by Danielle Holian
For our readers, please describe your musical background.
I played my first instrument when I was 7 or 8, the keyboard and then after that, i started playing guitar at 16, I went from playing a load of cover songs to trying to write my own and after a few tries, I finally got something that worked. I played a few gigs but the band eventually split due to musical differences. I then studied music at L.I.P.A in Liverpool before moving to Darwen and gradually getting out there playing again. (At open mics and festivals) From that, I met Cath and Rick and we formed our group “The Banned”. We played covers and originals and the gigs kept coming so I decided my songs must be quite decent. From that The Banned released our first Ep “Raw” and I started doing solo gigs to test myself. It’s a lot different when it’s just one guy who can make mistakes haha. In about 2 and a half years I must have done about 75 including London, Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Salford and Colne with more coming up.
Who or what are your influences?
My first influence would have to be The Beatles, I love how they were the whole package and could write all sorts of different genres, Also I love the passion and emotion of some of Elvis’s stuff. Queen, Oasis, David Bowie and Nirvana too, so I have quite a wide range of music influences.
Can you describe your music, sound and yourself as a musician?
My music is not one particular genre, but I do have quite a few Acoustic Rock songs along with some Alternative Rock and Folk/Country style Ballads. Musician-wise, I am all about passion and pouring out the emotions on stage with my music, I play Rhythm Guitar, Sing, Play Percussion as well as piano.
Tell us a bit about your new song ‘Untold Road’.
Untold Road is a song about someone’s Journey through life and overcoming the obstacles along the way, a few years back I was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and have experienced some difficult times myself. but try to overcome them one thing at a time. Untold Road is folky but powerful Ballad/Anthem This was my acting debut in the video shoot and it also features my Wife Cath and all my Children.
What has been a highlight for you so far?
There has been quite a few including winning battle of the bands on life you choose radio with ‘Departure story’ also going on Britain’s got talent, that was a good experience, backing up Dave Sharp from The Alarm in Darwen theatre, playing my first London gig, and seeing my first Royalty Cheque from my music publisher, that was quite a nice feeling being paid for playing my own songs at gigs. Also, I have been played on Internet Radio quite a lot and it’s always awesome listening to your own stuff on the Radio.
Where can someone view your music?
You can download my music at Bandcamp and you can see my new tune Untold Road on my official YouTube. Connect with me on Facebook and my website Website.
Do you have any advice for fellow musicians?
My advice would be, just stick at it and keep doing what you’re doing, two years ago I was a bedroom guitarist and now I have come a long way but still have a long way to go, as you build up your catalogue of songs the success will follow, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And I would say get yourselves a mailing list. This has helped me a lot.
Any last words?
Come and watch me at a gig sometime and say hello I have all info on new shows on my Website also if you can give my video a share that would be great.
Interviewed by Danielle Holian (Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook)
The ModernRetro Magazine 