It's a long way from Otley to the White House – but a local rock band have just taken a big step towards bridging the gap.

The Chevin, during a tour of the US, appeared on the famous Late Show With David Letterman TV programme alongside the First Lady Michelle Obama.

The unlikely meeting happened as the band were ramping up publicity ahead of the release of their much-anticipated debut album, Borderland, which they recorded in Texas.

The four band members, all former Prince Henry's Grammar School students, described playing their new single Champion in front of US President Barack Obama's wife as “surreal and amazing”.

Talking to the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer from the States, singer-songwriter Coyle Girelli said: “It was all secret service, helicopters, police lines, huge black limos – it was all pretty crazy. And to play in the Ed Sullivan theatre, where they shoot the show, was special. Letterman's reaction to us was nice as well, but we're still waiting for an invite to The White House!”

Hype around the band – whose other members are guitarist Mat Steel, bass player Jon Langford and drummer Mal Taylor – has been growing all year with music critics quick to compare them to the likes of The Killers, early U2 and Arcade Fire.

“Very flattered” by the comparisons, Coyle says he is looking forward to seeing how the public react to the album when it goes on sale on October 15.

He said: “It was written during a pretty rough time personally, so there are themes of loss, love and the fragility of life and hope that run throughout it. This album was extremely therapeutic to write and got me through a pretty bad time, but the feel is hugely uplifting.

“It makes you feel good, even though the lyrics can be pretty dark and heavy at times.”

Ahead of possible world domination, though, comes a return to Yorkshire and a show at the Brudenell Social Club, in Leeds, on Tuesday, October 9.