11:04am Friday 4th July 2008
The curse of the reality TV talent show is something that has dogged many acts over the years, think One True Voice and David Sneddon. But Andy and Carl Pemberton, known to their fans as Journey South, have defied the odds and are still going strong three years after coming third on the X Factor.
But despite being transformed from weekend musicians gigging on the pub and wedding circuit to chart-topping pop stars, the brothers from Middlesbrough, who come to St Albans Area this Thursday as part of their UK tour, are determined to remain grounded.
When I ask if Andy has ever uttered the phrase, don't you know who I am?', he exclaims in horror: "I can't believe people are like that. I understand that if you are 14, 15 or 16 years old and get into music straight out of school it might go to your head a bit, but we got into it when I was around 29 and Carl was about 24. We had been gigging for years so we knew how hard it was, we knew what it was like to struggle."
One person who is certain to keep Andy's feet firmly on the ground is his three-year-old son Leo Kyle with his ex-wife.
"I would like to say my son was a fan, but every time I put it on he tells me to turn it off," Andy admits with a chuckle. "Maybe he just likes my attention. He is a proper showman and a huge attention seeker. I'm sure he will be in showbiz in some form when he is older, but I'm hoping he will be Prime Minister one day."
Still very aware of how hard they had to work to achieve their dreams, Andy and Carl are giving school children the opportunity to realise their musical aspirations and join them on stage during their tour for a version of the Take That classic Never Forget.
Speaking about the initiative, Andy says: "The kids have been fantastic, they have all taken it dead seriously. We wanted to give them the chance to see what it's like to be on a proper stage, perform to an audience and experience what it's like to be back stage. When we were kids we were heavily into music but never got an opportunity like this and we would have loved it. It's been a real success and a privilege to do that for the kids and parents."
Last year saw some big changes for Journey South as they decided to break ties with their X Factor mentor Simon Cowell, who signed them to his label Sony-BMG after the reality show, and set up their own record label ANCA.
Explaining the decision, Andy tells me: "Simon is a real businessman and he thought a lot of us. We had a special relationship with him and I think we got more time with him than any other X Factor contestants during the show. But once we were signed, there wasn't much one-on-one time because he is so busy.
"We are the kind of people who have worked so hard we have to have some control, we didn't want to release stuff we didn't believe in. It's not about being famous, it's about enjoying what you're playing and singing and that's why we parted company.
"Having your own record company is exciting but very nerve-wracking and there is a lot of work involved in releasing your own album, which we found out last year."
Despite their second album, Home, only reaching number 43 in the charts, Adam insists they are much prouder of that achievement than their self-titled debut, which topped the charts in March 2006, because it was "the first release off a tiny record label" and they "did everything", from writing and recording the songs, to designing the cover and paying for it all out of our own pocket.
So now the boys are firmly in control of their future (which is looking very bright with the album causing a stir internationally), have they ever considered going back to their roots and starring in another reality TV show, such as Celebrity Big Brother? "I wouldn't do Big Brother," Adam retorts in no uncertain terms. "It was bad enough on the X Factor when you were followed around with cameras 24/7 for the all-access show. You couldn't have a minute to yourself.
"I think I'd like to do I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! because I like a challenge, but I'm not eating bugs. I can't even eat salad, so I don't think I can eat bugs."
Journey South bring their Home Tour to the Alban Arena on Thursday, July 3, 7.30pm. Tickets: 01727 844488 (£17.50) or www.alban-arena.co.uk
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