AN UP-AND-COMING rock band is raising money via a crowdfunding website to produce their first full-length album.

The band, Simonne and The Dark Stars, is a Brighton-based band which started six years ago and has played many gigs across Sussex and in London, but now they are looking to take a major step forward.

Simonne and The Dark Stars has three members, with trained pianist, lyricist and performer Simonne Weeks as the vocalist.

Its critically-acclaimed debut song in 2013, Love Like You Never, earned them a nomination for Band of the Year at the Brighton Music Awards.

The band has gained a name for dramatic songs and performances and fairy-tale-like stage presence.

Ms Weeks’ voice has been described by critics as “poignant” and “flawless”.

The band has been offered an opportunity to work with award-winning producer Marc Waterman in London.

However, they need to raise more than £8,000 to record, produce and launch the album.

They have started a Kickstarter campaign to raise an initial £3,000 for the project.

The band’s spokeswoman, Sonya Hayden, said: “We are so ecstatic to be offered the opportunity to work with such an acclaimed producer as Marc Waterman.

“We are massive fans of Marc’s work in producing both Elastica’s and Depeche Mode’s albums.

“We do feel a bit trepidatious as we enter our new musical adventure but overall super excited about getting into the studio and recording our very first full-length album.

The band said it hopes fans can help them reach for the stars and share in the success of their musical journey.

Ms Hayden said: “As we a part of the DIY music community we need approximately £8,000 to record, produce and launch this album.

“We hoping that our Dark Stars fan base will stretch this figure beyond our wildest dreams.

“As an experimental rock band we aim to deliver electrifying performances that keep audiences wanting more.

“We use dark poetry, female vocals and keyboards which sets this band apart yet firmly place them amongst our musical heroes: (Brighton-based) Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Patti Smith and Kate Bush.

“The love of performing and creating music with others would be our two top reasons for being musicians.”

To support Simonne and The Dark Stars, and hopefully help to play a part in their future success, head to bit.ly/DARKSTARS.