Where in west London do you live?
The King’s Road – it is the one place that I always seem to be drawn back to since moving to London. I’ve met my closest friends there, had some of my best memories there and it has become my home.
How would you describe your music?
Piano-based rock/pop I guess, but it’s hard to pinpoint. I like that though; I think it’s better to be original than pigeon-holed.
Your single Bad Bad Luck has just been released. What has been the unluckiest thing to happen to you?
Probably when I visited my friend in Wales a few years ago. To start, his phone was out of reception so I had to wait four hours before I could arrange to meet him. When I finally found his house he had forgotten that I was vegetarian so all I could eat was peas and sweetcorn. Then to top it all off my car got broken into, all my bags stolen, including my radio, so it was a long silent drive back to London.
What’s your favourite song lyric?
I don’t really have a favourite lyric – there are just so many great songs out there. But I like the line in Bob Dylan’s song Like a Rolling Stone, ‘When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose’.
Where has been the most memorable venue you have played?
It’s got to be the bar on top of the Gherkin building. The views are absolutely amazing; I felt very privileged to be there.
Who are your musical heroes?
Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Bill Evans and Tom Waits to name a few. I also think everything Jack White does is incredible.
You recently supported Paloma Faith on tour. How was that experience?
Every gig is an experience but the bigger they get the more exciting they are to play. That was definitely one of the bigger and more exciting ones.
What’s currently on your iPod?
Cold War Kids, Jamie Lidell, a bit of The Black Keys, The Raconteurs and also Ed Sheeran’s new track You Need Me – I think he has a great sound going on.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Without a doubt Stevie Wonder. I would love a bit of Stevie harmonica on one of my tracks.
Where’s your favourite place to see live music in West London?
O2 Shepard’s Bush Empire where the sound is great. I saw Regina Spektor play there a few years ago. It’s a big venue but still very intimate. Also The Troubadour, near Earls Court, is a great place to see up-and-coming acts and has a lot of history.
What is in your fridge right now?
Probably nothing apart from a carton of milk. I tend to eat out most days as I’m single; it’s rubbish cooking for one.
What would be your Desert Island discs?
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder to put me in a good mood for when I wake up in the morning; Blood Sugar Sex Magic by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for when I’m running round the island; Tom Waits’ Blue Valentine for those evening sunsets and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John – just because it’s a great album.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
We’ve recently shot the video for my next single, Silver Jacket. The launch night for it is at the AAA Club in Kensington on Friday 23 September. I’ll be on the road with Charlie Simpson in October and I’ll make a quick trip home to Cornwall if I can fit it in before Christmas.
What’s your life motto?
There’s no such thing as a wrong note.
