When the Matt Hill Band play their first big gig tomorrow at York's Rock Church, it is guaranteed to sound great...thanks to Matt's music industry dad, Malcolm.

Malcolm started his own company, Malcolm Hill Associates, in the 1970s, producing sound systems for rock bands, and he was in charge of the sound for the world famous Live Aid concert, using one of the first Apple Mac's imported to the UK.

Other bands he has worked with include Status Quo, AC/DC and a string of solo artists including David Essex and Cliff Richard.

These days, Malcolm is supposed to be retired but, thanks to his irrepressible enthusiasm for inventing, he has created a new sound system which is becoming so popular that business is booming once more.

But this weekend Malcolm will take time out to do the sound mixing for his son, Matt, in Saturday's gig which will launch the band's new album, Fully Determined.

The band's music is deeply rooted in Christian worship, but as Matt says: "It's not cheesy, it's church."

Matt was the one who persuaded the family to uproot and move from Maidstone, Kent, to York, after Malcolm supplied hi-tech sound systems to the Rock Church, in Priory Street, York, and the family met the church community and became convinced they wanted to be part of it.

He doesn't regret the move for a minute, even if it does mean that half the band live in Kent and have to grab time for rehearsals during holidays.

Matt, 18, who plays guitar and sings in the band, said: "Our influences vary from funk, jazz, rock and blues to dance music and big band, although it's true that we are primarily a gospel music group, and I suppose our sound is sort of funky rock really.

"There's going to be a massive sound system and we've hired some extra lights too. There's a lighting guy coming who we know, who works at the London Palladium."

And for Malcolm, sound mixing for the band will be a pleasure rather than a chore.

He said: "They are embarrassingly amazing. I've worked with some bands in my time and I keep having to kick myself and remind myself that these guys are only 18."

The other band members are Dave Dickinson on drums, Jake (aka Daniel Lurcock) on bass guitar and Danny Sewell on the keyboard.

The performance begins at 8pm tomorrow at the Rock Church, Priory Street, York.

Updated: 11:27 Friday, June 29, 2001