Hoover Dams are back with new singer Chris Gates after signing with internet-based record label Band Republic.

Success for the Dams' songs depends on fans voting for their digital downloads at www.bandrepublic.com before April 2.

The Dams play the Love Apple, Bradford, with Dog on Wheels (Friday) Cardigan Arms, Leeds, (Saturday), and Gasworks, Bradford (April 17).

New singer Chris, originally from Oldham but now living in Idle, joins the band as it embarks on the tour.

The Dams performed on Channel 4 last year where they were voted Harvey Goldsmith's Entertainers of the Year.

They have now signedup with Band Republic, the first record label to be run by its members, where all decisions are taken by members.

A Dams spokesman said: "Bandrepublic.com is a whole new concept for the music industry that's harnessing the democratic power of the internet.

"It's a collective of real music lovers who are using their experience and enthusiasm to push unsigned bands into the limelight in a way no group could manage on its own.

"For five weeks they'll debate every aspect of the band's career. They'll use the website to vote on which single is being released.

"They'll also decide how it's promoted and where and how it's released."

Members of Band Republic include music producer Guy Chambers who co-wrote many of Robbie Williams' hit singles.

Band Republic founder Simon Hanning said: "This is a way for us to get music exposed on the national scene. It's like getting your mates to give you their opinion.

"Thanks to the support of Bandrepublic.com unsigned bands are getting massive feedback from the people they need to hear from most, the fans who will buy their music.

"We decided if we were going to build a site like this we'd do it properly. It's not every day you get to put out a chart single with the support of the public."

The Hoover Dams urge people to get voting and choose the band they wish to succeed.

Once a single is released people can download it, and if all the Band Republic members buy the track the band could reach the national charts.

Other Hoover Dams dates: Bradford Gasworks with Kiss Me.. I'm Famous, April 17; The Library, Leeds, April 19; Vintage Rockbar, Doncaster, 26; PM Lounge all-dayer, Shipley, 27; Northern Monkey, Leeds, June 8; St Bartholomew's Hall, Armley, 21; Primrose, Leeds, Unity Day fundraiser, July 4; Beehive Inn, Bradford, 19.

www.bandrepublic.com