Where’s home?

I'm originally from a tiny countryside village about an hour from London.  Nowadays I live in North London.

Influences?

I grew up listening to The Beatles, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Clapton, Hendrix, The Beach Boys, Queen etc.   Then in my teens I got into bands like Radiohead, Nirvana, Jeff Buckley and the Chili Peppers.  Later whilst I was studying in California I discovered people like Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Jason Mraz and Dave Matthews.   I also love a bit of good old diner jukebox rock n roll.

When did you start playing music?

My parents bought a piano when I was 7 and I started learning then.  I had my first drum kit when I was 14, and I started learning guitar at 16.   Several other instruments have followed in later years to various degrees of proficiency.  I practically live in a recording studio so there are always instruments around to pick up.  I’m currently learning flute and trumpet.

Where do you record?

High Barn Studio in Essex: www.high-barn.com  It's an amazing studio and venue built within a medieval barn.  It’s a fantastic place to record and to go and watch live music.

How did the band come about?

I’d written and recorded an album by myself, but when it came to gigging I wanted a band, partly to do the songs justice and partly just to make gigging more enjoyable.  My bass player Simon was first onboard. The others followed soon after as more gig bookings came in.   Currently we’re back in the studio re-recording bits of my first album (along with some new tracks) ready for release in the new year.

Other careers?

For several years I’ve worked behind the scenes on various TV shows, such as T4, BBLB, SM:TV, CD:UK and Fame Academy.  That’s how I met Paul, my percussionist.

Favourite thing about the band?

Working with friends.  I’m lucky to know such a talented group of people.

Other talents?

I learnt acrobatics at university so can do a mean handspring.   I’m also a pretty good distance runner.