Derby based 4 piece Indie/Alternative rock band formed in late 2017.

VERONA initially formed after a drunken conversation at Y NOT Festival in July/August in 2017 between guitarist Max Davis and singer Ashley. In September of 2017 Max and Ashley along with bassist Harrison Priestley decided to form the band (at this point with no name).

For the first few practises Harrison played the drums as they had a bassist already lined up. Unfortunately the bassist that they initially had lined up couldn't make the rehearsals in the beginning so after a month or so they decided it was best to get another bassist.

Max and Harrison had played together for several years beforehand, including a previous band with Ashley (Parallel Perceptions) and a seperate band with Drummer Jack Davis (Brannigan's Law/Sharks Over China). With Jack only able to play drums (as well as sing), Harrison agreed to play bass meaning Jack would be on drums. In October 2017 the line up had been finalised with Ashley on vocals, Max Davis on guitar, Harrison Priestley on bass/backing vocals and Jack Davis on drums/backing vocals.

It was slow start for the band with several of their original songs being dropped due to creative differences. Two of the first songs they wrote as a band did survive, their debut single 'Breathe' and their follow up release 'Autumn'. Gradually the band pieced together a strong set that was ready to be heard. Making several attempts to book gigs and get picked up by promoters, the band failed as without social media or a release no one was interested.

With this in mind the band contacted Dubrek Studios in Derby about recording their first single. Three weeks later on Saturday 15th September 2018 the band we're in the studio recording 'Breathe'.

Not long after they were contacted by Sheffield based band FloodHounds to do a support slot for their upcoming Derby gig at The Sitwell Tavern playing alongside Rogue Siesta and The Small Town Boys. With a strong turnout consisting mostly of family and friends the songs went down amazingly with everyone loving the set, including members from other bands.

After receiving the mixed and mastered version of 'Breathe', VERONA starting promoting the release date for their single. On Friday 23rd November their debut single was out in the world. With loud and uplifting guitars, punchy bass riffs and powerful drums alongside poetic but understated lyrics the song took off. The band uploaded the track to BBC Introducing where it was picked up by Dean Jackson and played on The Beat radio show in Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.

Soon after, the band played their second gig (organised by bassist Harrison) at The Bless (formerly known as The Blessington Carriage) in Derby City Centre. With The Flavells opening the set, VERONA supporting and The Small Town Boys headlining the gig went exceptionally well. VERONA had the best crowd of the night surrounded by similar faces from their first gig and even having the crowd sing along to Autumn.

The band have a lot more lined up for 2019 so keep your eyes and ears peeled.