Acting

Well after spending many years on stage, I decided to try my hand at acting at the start of 2008. After applying and auditioning for a few different roles, I was offered lead roles in two short films being made by students at Bournemouth University.

The first film, 'Which I have, I think' was shot in early February 2008, and was my first stint in front of the camera. The film told the story of a man leading a double life of sorts, and so was quite challenging to portray two different personas of the same person, in the same film. Fortunately the film turned out exceptionally, and my performance led to offers of other acting roles.

The second film, 'Out Secret Moments' was also shot in February 2008. It told the story of two lovers meeting up in secret. The film was shot in b&w and was also well received.

I have appeared in three more films in 2009. Playing the leading role of Tommy in 'The Mistaken Thief', a paparazzi photographer in 'Full Circle' and finally my favourite performance to date as Mark in the dark thriller 'Going Home'

Please visit the Video section of the site to view my show reel.

 

Music

I originally started out as a drummer, on my 17th birthday I bought myself a drum-kit and started to learn. I had been playing the guitar for a few years beforehand and decided to try something a bit different. Within a month of picking up the sticks for the first time, I had joined young Punk band The Thunder Lizards, and was playing live two months later. I only played two shows with The Thunder Lizards before the band broke up.

I was still a drummer when my brother Steve and I decided to start a band, we answered an advert in a local music shop placed by a bassist and rhythm guitarist, and Black Sky was born.

Black Sky

During the first year, the band struggled to get off of the ground, a few line-up changes took place and the search for a singer seemed like never coming to an end. During band practice I would sing and drum at the same time (an experience that, although nearly killing me, helped develop the strength in my voice, as I was trying to sing over two 300w guitar amps through a 100w bass amp!) Eventually, we decided to start searching for a singer AND a drummer, the plan being that whichever we found first, I would do the other. We found a drummer within a few weeks, and I took up my new post at centre stage.

A few more line-up changes happened before our first show took place around a year after the band started in 2003. Over the next few months we played a few local shows before we recorded our first EP, Estranged. The band were very well received locally and quickly developed a following. The musical style of Black Sky was based on the late 80's rock movement; we drew our influences from bands such as Guns N Roses, Metallica and Motley Crue. An energetic stage show and eccentric style, as well as our guitarist Steve's amazing ability made us stand out from the other bands locally.

A few more line-up changes later, we recorded our second EP, The End Of The Beginning in July 2004. We sent demo CD's to virtually every record company in the country, but sadly had no interest in the music that we were promoting. During this period, we also had a lot of interest from the local press, staging campaigns to bring more live music to local music venues, and I personally was quoted in the press more than once, speaking out against local venues that treated bands badly.

In early 2005, I decided to leave the band after almost 3 years. Myself and the band had different opinions about the direction of the band, and I decided to pursue my own interests. The band broke up completely a few months later.

 

The Solo Career

A few months after I left the band, I was contacted by a record company, A&R records. They had received a copy of the bands last demo CD and upon hearing the news that I had left, invited me to their studios for an audition. I signed an agreement to record my first solo album in July 2005.

The album was going to be written by myself, with me playing all of the music too. It was going to be a far cry from the hard rocking days of Black Sky, the album was going to be more acoustic and piano based. I started recording at Archway Studios in September 2005. The album was going very well, and I was also back playing live again. I performed a few solo acoustic shows locally, which were very well received. Some people actually told me that I sounded better on my own that I did with Black Sky.

Then in December 2005, I received a phone call from my producer. A&R Records had gone into administration. I had only completed the first three tracks of the album.

Raw Vibe

During the six months that I was recording my album, three of the former members of Black Sky had started a new band Raw Vibe, and as it happened, Raw vibe were looking for a new singer.

Raw Vibe were a lot different from Black Sky, gone were the flashy stage costumes and arrogant performances. The band was just straight forward rock n roll. I re-joined the band and played my first two shows with them earlier this year.

Sadly, the reunion with the old band didn't last long. In March 2006, Raw Vibe decided to call it a day. Two of the members, Nick and Tom had decided to go to University this year, and could no longer commit to the heavy practice schedule of the band.