He’s not fibbing. They do call it Wakey – I used to work there!
Simple things first – where are you from?
I am from Wakefield, or we call it Wakey here.
How long have you been playing as a band and solo artist?
I have played in and out of bands now for about 15 years and been a solo artist for about 5 years now. Each year I grow or learn something new or am able to draw something new from my sound.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
I just use my name. I did think about a stage name but I think mine’s cool enough.
What are your influences?
I love the Eagles and Jimi Hendrix, they are mostly my influences. I also love guns and roses and Led Zeppelin. But I have a softer side too and a sweet spot for Sam Cooke. Old soul still sounds so good to me.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I think I have enough musical skill to be a singer songwriter that can use his instrument well and to a good level. So many times you hear people strumming chords, whereas I solo blend harmonies and other stuff like that. It’s gives a very cool overall sound.
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Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
I sing about all sorts really, relationships always seem to be a topic that come out when writing. I guess that’s the stuff that affects you the most on a personal level.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
I am probably around 300 shows deep at this point. I have played live so many times and it never gets old. The energy of a live crowd is like nothing else I have ever felt.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I once drunk a bottle of Jim beam on stage during a set at a festival – I mean a half a bottle with my brother – and threw another bottle into the crowd that they all passed around at the front while we played. That was fun.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play acoustic and electric in my sets. I use a Taylor acoustic and a 1957 reissue Fender Strat. That’s my favourite, it’s like Clapton’s Blackie.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
I am promoting the new EP at the moment so interviews and radio have been busy and building up nicely. I have a video shoot this week too which is cool it’s the first one I have done so I am looking forwards to it.
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If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
There’s loads of bands I have a love for in my home town there’s some other singers that are cool. But my brother James is a great singer too I would love him to support me and do his own thing, then me then it would have to be Chris Cornell! The guy was a legend with a voice that could tremble mountains.
