District 3's Dan Ferrari-Lane may have arrived to rehearsals for his group's début headlining tour a day later than his bandmates Micky Parsons and Greg West, but he is relishing the chance to rework the X Factor's alumni's recently recorded material for the live circuit.

But before our conversation heads in the direction of how the trio plan to survive the reality talent show circuit, our conversation rewinds to September 2012, when the Sylvia Young graduated first decided to enter the contest.

Having already been signed by The Wanted's manager Jayne Collins, Dan points the finger at another set of X Factor alumni as being their driving force. 'The X Factor was coming back around and we had formed around the same time as One Direction. With the competition coming closer, we started seeing the possibility of another boyband making the cut, and we just didn't want to miss out on the opportunity.'

However, as anyone who has heard the harmony driven trio sing will be aware, District 3 could not be further removed sonically from the biggest boyband of the moment. So, with such a rich heritage of British boybands to take their lead from, can Dan offer any insight into who tempted them to form their own boyband?

He reveals, 'We of course grew up listening to Westlife, and it would be impossible not to enjoy their music. Everyone does. But in terms of influences, I would say we draw more from the American side of things.'

With harmonies as the defining centre point of their musical identity, it is little surprise that Dan continues, 'Boyz II Men really influenced us on the soul side of things. Then there is Chris Brown and Usher on the R'n'B.'

While able to pin-point his influences precisely, Dan insists that the group have their own ambitions. In reference to equally harmony-centric Boyz II Mean, he notes, 'of course they are incredible, and we are only half their standard - but hopefully one day we will get to a similar level. We'd actually love to have 4 parts, but we need a bassist, then we would have it all sussed. Why don't you join as our bassist?'

Though tempted to leave the security of the real world to live out my teenage dreams of pop superstardom, my 10 year seniority on the boys and my restricted singing capabilities bring me crashing back to earth with a bang, with Dan keen to elaborate on his own ambitions. 'We are always going to get better and develop, and our lyrics will change as our emotions change.'

With District 3 musicians with ambitions as opposed to pop puppets, District 3 are not about selling their product, but rather offering insight into their being through their sound. With Dan a seemingly open book, it seems a fairly safe terrain to pry as to his current emotional status.

Without hesitation he offers, 'I'd say right now I am having problems with being lonely. Maybe in two years all that might change, I may have a girlfriend or may even be married, and then I will write about different subjects.'

'It is all about the music.' Though many a boyband member has professed to a similar music desire, with Dan his interest is genuine. Far from craving fame and fortune, it becomes clear that he is equally enjoying the opportunity to explore the realms of recorded music. 'We are in it for the writing and producing, as well at the performing. It is all about the music. We are just working on getting it all clean and crisp. We are determined about getting it right. You could say I am a little bit OCD about it.'

With their career plan firmly in place, it seems an apt close to finally talk about the 'huge' contest that kick-started their journey from wannabes to popstars.

While there is no denying that District 3 are currently in a good place, Dan admits, 'The X Factor was constantly up and down from the highs through to the lows.'

Though the highs are obvious - from getting through to live shows to swelling bank balances, it is clear that the lows - losing out to in the elimination to fellow boyband Union J - made the journey far from an easy one. However, it is clear that Dan would do it all again - even if it was just so he could relive one element... 'This year has just been amazing.

The tour was wicked - amazing. It was really good, it was just so much fun. I am glad we did it, even if it just so that we could do the tour.'

"District3 Live 3eek Out With Special Guests" will hit the following venues...

24th May - Sheffield O2 Academy2
25th May - Manchester Club Academy
26th May - London O2 Academy Islington
27th May - Newcastle O2 Academy2
28th May - Birmingham O2 Academy2
30th May - Oxford O2 Academy2 - *Show added due to demand*
31st May - Bournemouth Old Fire Station *Show added due to demand*
1st June - Folkestone Quaterhouse *Show added due to demand*
2nd June - Glasgow Classic Grand
4th June - Brighton The Old Market
5th June - Bath Komedia`

Tickets for all shows are on sale now including limited VIP tickets
with private sound check entry and a signed photo. Head to
http://www.kililive.com/artists/district3