The Poppy Girls / Credit: Simon FowlerThe Poppy Girls have amazed with their performance of their single at the Festival of Remembrance earlier this year, and now they're planning to launch a Christmas campaign album - 'No Need To Say Goodbye' - in aid of The Royal British Legion.
The campaign is to encourage families and friends to send in their own compilation CDs as well as playlists to their loved ones who are deployed abroad over the holiday season.
The girls have now produced their own cover album of songs, which have been carefully selected as holding special significance between serving father and daughter and include 'I'll Be There', 'Your Song' and 'Pipes of Peace'.
We got the chance to chat to two members of The Poppy Girls - Alice and Bethany - about the experiences they've been through so far.
How did it feel to be chosen as a member of The Poppy Girls?
Alice: Personally I didn’t think I would be successful, as I saw some amazing talent at the auditions but when I found out I was chosen, I was shocked and very excited.
Bethany: It felt amazing! At first, I couldn’t quite believe I’d been chosen to be part of the group, and now I still can’t.
Has music always been something you've been interested in?
Alice: Music has always been a big part of my life. All I have ever done is sing since I was very little. I love the Piano and the Ukulele as well. This opportunity has helped me experience a whole different side though as it is unlike singing at school or at home.
Bethany: Definitely, I’ve been singing ever since I could talk! My main life goal has always been to be a successful singer, so that’s why I’ve been so grateful for this opportunity.
How was the experience of recording a single?
Alice: It was even better than I had ever expected, despite being lots of time sitting around! I also heard myself in a totally different way and the producer really helped me develop my voice more than I had before.
Bethany: It was so much fun, I never wanted to leave the studio.
Has it been difficult to balance your time with school and your personal life?
Alice: It hasn’t been very hard because when I am at school I see all my friends and they want to know what has been happening and also my teachers are very supportive with what I have been doing.
Bethany: I just tried to be organised, I made time for school work in between daily events to do with the poppy girls, so it hasn’t been too bad. My personal life hasn’t been particularly affected, I’m still going out and having fun with my friends whenever I can.
You performed at the Festival of Remembrance - how was that experience?
Alice: It was amazing ...it was such an honour to sing in front of the Queen and special to perform at the Royal Albert Hall. I will always remember it.
Bethany: Performing at the Festival of Remembrance was one of the best experiences of my life. After our performance I felt so happy and emotional that I started crying! I don’t cry much so that’s a lot for me!
You're storming the UK charts with your single - how does it feel?
Alice: It is weird seeing the song in the charts and think is that really our song? I heard it on the radio last week for the first time. It made my mum cry.
Bethany: It’s a pretty surreal thought, it feels great!
Will you continue to pursue music after this single?
Alice: I definitely will continue to pursue music after the single because music is my passion but my parents say I have to have a fall back plan! All I have ever wanted to do is sing though and I hope that the Poppy Girls can make some more music together. Our album is out next week.
Bethany: Of course! I'll never stop singing.
The Poppy Girl's album 'No Need To Say Goodbye' is out November 25.