Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I was born in North London, England, UK….music has always been around me. The school I went to was also heavily involved with music and encouraged it at every turn. My mum and dad were also very much into music so naturally I was born into wanting to try and create it.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I’ve been a big fan of Sam Fender in recent years, I always sing his praises. Gang of youths also, a big influence of mine and I had the pleasure of working with them recently. I’m always on the lookout for new music. I’m a big fan of Eva Owen, who I recently discovered, she is really good.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: One of my biggest musical influences would have to be the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I was in love with their music from a very very young age and got me excited to play guitar and learn their songs. The Rolling Stones were also a big influence listening to a lot of the music in the car with my dad. Springsteen is also a big favourite of mine
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘My Father’. Is there a story behind it?
A: “My father” is a dedication to my wonderful dad, who passed away just before Christmas.
This song I wrote by his hospital bedside over the last 6 months whilst he was very unwell.
But despite his illness – his positivity and desire for life stayed unbelievably strong.
He was always my biggest inspiration and this continued right until the very last breath.
One of the last things he said to me was that music will always be your friend. Even at times when he couldn’t talk with me, I’d be there playing my guitar and working on this song. It was a bit of a lifeline for me, to put my thoughts and energy into music during a very difficult time.
This song is a picture book of moments with him from the past and my formative years….From my first memory of him holding my hand crossing the road (when I was the size of a small little piglet)….To coming to terms with his awful illness and knowing that time with him was coming to a close.
We all lose those we love eventually, one way or another. It’s deeply sad and confusing, but the memories we keep of them and their contribution to our lives live on in us.
I think of my dad every day and me and my family will continue on his legacy in the best way we can.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Yes, I’m currently finishing up a large body of work which will be releasing over the coming months. I am yet to determine whether that comes out in the form of an EP, or in an album. Maybe both. I’m really excited to release the music I have been working on for quite some time.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: For me, the key elements in my songs, when I’m writing them, is always about finding a strong melody. I think that’s the key to a good song, or at least the start of a good song. A strong and powerful melody usually leads the way for strong and powerful lyrics. As you feel inspired by the melody to make sure you have something to say. My sound is definitely rooted in what you would usually expect to hear from the band, as I’ve always been in bands my whole life. I think having that strong band force behind you always makes for powerful music that can fill a big space, that’s what I always aim for.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Music has always been a source of therapy for me and I’ll be doing it whether anybody cares or not, because it keeps me going. People are starting to listen and respond and enjoy the music and take comfort in it which is great to see that it does give me a boost of motivation and fulfilment.I also feel like the work that goes into my music is massively enjoyable, the entire writing and recording process is such a buzz, so I can’t really expect anything more than that. Although playing them live and seeing people, engaging and appreciating the music is wonderful to see.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I usually start on the guitar on the piano line dance and chords or a riff that feels exciting. Then start messing around with lyrics of fit within melodies on top of those riffs / chords. Sometimes the song can come together in a half an hour or an hour, but I usually come back to work into it some more developing the lyrics, of the melodies and the structure of the overall song. I’ve had songs I have gone back to a year later and changed the lyrics all the structure because after listening to it for a while, I think it would benefit from those changes, to make the best song I can.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I’ve had a lot of loss in recent years, 2 close friends and recently my father. Which is what this song is all about. It’s been a struggle to deal with those things, but putting it into music has given me a huge amount of relief.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I’m so happy that I can put music out and it can be heard by people, who are reacting and caring about it…I recently did a sold out “Tribute” show in London for my dad, raising money for a charity of the condition he struggled with. Seeing everyone’s response to that was amazing and a true spectacle. We also filmed it so it’ll be out soon.
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