Getting a break in today's publicity-led music industry often means making a decision between exposure and credibility - as these four happy-go-lucky Londoners found out.

After building up a reputation as a hip outfit doling out edgy, emo-rock sounds, they unexpectedly found themselves competing on a Pop Idol-influenced MTV docu-soap.

Told by record label Island Records (with whom they had a development deal) it was to be a serious, non-competitive documentary about rock bands, they were not pleased to find themselves on the pop-orientated show, which involved four bands competing for the chance to release a single.

"When we got involved, it was pretty different to what it was in the end," says vocalist Matt Rider. "It really p***** us off.

"But once we were involved we couldn't really pull out, because that would have p***** MTV off and we kinda want to stay on their good side!

"But as bad as it seemed at the time, it helped us out a lot. We got a lot of exposure and got to do some cool stuff, as well as having to do some really f****** s*** stuff as well."

The repercussions for Holiday Plan's relationship with Island Records were terminal and soon after the programme finished in June, they parted ways.

But they have been completing an album and are now going on tour to show it off. Their word is that they have been offered three new deals, are weighing up their options and are concentrating on having a good time.

"We started out a few years back with a mission to have fun, and rock hard," states their web site.

"If we're famous, unknown, popular or hated, it won't change. We are in it to do something cool with our days, have a good time and make cool music. If we can keep doing that we are laughing."