Count the Days will be bidding for Christmas number one

A THREE-piece band are hoping to beat this year’s X Factor winner to Christmas number one.

Frontman James Kinsey says it's not an anti X Factor campaign

Arlesey pop punk band Count the Days have entered a national competition – Band Crusade – which is showcasing 100 unsigned bands who will battle it out in an attempt to get the coveted spot.

The group – made up of 24-year-old guitarist and vocalist James Kinsey, 21-year-old drummer Alex Preston and 21-year-old bass player Rob Hulbert – beat thousands of other hopefuls to make the top 100 in the competition.

James, who said that the band was not anti X Factor, told the Comet: “I don’t agree that the Christmas number one should always go to the same person.

“There’s a lot of talent out there that will never be heard, because of his {Simon Cowell’s] wealth, and the size of the show.

“The winner [of X Factor] always releases a cover. It was someone else’s song that was released ages ago.”

The band, who are influenced by the likes of Green Day and Blink 182, toured with McFly earlier this year. They are also known on the local music scene, having formed in 2010.

They entered the Band Crusade competition after hearing about it online.

“When I entered, I didn’t know what it was all about, I just read that they wanted unsigned bands,” added James.

“But when I found out, it was pretty cool. Hopefully people will vote.”

Voting is free, and can be done by visiting www.bandcrusade.com

The competition ends on November 15.