Tell us about yourself and what you do?
Singer/songwriter from the Midlands of England. Born in 1973, first guitar in 1985, first record in 1997, eighth record in 2012.
How did you start out?
Formed a band around 1987. Been unhealthily obsessed ever since.
What is your current release?
'The Wayfarer' album is three months old now. The follow up is piecing itself together as we speak, the working title is 'Rich Black Earth'. That may change though. I'm pretty much living in the studio at the moment, while things are flowing. Digging through a lot of really old, heavy gospel records, electric guitar preachers from the 50's, that's having a strong influence on the sound.
What is the best part of being a singer/song writer?
I read this recently by Steve Kilby (The Church). Just about sums it up.
10 best things about being in a band
The hours
The camaraderie
The girls
The drugs
The fame
The money
The volume
The travel
The biz
The fame
10 worst things about being in a band
The hours
The camaraderie
The girls
The drugs
The fame
The money
The volume
The travel
The biz
The fame
What is your most significant moment yet?
Still my 3 John Peel sessions.
What are your biggest musical influences?
The original great blues guitar players. I grew up playing along to John Lee Hooker, Elmore James and Howlin' Wolf records. If you want dangerous, heavy excitement, it's all there. They are the source. Undiluted, pure rock records.
What venue/gig do you most want to play?
The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
What is your best/favourite song you have written?
It's always the last one. It's called 'Right Hand Man', it's not recorded yet.
What’s your favourite album of this year?
Apocalypse by Bill Callahan
What does the next six months have in store for you?
Recording and there's also a really special show in February at London's Bush Hall with an incredible new gospel soul singer called Cold Specks.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Contemplating 50, recording the thirteenth album.
What’s the best thing about Americana-UK
Quality writing about quality music.
