Songwriting partners Mike Rosenberg, 23 and Andrew Phillips (in his 30s) met 5 years ago and have now put together five piece Passenger.

Their heartfelt and catchy tunes include new single Do What You Like. Passengers debut album will be out this September and we caught up with the duo to find out about the Brighton group

'How did you meet?'

M: When I was 17 at a charity gig and he was playing with another band and we talked about music. I dropped out of college and started gigging around Brighton.

A: It was at that gig that we got excited talking about folk and country as well as electronic music.

'What influences the band?'

M: Lots of British bands like The Kinks our characters are very English. Also out there electronica like Tunng. We call it electro acoustic pop music.

A: I write a lot of soundtracks for BBC One dramas and independent films. Some of which has come into play with the band. As a producer I admire John Barry and Timbaland who gets an amazing level of experimentation into pop music.

'What inspires your lyrics Mike?'

M: I try and put myself in other peoples eyes as I dont feel Ive got anything new to say about myself at 23.

A: What marked you out are the stories and Ive tried to match that with the production.

'Tell us about your new single Do What You Like?'

M: Its a story about a guy obsessed with a girl. I see them as school kids. Hes not the coolest guy so its about unattainable love.

'What does your debut album sound like?'

M: Its a dynamic album but it has more traditional moments.

A: Theres more electronic stuff thats down-tempo and darker.
M: We recorded it all in Andrews flat. Weve been together for 5 years so we just felt each of these songs earned a place on the record. Weve written a lot of songs for the second album which is gonna be more experimental.

'What bands are you into at the moment?'

M: Arcade Fire, Tunng, Maximo Park and Kings Of Leon.

A: Wed like a career like Sigur Ros. Theyve been untouched by success.

'Tom Thorogood'