Rochelle are ready to hit the UK hard with their genre crossing beats and infectious lyrics. Read on as they check in with Urbanplanet.co.uk

Their newest single “Fer De Lance” contains punk pop beats; electronic bass topped off with cockney lyrics and a whirlwind of other musical influences- an unusual sound which draws you in fiercely.

From their musical influences to fighting techniques Rochelle members - Lydia, Thom and James give Urbanplanet.co.uk a pleasant earful. Read on for the complete Rochelle lowdown.

How would you describe your style?

L: Its essentially pop music made from cross-genres. Electronic, indie, dance. The idea is for people to be able to let go and move their body but you can also sit down and really listen to it. There are hidden depths lyrically. It’s sometimes quirky, playful and seductive. Multi-purpose.

Who are your influences?

J: They're mixed up of past & present, great songwriters to innovative performers. The Beatles, Daft Punk, SMD, Madonna, Kylie, Kraftwerk.

What’s unique about Rochelle?

L: We seem to be making music that speaks to a vast range of ages. With the 80's inspiration from rave and pop to electro - people in their 40s+ can relate to our sounds, and enjoy them in a fresh but retrospective way.
T: On the other hand, kids at All Ages shows go crazy for the high energy within our music.
J: We're really hands on with what we do and take it very seriously...but we seem to be friendly, relaxed and happy compared to some other bands!

If you could pick any other band or artist to play with who would you choose? Who wouldn’t you choose?

L: Robyn would be great, as she's a good example of genre-crossing, but making appealable and accessible pop music. And Friendly Fires.
T: Kylie

Which celebrity would you least like to be stuck on a desert island with and why?

L: I wouldn't like to be with any celeb, I think I'd rather feed myself to the sharks. A best friend who happens to be a boy & really hot would do - then you'd have it all.

Who are currently your favourite bands/artists?

The Presets. Friendly Fires. Cut Copy. Goldfrapp. Foals

Who do you think will make it big in 2008?

Friendly Fires or Late of The Pier or The Whip

Who do you think would win in a fight between yourselves, The Clik Clik and The Ting Tings?

L: Well, we're mates with The Clik Clik, so I'd imagine we'd team up. 7 Vs 2 - you can work it out. I'd hope we'd just talk it out and end up playing musical chairs or something. That can always solve a problem.

Are there any acts you love to hate?

MIKA

What was your first job?

J: Cleaning dishes in a cafe... for £2.80 per hour :-(
T: Paperboy.

What's your pre-gig drink of choice?

J: Sunblush (cocktails) and Absinth. And Cider.

Who is your all time favourite act?

L: Stevie Wonder to be able to make you prance & smile or thoughtful & cry with his song writing and voice is genius.
J: Silverchair.

Which one song do you wish you had written?

T: Everlong by Foo Fighters.
L: Vogue by Madonna.
J: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis.

What is your dream car?

T: TVR Cerbera
J: Vintage Porsche 911.
L: Aston Martin.

Are you a fan of boy racers?

L: Their sound systems - yes.

What car do you have now and why did you choose it?

T: We have a Red LDV Van called Morrison. We chose it so we could conquer cities in it.

What advice would you give to unsigned bands trying to break the music industry?

T: Plan achievable goals so the journey is as exciting and rewarding as possible, because it’s hard.
L: Be pleasant to everyone. You don't always know the powers behind the people you meet. A bad attitude won't get you very far!
J: Having a trustworthy team a round you makes working in the music industry so much better, so it’s important to find the right people.

Can you name one annoying habit/trait about each band member?

L: Thom is socially inept, but loveable. James is tres practical but makes me laugh like a hyena.

Do you have a particular message for all of those people who think someone in the band is called Rochelle?

L: Yeah.....James and Thom don't go by the name unless they're having particularly feminine days. And neither do I. Though I won't correct you if you call me Rochelle, it’s a free world.

How did you decide on the band name?

T: I went on holiday to La Rochelle in France when I was younger and visited a mystic. She told me my destiny was in music. So when the band formed I told the others the story and we decided on the name.
L: Mystical.

If you were going to be dancers would you choose street dancing or tap?

T: Tap.
L: I'd say Crunk.
J: Two step.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

L: We'll all be doing music for sure. We've got so much more to come from within Rochelle, our sounds and ideas develop on a daily basis. You don't get longevity like the old days, but I think we all hope to achieve the nearest thing to it as Rochelle.

Visit: www.myspace.com/rochellebanduk