Hi Lewis. What’s the live music scene like in Burton Upon Trent right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Unfortunately I think local music scenes in the UK are currently struggling. Whether or not it’s linked to the pub/venue situation, I’m not entirely sure. But what I do know is there is an absolutely AMAZING online community that is flourishing. In the 70’s you had the Punk movement, in the 90’s you had the Grunge movement. Both of which started off largely underground. I run an online music group myself and I’m amazed how it’s become an internation collaboration community. Names? Absolutley! The Frestonians, Grimrock, Mishappenings and tons more. There really are too many to mention (Sorry guys).
Do you think its easy to become a victim of our surrounds sometimes?
Absolutely and I think the key is to keep your head down and just focus on your music. I try to avoid politics myself (in regards to music anyway). The world has become so politicised it causes nothing but division. You can write about the wider issues, but I don’t particularly want to alienate anyone because we’re all human at the end of the day. I also find music as a great escape, so I don’t like bringing the outside world into my little “Audio Haven”.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
If you’d asked me a few years ago I’d of say that classic “Social media has ruined the world and how we interact!”. Now to some extent that is still true. But I’ve also found it has brought people together who otherwise wouldn’t have met. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this but Facebook has been incredible in terms of meeting other artists, making friends and finding fans. I’ve genuinely made some lifelong friends from around the world and I’ll cherish their friendship forever. It’s also incredible how you can collaborate now with people from around the world without having to leave the country.
We believe its essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
A double edged sword. I’d personally prefer we could all go out and interact together, but that’s simply not the case anymore. What an artist has to do to get exposure now is crazy compared to artists of the past. You practically have to become your own manager, a social media “influencer” (I hate that term), and all the other bits that go with the modern digital world. I think it’s a necessary evil.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Too cautious, oversaturated and not willing to take a chance. As mentioned before, the underground scene is thriving with some incredible artists. I think perhaps one day they will be known as “The Lost Generation of Musical Artists”. Pure talent, never got notice or were allowed to get noticed. They’re like the Nick Drake of this generation. I personally don’t listen to anything mainstream these days. It’s not because I’m trying to be the anti-mainstream, “angst-ridden cliché” I probably come across as (lol), but none really speak to me.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Believe in it. I used to really hold back with my material because I was petrified of what people would think. I put my hand up and admit I don’t handle rejection too well, even if I pretend to. But the moment I stopped caring too much and starting trusting in what I was putting out, that’s when people actually started showing interest.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
There’s quite a few weird hybrid genres forming. A few bands and artists I know from around the world who are polar opposite genre-wise (which on paper shouldn’t work) actually have really opened my mind as to what you can do. An example is Mishappenings who I mentioned before. I did a collaboration project with him a year ago. He does synth and punk. I wanted to do a “Beatles-esque” track, turned into something extremely weird but I actually quite liked it. Though I wouldn’t admit it at the time.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Probably playing at an agricultural college. No idea why we were there, don’t think the students did either. After about half an hour of deafening them, we were politely ushered into a back room out of the way but told to carry on playing.
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
Playing a show that we clearly didn’t fit in with. There were all these teenage carbon copy bands. Y’know, chinos, white vans, same bleached combover haircut…they also ALL played white Les Pauls. Anyway we got put on first and might as well have been background noise. After our set, we sat through the whole show, not really being able to tell when one band finished and another began. However there was a proper 80’s hair metal type band there. They felt just as pointless being there as we did. Anyway they went on and all I can remember is them doing the most incredible cover of the Power Rangers theme. The audience and the others bands not giving a damn, us at the front thinking they were the best thing in decades.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
I’m currently working on a new album called Anomaly in the Static, and it’s probably the most “me” record I’ve made so far. It sits somewhere between my last two albums but also feels like a reaction to everything around me — the noise, the algorithms, the constant pressure to perform, post, explain, and justify yourself.
It’s not a concept album in the traditional sense, but there’s definitely a theme running through it. A lot of it is about feeling out of place in a hyper-connected world, being surrounded by information yet still feeling isolated. That sense of being a human glitch in the system — something imperfect, emotional, and unpredictable in a very polished digital landscape.
Musically, it’s pretty varied. There are moments that are heavy, raw, and uncomfortable, and others that are quieter and more reflective. I’ve stopped worrying too much about whether songs “fit” together stylistically and focused more on whether they feel honest. If something sounded right emotionally, I kept it.
It’s not chasing trends, and it’s not really designed for playlists. It’s more of a late-night headphone record, something you put on when you want to disappear for a bit and just sit with it. That’s always been the kind of music that’s meant the most to me, so it felt right to make something in that spirit.
What was the recording process like?
Very DIY, very honest. No chasing trends, no polishing things just for the sake of it. I wanted it to feel human and rough edges and all. Some tracks came together quickly, others fought me the whole way. No one is perfect so our music shouldn’t be either.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Not quite finished yet, I Just need to add a few finishing touches. Sadly real life has had to take priority. I’m very proud of my previous album “Bliss”. I managed to capture that sound I’d been hearing in my head but never managed to pull off. Now I’m hoping to build upon the foundations of what I’ve built.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’d just say that great music is everywhere, and it always has been. For every band that breaks through, there are dozens more doing incredible work that never really gets noticed. A lot of that lives online now, especially in underground rock communities. Those scenes are full of genuinely passionate people making music because they have to, not because it’s fashionable. If you’re willing to dig a little, there’s some amazing stuff out there.
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