Bermudian Mia Page Chambray and Mohawk Radio just moved a step closer to stardom.

They went up against thousands of bands from across the UK in the music competition Rock the House — and won.

British MP Mike Weatherly started Rock the House in 2011. His hope was to promote live music and highlight the importance of recognising intellectual property rights in all areas of the arts.

MPs are invited to suggest a talented band or artist as part of the annual event, a panel of international music industry experts and musicians then narrow the finalists down to three.

Mohawk Radio was named the winning group following a battle of bands at The Bedford, a live music venue in London. Ms Page Chambray spoke with Lifestyle about last month’s big moment.

Q: When did you apply for Rock the House?

A: In November 2014. Andrew Stunnel, [the British MP for Hazel Grove], put our band forward.

Q: What were the qualifications for entry?

A: You had to be an original, unsigned band or solo artist which when we applied we were.

Q: How’d you find out you were shortlisted?

A: On March 9 [Mohawk’s bass player Sean Frankland, drummer Dave Quinn and lead guitarist James Gregory and I] were rehearsing in our basement just as we’ve done every Monday night for the previous two years [since we left Bermuda for Manchester, England] when an e-mail popped into our inbox from Parliament. We had two days to get to London.

Q: Did the journey go smoothly? Was it stressful?

A: Dropping everything and rushing down to London with only 48 hours to get there was stressful, but the lure of the prize and meeting with Parliamentarians and industry heavyhitters was too much to ignore. The travel was pretty okay being that we left at the crack of dawn. We had a few little hiccups. London streets are pretty hectic — poor drivers, jaywalking. Pearl, our satellite navigation, was taking us on a wild-goose chase, and at one point while we were trying to find parking in London I thought Gregsy, our guitarist, was going to throw himself out of the van window. But other than that the drive was good.

Q: Were you terrified to perform considering what was at stake? Confident immediately after your performance?

A: We were very nervous, especially as we could hear our competition! The bands we were up against were amazing, so we were pretty sure we hadn’t won. But we were so excited at being selected [as one of] the top three in the country. Three hours and one thundering live performance of our single Lifetime Sunshine in front of four judges — Hon Mike Weatherly MP, Tony Moore, founding member of Iron Maiden, Jon Keats of The Cavern Club and Niki Haywood, competition founder and director — we were called back onto the stage where they announced we were the winners.

Q: How did you react?

A: When we won, we were stunned.

We drove back to Manchester on a cloud! We could not believe our good fortune at winning this incredible competition. We are so humbled by this experience. Mike Weatherly started this competition to raise the profile for intellectual property rights for musicians and all creatives. We could not be prouder to stand behind him and Parliament, in protection of performers’ rights.

Being able to showcase our music, and even play a cover of Weak for Ace, the Skunk Anansie guitarist, still feels like a dream. We are overcome with the support of our government and peers. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.

Q: What comes with the win?

A: A multitude of prizes — industry contacts, music video in rotation in over 70 countries in Costa Coffee locations, recording time in the same studio that Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody, Orange Amps, Festival slots and more.

Q: I understand you were invited to perform at the US Ambassador’s residence a week later.

What did you sing? Any famous people there?

A: Celebrities, parliamentarians and major music industry executives were there. It felt like a fairy tale. Ace from Skunk Anansie was there and Rick Wakeman of Dragon’s Den Crew and Iron Maiden.

Ace presented us with our award and so we thought it would be cool to do a cover of their hit from the 90s. Ace was impressed! We also performed Rock N Roll Heaven, Oblivion and Lifetime Sunshine.

Q: You also recently signed a management deal?

A: Our management deal was signed four weeks prior to our win — crazy how the universe works!

They provide us with, and represent us to a ‘higher music’ platform — getting us industry interest, building a team around us; for example a record label, touring manager, etc. We will be looking to spend some time in LA recording later this year.

Q: Where do you go from here?

A: We have a pretty full calendar from now until the end of September — from festivals, to some time in the US and an appearance at Manchester City where local football hero and City legend Shaun Goater will be introducing us. plus a couple of radio spots including the BBC.

We will be looking to spend some time in LA recording later this year [as part of our management deal].

We won’t put out albums initially, just EP’s to start most likely and then releases based on singles. Winning this kind of competition, with stars like Brian May and Alice Cooper backing it can only mean great things.