Q: You have been born into a family of musicians – when did you first play a musical instrument? A: I started piano when I was about 6, and then continued onto playing the clarinet, until my teacher went on tour. I still play the piano for fun, and to help work out tunes. Q: What made you pick up a guitar at the age of 13? A: I’ve always liked rock music, and my dad plays all types of guitar, and has loads of guitars at home. I started playing bass in a school band, and then progressed onto playing normal guitar. I don’t generally play guitar in the band, as I prefer to concentrate fully on singing and putting on a good show. Q: Tell us the story behind the song Concrete and Street Lamps. A: It’s a long story. A year ago, I was working at a pub in Romford, on Halloween. Stupidly, I decided to drive home, and, trying to avoid a car coming down the middle of the road, I hit a lamppost, turned the car on it’s side, and slid into a van and a fence. Fortunately, no-one else was hurt, but I suffered severed tendons and nerves in my hand. I had been drinking, and I shouldn’t have been driving. I’ve learnt my lesson the hard way, but without hurting anyone else. When we wrote the music, it just had such as strong and aggressive power to it, it brought back memories of my accident. The song just seemed to fit. Hopefully it will make some people realise the consequences of drink driving, and the video should open a few people’s eyes. Q: The other song on your new CD “When Butterflies Collide” is a strong contrast to “Concrete and Street Lamps” – what are your inspirations to write such diverse music? A: I’ve always played at acoustic clubs as well as full venues, and I’ve always tried to do acoustic versions of our songs. If a song sounds good acoustically, it shows that it’s well written, and will sound good played in any style. My influences are very varied, and this comes across in the single and the album. However, my character always comes across in each song, so you will know it’s me. Q: As a child who did you grow up listening to? A: When I was young, my parents brought me up on anything from Beethoven and Mozart to Sex Pistols, Motorhead, Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, Police, in fact almost anything you can imagine. As I grew older, and was able to define my own taste, I continued to listen to the general ‘alternative’ scene. Q: What was the first single you brought? A: The first record I bought was an early Iron Maiden album, with Fear of The Dark on it, when I was about 12. I can’t remember when I last bought a single, as I always prefer to get the whole album, and judge the artist on more than one song. Q: Which bands do you like at the moment? A: At the moment I’m listening to Finch, Funeral for a Friend, Alexisonfire, My Chemical Romance, Every Time I Die, Fallout Boy, Boy Sets Fire, Rise Against and As I Lay Dying. Q: Where can people see you play in Essex? A: We’ve had a break, and we’re just starting to organise some more gigs for 2006. We’ve generally played in North/East London (e.g. Camden, Walthamstow/Manor Park). However, we are organising some gigs for the Hermit in Brentwood, Twist in Colchester, Chinnery’s in Southend, and also places in Chelmsford and Harlow. Go to our website for more details. I also sing for another band Never Means Maybe, which is a different style of music, but we play around Chelmsford and Colchester. Q: What are your musical hopes and plans for 2006? A: To show the world just what I can do and show people the real me which is going to be a little bit scary for most of us including myself but hey lets have some fun and see what happens. Let’s just say you haven’t seen anything yet, keep your eyes and ears open. | 
