JLS found their beginnings in the reality TV show The X Factor. After coming in second to pop singer Alexandra Burke, the boys signed on withEpic Records. Their debut singe "Beat Again" was released in the UK on 13 July and was a major success, shooting to number one in the UK singles chart by 19 July. Aston, Marvin, JB and Oritsé are set to release their second single "Everybody in Love" on 2 November.

You guys started out on The X Factor. What made the band decide to go on the show?

We have always been big fans of the show. And people have always told us to try out for it but we’ve never took it into consideration at the time. But one day we were all going to a rehearsal and I was with Oritse in one car, while Marvin and JB were in another. And in each of the cars, each group talked about how we wanted to audition for The X-Factor, which we have never spoken about before and how we were going to tell each other when we got to the rehearsal. Then as soon as we got there, it was like we knew what we were going to say to each other. So it just felt right and made sense to all of us to go on the show.

What was it like being judged by the infamous Simon Cowell?

It’s an honor and a privilege. He is someone who is well respected in the music and TV industry. And the fact that he helped us get to where we are so far is unbelievable. If he and the other judges didn't put us through the first few rounds, we wouldn’t be where we are now. So we owe a lot to him and he’s a fantastic guy on and off the cameras.

What was the best lesson you learned from the show?

I think to enjoy it - enjoy the music and working, enjoy getting up at six in the morning and living your dream. You have to enjoy it because if you treat it like anything else, you won’t be happy. And this is the kind of stuff that makes us happy. It was Seal who gave us this advice when he came on the show. He said, “You need to enjoy it while you are young, you need to enjoy it when you are old; you need to enjoy it while you are at the top of the game, you need to enjoy it if you’re at the bottom. You need to enjoy every aspect of it.”

How has your life changed after being on The X Factor?

I can’t walk around without being noticed. Even wearing a hat doesn't really help! I’m still recognizable apparently. So the biggest change is the whole recognition thing and all the love that we get but it’s amazing and I wouldn't want it any other way!

How did you guys form the band?

In June 2007, one of the boys wanted to put a band together and asked mutual friends if they knew of people who could sing. So that is initially how we came together. First, it started out as a hobby. We just enjoyed singing together. And then we thought this could actually work so we went to endless auditions and competitions before The X Factor.

Where do you get inspiration for your music?

In terms of performance, it has to be from the greatest artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Chris Brown. They all bring to the stage some drama and something epic and unexpected. In terms of song writing, there’s inspiration everywhere for us. We want to write about everything and anyone.

What does the band hope to achieve?

Selling albums. Hopefully platinum albums in the UK or all over the world. We just want to become successful and produce music that people are going to recognize. And be names in music that people are going to know.

Did you always want to be a performer?

I’ve always wanted to be a performer but I didn't really have one focus. I also enjoy acting and playing sports.

Do you have any formal musical training?

No, but I grew up watching a lot of Michael Jackson and Usher videos, and basically copying their moves. I would dance everywhere from the streets to the town centers. Wherever I could dance, I would dance!

What is something that people don’t know about you?

I have to have ketchup with everything that I eat whether it is a fry-up breakfast, Indian food, or even Chinese food!

Indian and Chinese food? Like what for example?

Curry chicken and spicy noodles [laughs].

What do you like to do in your free time?

I hardly get any free time now but when I do have time, I just like normal stuff like kicking around the football and hanging out with friends to keep us grounded and help us maintain our sanity. I also like sitting there and playing my Xbox, something just normal!

What is the craziest thing that has happened to the band so far?

We were in Wales for a concert. We got to this hotel at ten at night and we had an afternoon start so we wanted to chill out at a bar. We told our security that we didn't need their services because we were just going nearby. Right down the street, there was an under 18 club party going on and it had just finished so there were teens all over. We thought we would be fine but we turned the corner and there were about 50 young girls there. So we ducked behind a wall and just thought we could walk past them with no problems. Then as each of us walked past, they realized who were and started to chase us! We had to bolt and run for our lives until we found a cab and sped away!