Band member wins Harry Styles lookalike competition in ‘shameless’ PR stunt

Last weekend a crowd of about 500 people cheered as 13 men lined up in Soho Square, each bidding for the top spot in a Harry Styles lookalike competition.

The winner of the £50 best lookalike prize was Oscar Journeaux, 22, a singer and guitar player in South-west London indie-rock band Parlay.

Speaking to the South London Press, Mr Journeaux said: “I went in shamelessly with the idea of getting some exposure.

“It was great but pretty intense – a lot of shouting and being told where to go.”

Since the win, Mr Journeaux has posted some short clips of the event on Parlay’s Instagram page in a clever ploy to draw in any eager fans of his Harry Styles likeness.

The singer-songwriter formed Parley last year whilst working at the Troubadour in Brompton Road, Earls Court, alongside three other staff members.

The band is made up of Stan Doyle on guitar, vocals and piano, Webb McNamee Jr on bass, Oscar Yorkie on drums and Mr Journeaux on guitar and vocals.

He said: “We first became a house band for the venue and then realised we wanted to do more.”

Now about 30 gigs later, the group have been making their ways around London’s small music venues hoping to make a break.

Parlay would categorise their sound as a mixture of alternative and indie rock as well as indie funk, taking inspiration from groups such as Irish post punk band Fontaines DC, radiohead and The Beatles.

All working on the band full time, Mr Journeaux attributes the groups “authenticity, energy and work ethic” as stand out features.

Parlay will next perform at Next Door Records in Stoke Newington Road on November 27, and The Old Dispensary in Camberwell New Road on December 4.

Pictured top: Oscar Journeaux (front left) in Parlay (Picture:Elika Norowzian/ Charlotte Whiteside)