Meet the Band

Born and raised in Grimesthrope Sheffield, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Bongo Cound draws inspiration from his roots in Northern Soul and post punk guitar bands. He earned his musical stripes as a bass player around the pubs and clubs of the North in the 80’s and 90’s before moving to Wales, where he settled and raised a family. Bongo kept his talents as songwriter and frontman hidden while his family were young, but he never gave up on his musical dream and now at last it has found its full expression in The Ralities. 

Multi-instrumentalist, backing singer and songwriter Sue Griffiths grew up in London.Thanks to her classical training, she shifts effortlessly between keyboard, saxophone and woodwind. Sue’s sophisticated musical sensibility and deft touch on a range of instruments adds a unique flavour to the band’s sound. 

Guitarist, backing singer and songwriter Simon Mansfield is an experienced musician who has played in some legendary music venues and has had his music featured on national radio. Simon has an aptitude for finding just the right musical twist, transition chord or vocal harmony to lift the songs to a higher level, and of course his divine lead solos are firm favourites with the rest of the band.

Drummer Sally Hinds grew up in a musical household where her parents played 70s,80s and 90s pop, and then found her own music in the pubs and clubs of Cardiff in the noughties. She learned her craft drumming for her local brass band, but widened her repertoire considerably when she joined The Ralities. Sally’s sensitive touch and ability to bring light and shade to the songs makes her literally the beating heart of the band.

Bassist, keyboard player and songwriter Jonathan Barry was born in Australia but gained his classical music training in the UK. He has toured with many different bands and has vast experience as a versatile session musician. A huge talent,Jonathan not only brings fabulous creativity to the bass line, but has a great ear for arrangements, finding that perfect sound or effect that keeps the audience coming back for more.