For those that haven’t heard of you yet, how would you best describe your sound, and who have been your biggest influences so far?
I listen to incredible songwriters such as Gregory Alan Isakov and Patrick Watson and old greats such as Nick Drake and John Martyn, and my sound is sculpted around these influences along with the extent of my ability to play a few instruments and sing (I play the piano, guitar and harmonica). This being the basis of my records I then pull in the talent of my friends Analog & Digital to add the rhythm section, strings and mix to my skeleton of words, chords, and melodies!
Do you remember what the first song was that made you want to start a career in music?
I don’t remember there being a specific song. It was more about an opportunity that I had when I was very young that gave me the realisation that a career could be even a possibility. One thing I’ve learnt though is that nothing is for certain, and you just have to keep going for the right reasons – the love and the passion; and if financial reward happens to come knocking, then to be thankful for whatever capacity that may come in.
You have just released your new single ‘The Whole World’s Gone Mad’. Can you tell us how that track came about?
I read the news every day and these days it’s hard to miss what’s going on even if you don’t. I’d heard people use the phrase, ‘The World’s Gone Mad’ and they were right, so I set about writing a song about what was happening right then – The 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision to legalise abortion had just been overturned, the horrific events of the Ukraine war were continuing, and Boris Johnson was on his way out. These are referenced in the verses while along with the realisation that we’ve all got our problems however big or small wherever we are in the world, “The Whole World’s Gone Mad” brings it all together in the Chorus.
And how would you say it compares to your previous releases?
I think I’ll leave that one to your readers to answer!
Where are you based, and does the place you live in influence your music at all?
I’m based in The Netherlands just outside the city of Utrecht. The quiet of the countryside is really inspiring especially after living in London for so long before moving here. I also spend a lot of time in East Africa which I adore and there are certainly a lot of incredibly inspiring people, places and influences there to add to the mix.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
I think acceptance is the biggest challenge. Just learning to enjoy the journey and accepting how lucky we are to be able to do what we do is so important. Many people don’t have a passion such as music to allow them the ability to express themselves so, yes, as musicians were very lucky. Also, I think it’s important to accept the realities of the world we live in and not to have too high expectations but to keep both feet firmly on the ground. It took me a while to get that!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a musician?
It’s age old but to never give up!
What’s next for you? Is there more music or any live shows on the way?
I have a new song coming out in the New Year which I’m really excited about! I’ve been writing and recording loads of songs which has put me in a great place. The last year has been full of challenges as the world really has been a bit mad one way or another! I’m just grateful for everyone’s support and hope people keep on listening! Thank you.
