Predominantly known for their early 2010 appearance on the Simon Cowell-fronted ITV show Britain’s Got Talent, the Cardiff, Wales electro-pop quintet Mike Fantastic comprised Owen Sheppard on vocals, Michael Rudge and Olly Howells on keyboards and electronics, Matt Birch on bass and Luke Welsby on drums. The band met at school, although prior to Mike Fantastic each became involved in the South Wales punk and metal scene -- performing in groups such as the Story So Far, Set in Motion and Dignity Dies First.

Inspired by contemporary chart acts such as La Roux and Alphabeat, Mike Fantastic formed only one month before their TV break, eschewing the guitar-focused sound and seriousness of their previous bands. Their live performance of the upbeat, hook-filled track “Turn Off the Lights” proved popular with the judges of the show and was ultimately released digitally in July of that year to coincide with a national tour. ~ James Wilkinson