I was singing in the back of the car with the rest of the family since I first remember. Johnny Cash was never too far away from the tape deck and we knew every word.
I grew up singing in choirs and playing piano, but when I got an electric guitar at 11 years of age, everything changed. I got my first gig in Auntie Annie's in the late 90's in Belfast. After doing a 12 hour shift in a kebab shop for £40, I played a two hour gig for £70 and that kind of made up my mind for me.
What do you think of the music scene in Belfast?
I think it's great. It is as varied and diverse as the music scene in any city in the world, and can match anyone of them for talent. It's small enough that everyone knows each other and supports one another. I really hope that the infrastructure around it can develop to help all of these wonderful artists get some recognition beyond these shores.
What are you working on at present?
My last record 'Time Well Spent' is still enjoying a lot of plays. I look forward to playing once more with Aoife Scott who I shared vocals with on the title track, in St. Joseph's Church soon. My next album, 'Behind Every Door' will be released in October '23 and was recorded live with some of the North's finest musicians in a couple of days.
What is your favourite thing about Belfast’s Maritime Mile?
It just hits home how Belfast is really changing in a positive way. All of the new developments are wonderful, from the Soundyard to the Titanic building. It's a different world from the Belfast that I came to as a student in '97.
Some of my fondest performing memories are from playing the Rotterdam Bar many years ago where I hosted an open mic session, as well as being a regular audience member for Foy Vance & Ken Haddock's weekly slot, or Jackie Flavelle's legendary Tuesday Night sessions. I love the openness of playing the Soundyard, and the intimacy of St. Joseph's Church which is slowly becoming one of the best venues in Belfast.
