They didn't win The X-Factor, but they did win an army of fans during their stay on the show.
Today, Stereo Kicks boast a twitter army in excess of 270,000.
And now those fans have something tangible to invest in - their debut single is in the racks this week.
Love Me So is an accomplished release, a soulful pop track with a chorus that digs into your head, and clings on - a real catchy delivery.
It's a bit of a cracker, actually.
The band - Barclay Beales, Chris Leonard, Casey Johnson, Jake Sims, James Graham, Charlie Jones, Reece Bibby and Tom Mann - are thrilled with the track.
And they didn't employ the services of a songwriter to get the job done - Tom wrote it.
"We didn't want to conform to what everyone else has always done off the back of the show," Jake told me.
"We always felt we were a little more credible than your average boy band and wanted something that would portray that in a song...
"Tom shared the song with us when we were on tour and we all said 'This is bloody good,' and the management thought the same."
It still seems incredible that this is the first release from the band - does it feel like a long time coming?
"Yeah, it does. We have known this is our single for a good three months now and we are all proper excited and anxious for it.
And the success of the single is all the more important, given that the band are currently without a record deal.
"We are anxious," he says again, "..but we are confident too. We want to make our mark and be taken seriously."
The band are looking ahead – and are currently writing for their debut album: "Even if this doesn't fly straight to No.1 we are not going to give up," he says, and you can almost hear the sigh of relief coming from that fervent fan base.
Comparisons with One Direction have been plentiful, but how does that feel?
"I wouldn't compare ourselves to them, because we are very different, but we've met all the 1D lads now. They are such nice lads, and massively successful.
"If we could have half the success they've had, we'd be happy."
During their X-Factor experience, Stereo Kicks became regular tabloid fillers, with headline after another.
Not all of the editorials were flattering, and Jake's colourful history was laid bare.
"I'm not chucking a sob story at you, but I didn't have the easiest life growing up, and every kid does things they regret or didn't mean. It's all in the past now," he says, even if he nearly didn't enter the X-Factor for fear of those stories making the papers.
"Before the show I was thinking 'Is it worth it?' because I knew for a fact that things would come up about me.
"The only thing I was worried about when it came out, was my family. I didn't want my grandparents to read that s***. It's just not nice."
But the stories kept on coming...
"As it went on, I realised it's the industry, and this is the job I signed up for. “And I would rather people be talking about me than not at all."
Lessons have been learned, and the negativity has been firmly relegated to the past.
"I was immature, I was 17 years old...people are dickheads when they are teenagers. I am 21 years old this year, and have done a lot of growing up."
Post-show, the band hit the road on The X-Factor Tour, before following up with a sold-out 10 date jaunt of their own.
Nowadays, Jake and his bandmates are called role models.
How's that working out for you?
"It's lovely people consider us like that. It's nice being called a role model to younger kids because you never know how some people are struggling. If someone sees you as someone to look up to? That is literally one of the best things about the job.
"Our fans have said they have made friends because of us - going to our gigs and stuff. That's one of the loveliest parts of the job.
"I've got a little sister too, and I've always tried to be a really good role model...Syd is almost 10 years old."
Presumably having a member of Stereo Kicks as her brother makes her a popular girl at school...
He laughs: "Sometimes when I am home it is nice to go and pick her up from school.
"All the other kids go nuts and Syd's like 'He's just my brother!"
Tomorrow (Thursday, June 25) Stereo Kicks will make their return to Milton Keynes with a signing session for Love Me So at BHS in thecentre:mk
The last time he was here - performing at Arena:MK with Union J - Jake wasn't at his best: "I was horribly ill for that.
"I was lying down backstage with all the lights off and couldn't even go to the meet and greet. It was amazing seeing the reaction we got from the crowd though. Union J were the headline act, but we got louder screams, more fans and more banners which was crazy!"
The band will be at BHS from 4.30pm and want to see you there!
"Come and say hello, get as many pictures as you want, and we'll give you loads of hugs," Jake says, promising fans an afternoon they'll remember.
Total MK asked fans to send us their Stereo Kicks questions ahead of our interview with Jake Sims and you obliged.
Thanks to all of you who sent questions, including Zoe Page, Melissa Kiely, Macy Broadhead, Melissa Rojas and everyone who took part.
Here's a few of those we received - spanning the obvious to the simply bonkers!
What are your plans for the summer?
Jake: We've got a few festivals lined up, which we are really excited about, but we aren't allowed to announce just yet.
We have a few radio events lined-up too, and we are buzzing for that.
For me personally, there is nothing I like doing more.
I can't wait until these gigs start.
Do you ever get nervous before you perform?
Jake: Sometimes I get nervous, but I love the feeling of bering onstage.
I get a little bit anxious, because you never know what to expect.
Every gig is different.
But at the end of the day it is a job, so you can't be shy about it
When you are away from the band, who do you talk to the most?
Jake: Casey, definitely. We are always face-timing each other.
Casey is my best mate now and when he was on holiday with (girlfriend) Betsy, I think he talked to me more than he talked to Betsy!
Which five words would you use to describe your fan base?
Jake: Loyal, hardworking, beautiful, loud and dedicated
If you could travel for one day, what year would you go to, and why?
Jake: I would go to the year 3000 - to see if what Busted were talking about was true
Would you prefer to speak what is on your mind and have no-one judge you, or would you rather be able to read other people's minds?
Jake: I say what I want anyway, so reading people's minds would be cool...
Have you seen any of the boys naked?
Jake: Casey walks around naked all the time - that's what he does. Even in Bermuda, when we weren't that comfortable with each other.
Now it's fine, because we are mates. Barclay loves to get his bum out as well, as I think the whole of Twitter and Instagram now know!
Which country in the world do you most like to visit?
Jake: Australia. I have always, always wanted to go there.
I would love to explore America a bit more too - I used to live in Philadelphia when I was younger, but now that am older I think I would appreciate it a bit more.
How tall are you?
I think I'm 5' 7" - I'm the short one!
Keep up to speed on all things Stereo Kicks at https://www.facebook.com/StereoKicksOfficial
