FIVE teens from Knutsford Academy are making waves in the local music scene.

Educated Risk, formed by 16-year-old Adam Maxwell, Ben Squires, Mike Wilcock, Jack Abbott and Ben Kirkland, is an indie-rock band hoping to make it big time with music influenced by some of the biggest names in the industry.

The boys, four of whom studied at Knutsford Academy, have recently played at this year’s Blackthorn Festival in Stockport, which was headlined by Maximo Park.

“We are hoping to get bigger and bigger festivals,” said Ben Squires, lead guitarist. “We have a gig at the Ritz O2 Academy in Manchester in September, which we are really looking forward to, it’s going to be really good. The aim is to keep getting these bigger gigs.”

Educated Risk released their first EP in July, entitled ‘Rewind’ as a nod to one of the songs on the album.

The boys are keen self-promoters, having worked together on the recording, mixing and editing of the record.

The gig in September will see them play alongside established north west bands including Dirty Saint and The Slumdogs.

Speaking about the bands influences, Ben said: “The main influences for me are bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Arctic Monkeys but if you asked Adam and Jack they would say Oasis and The Stone Roses.”

The boys are keen to continue learning their trade, with both the Bens going on to study music technology at A Level starting in September.

Ben Squires joins Adam on vocals, Jack on rhythm guitar, Mike on drums and Ben Kirkland on bass guitar.

Rewind is available on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play Store.

Follow the band on Facebook via facebook.com/officialeducatedrisk or on Twitter @TheEducatedRisk