I've been singing ever since I was a child. I come from a very musical family where singing - particularly in harmonies - happened as a matter of course, particularly in the church we all attend. In 2002, I took up singing lessons which developed my voice and techniques and have sung in choirs and as a soloist, including Vivaldi's Gloria and Handel's Messiah. I also sing folk songs, particularly the roots/blues type songs. In 2015 I joined Richard Pellew's band Steam Shed and began to write songs for the first time, drawing on life experiences and from the people I've met during my time as a journalist.
It's difficult not to get drawn into cliches. I have a very eclectic taste in music and will match my choice to my mood. But music provides an important backdrop to my life, whether travelling or relaxing at home. It's not my life, but there would be a big empty space without it. When I sit at my piano and just play, it's like nothing else matters for that time. I play when I'm hurting and I play when I'm happy.
To keep playing. To keep singing. To keep writing songs. To be part of a live music scene that thrives.
I can't change the world. I can only work to make a difference in the bit of the world that God has entrusted to me.
Probably that would be a song called Barges. It was the first song I learned to play on the guitar and it's a simple melody and song but surprisingly beautiful.
Steve Knightley, Show of Hands, Martyn Joseph, Matt Redman, Stuart Townend, REM
Sometimes it's a line in my head, sometimes it's listening to a piece of music written by my songwriting partner Richard and hearing a melody. Sometimes it's an event that happens around me or a memory of something.
I suppose what I really want people to do is love live music, encourage original song writing and listen to something a bit different occasionally...
Goodness, that's a difficult question. I like to take them with me through the songs and occasionally I'll catch someone's eye and realise that the song I'm singing has a resonance for them. That's a good moment especially if you think that they might have been helped by something you wrote.
I think there needs to be more support for live music locally including investment in smaller festivals. The trouble is that so many people want to go and hear stuff they are familiar with that they don't always give new music a chance. It would be great if some of the national lottery money could fund smaller music venues - village halls etc to bring more live music to more places.
Love the friendliness and camaraderie. The music industry is a tough old place and finding somewhere that supports and encourages is a rare old thing...
Probably the same as every musician. Not enough time to rehearse and practice. Not enough people supporting live music venues. Not enough people taking risks on seeing 'new' acts. I'm only a hobbyist, but for those trying to make a living at this, I suspect this is their biggest frustration...
I attend local gigs where I can and support a local music venue.
Need to be tenacious. Need to be open to all sorts of possibilities to market your music.
Show of Hands, Phil Cooper, Ghostly Beard, After Alice