical journey started out with regular performances at their high school (Longhill high school in East Sussex, UK) where they developed a taste for performing. They went on to study music for two years in Brighton where they met now fellow band member Ross Lower.

A band is born

It was clear very early on that Ross shared the brother’s passion for music, and by this stage song-writing too. It didn’t take them long to form their first band, welcoming the Davies’ other brother Chris on keyboards for the next two years. The band went through several name iterations, namely “Catch 22”, “Ben Trovato” and finally settling on “3 by 5” after a favourite John Mayer song.

By the time 2006 arrived, 3 by 5 had five band members, including Jason Lockwood on bass. The band signed their first recording contract in January 2007 and spent the early part of the year touring the UK and Europe. 2007 marked a year with extreme highs and depressing lows for the band, finally resulting in the band ending their successful stint.

"When will I see you again? When will we share precious moments?"

The following years saw Ross play and record with several successful artists and musicians, one of which was Rich Somers where he met the current bass player for Koala Friday; Otto Metaxas. Mike’s talent as a guitarist and singer made him more in demand as a player, and as an artist. It wasn't long before Mike became a prominent figure in the UK music scene. Simon pursued his other love in life and embarked on setting up several businesses which he still currently manages alongside his duties as a koala bear.

Mike and Simon Davies partnered with Ross again in late 2008 to help with another Mike Davies musical project under the guise of Mike Mayfield. After several gigs playing together it was clear that they were ready to launch a new exciting band which would write well crafted, catchy songs intended for those who are fed up with the lifeless commercial music scene and desire a new/edgy/organic band which thrives in the live setting.

The future for the Koala bears

Otto was secured as bass player for the band after a free Starbucks coffee (and muffin!), and in no time at all Koala Friday was born! Imagine John Mayer beating up Jason Mraz with a musical stick over an argument about James Morrison and you’re half way towards the ‘Koala Friday sound’. Koala Friday have come from nowhere to supporting major recording artists, securing national and international tours in a matter of months. The future is set to see the band rise from strength to strength with a packed diary for 2009 and beyond, be sure to check the progress of this band regularly, every week holds more exciting news for the band and fans a like!