1. How did you get your initial start in music?
Initially, I taught myself to play drums in middle school. When I made it to high school, I accidentally signed up for a choir class. (They tricked me by calling it “Intro to Vocal Music”!) I ended up REALLY enjoying singing and began to teach myself to play the guitar. After a year or so, I began to combine the two. I started singing and playing, and everyone started listening. It felt right. So, I began writing songs. It started to propel me into the musician I am today. It’s been a VERY long road to now, but it’s been a great one.
- What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?
My ultimate aim is to support myself and my future family with music alone. I don’t need fame or fortune, but I would really enjoy to have music as my career.
- How long have you been writing your own music?
Nearly 8 years now.
- Who are your top three influences and why?
I don’t have very many music influences. I’d say that John Mayer has the biggest influence on me, at least when it come to guitar style. I listened to him a lot when I was first starting to play music, so I think his style rubbed off on me a bit. I think my song “I’m Afraid” really pays homage to him.
Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers would probably be close seconds, and a bit of influences on my sound. Being from Nashville, TN, I love the Southern sound. I love bad grammar in lyrics. I love just letting the music say what it needs to say.
I wouldn’t call him an influence, but Gavin DeGraw would have to be the musician I would model my career after. He isn’t the most famous musician in the world, but he pays his bills with his music and consistently has great crowds. And that’s all I want.
- Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?
My current release, “To Be Me”, is really a message of individuality. Don’t be afraid to be you. And at the same time, I’m trying to show the world who “I” am. I put so many personal emotions into this EP that it basically turned out to be a first-person perspective into my life.
- Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?
I’m based in Suffolk and play quite a bit around Bury St. Edmunds and surrounding areas. My favorite venues in Bury St. Edmunds would have to be The Apex, Theatre Royal, and The Hunter Club.
- Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?
DEFINITELY give a listen to Sleeve of Hearts. They’re an incredible rock back. I’d say that Nik Lowe is worth giving a listen to if you like acoustic-based artist slightly similar to myself. And if you’re a fan of Alternative Rock, Cathedrals and Cars are a good fit.
- Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.
My website, Facebook or Soundcloud would be best.