It's my third single release from my upcoming debut album "Songs from the campfire" which will release later this year. It's a proper singalong anthem, one you can imagine singing in a pub, having your arms around people you don't know, whilst the chorus is sang in unison. It's a story, a commentary, a bit of fun. It's designed to make you smile and want to move. It debuted at #4 in the iTunes UK Country Chart.
- How would you describe your sound?
I don't try to redesign the wheel, I just try to make the best wheels I can. I detest pigeon-holes when it comes to genre and blend my love for influences from Folk, Americana, Rock, Blues and Classical music to make what I feel is my own authentic and original sound. The singles I've released so far have obvious connections to the 60's/70's Folk/Rock era, but I don't feel they dwell in that time. It's a fresh sound that's often been described as unique and innovative, so if thats how it's being received then I think I've been able to commit my ideas and emotions to the recording with the love I intended.
- What do you write about?
My songwriting has always been a mirror into my own soul. To finish writing a song I have to get excited by it, and to get excited by it I have to believe in it. I am energised by putting my own thoughts, feelings and experiences into song. Most of the songs which form the album are born from days of my own mental illness, and the process of acceptance and recovery towards that. I also enjoy writing songs where I become narrator, sharing the stories of the wonderful and varied characters that make life so interesting.
- What do you listen to when you are home?
It ranges, I know many artists like to pan Spotify etc but it gives me a discover weekly playlist every Monday and I love it. Lately I have been listening to lots of Joanna Newsome, Robert Vincent, Cerys Matthews, Cosmic Guilt and Mark Knopfler - I'm obsessed with his "Tracker" album currently.
- Your favourite live performance so far?
Of mine? It would have to be Birmingham Symphony Hall. It's simply stunning as a venue, a true building for the arts, and somewhere I will be forever proud of playing. Standing on one of the most beautiful stages we have in the UK to sing my own songs was a special moment for me.
- Your favourite albums?
Ocean Colour Scene's "Moseley Shoals" got me into wanting to be in music. The production, musicianship and songwriting is fantastic. Robert Vincent's "In this Town You're Owned" has some beautiful songs and again a wonderful feel to the production. Declan O'Rourke made a stunning album with "Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine" and Damien Rice's "O" will forever be a work of genius in my eyes. I also have to mention Neil Young's "After the Goldrush"/Joni Mitchell's "Blue" and The Killers "Sams Town"
- A musician you would like to meet for a beer?
I don't drink, so I'd take Neil Young out for a coffee and a rusk. Rusk never sleeps you see. Sorry.
- What would you ask for backstage, if you were the most important band on earth?
The Star Wars Arcade machine where you have a light saver duel with Darth Vader, and the Star Trek TNG pinball machine.
- What are your plans for the near future?
I'm half way through my first UK tour, taking in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool & Leeds, and later this year I'll be releasing the album, which will be a big moment for me as its three years of work coming to an end. Then next year we'll be pushing the album on live shows and festivals. All good fun.
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