Five What’s

What got you into music?

“As a young child, playing a friend’s keyboard at primary school. A move to West Cornwall meant finding a hobby, so I began learning the trombone at Pendeen Silver Band. Soon after, I was performing in County Orchestras, wind bands and jazz groups. I’ve remained involved with brass bands ever since.

In my early 20s, I began singing publicly and taught myself guitar and drums. I also started out song writing at this time. In 1999 I formed a band with friends, performing soul, Motown, funk and disco covers at venues in West Cornwall. These days I love to perform my own songs and popular covers all over the South West.”

What are your favourite performing styles?

“I think my favourite style would be the one that best suits the occasion. That might sound like a cop-out answer, but I really mean it. I’ve had some great late evening gigs with a vibrant crowd thriving on an upbeat style, and I really enjoy that. Equally, I’ve had some amazing lunchtime sessions where the vibe is definitely more chilled but equally engaging in its own intimate way. I’m comfortable in either setting and have a great range of popular covers and my own songs on which I can draw from to meet the needs of the occasion”

What influences your own musical style?

“A song or composition should tell a story; a catchy melodic line is important and every song needs a “hook”, so to speak. I enjoy a rich chord sequence, but three-chord wonders can still cut it if the rest of the song allows. For me, the best songs accomplish this and the best performers deliver it well, and that’s very influential.

I have a broad musical palette - an unsurprising fact given my musical journey - and so have too many influences to single any out. There are arguably plenty of performers who aren’t necessarily the best musicians or vocalists, but their delivery makes them stand out. I love a perfect performance from a vocalist with a phenomenal range, or an epic technical instrumental solo, but those things alone aren’t enough. For me, it’s about the whole package, and I try to deliver that.”

What do you like to write about?

“Though this amazing county has a huge impact on my song writing and instrumental compositions, much of what inspires me is drawn from daily life. This can be through activities, work etc., or just what I observe as I go through life’s journey.

I prefer to write from my personal experiences; those I have with my family and relationships, interactions with friends, foes, colleagues and the amazing people I meet. I find I am writing more about what I observe, which is almost always a fascinating experience because people are fascinating. I write about the good times and the not-so-good, with expression and emotion, from deep within my heart.”

What does the future hold?

“Many performers in Cornwall juggle their music careers alongside regular jobs, often because circumstances and the seasonal nature of Cornwall dictate it. I am firmly in that bracket but, as my five children are almost all adult now, a day could soon come where I am able to make that jump. If it can be done, it will be done. I’d commit to performing, writing, composing, supporting the local music industry and maybe do a spot of teaching also.”