My Grandad found an old smashed up guitar in the attic of our house. He somehow managed to rebuild it to perfect condition and this started my love for guitar at nine years old. I was so passionate about from there on out. Music was always in the family and that probably helped.
I began with tunes like Foot Tapper and Apache by The Shadows – they were the tunes that my Grandad taught me to kick-start my guitar adventure. It wasn’t long before I discovered a guitarist called Chet Atkins. He immediately opened my eyes to how broad the guitar is as an instrument. He played a unique style called 'fingerstyle guitar'. It's the art of playing all aspects of music on it at one given time so, for example, playing bass, melody, rhythm and harmony all on one guitar. This is done by utilizing your fingers and thumb independently from one another. Since discovering Chet, my love for guitar and music spiraled out of control.
Through Chet, I discovered Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian guitar player who really pushed the limits of the acoustic guitar. For those who don’t know about him, I encourage you to check him out. His creative song writing, and insane ability renders him one of the greatest musicians on Earth, and certainly the one that inspired me the most. Not only is he a great musician, he’s a down to earth, kind man. I first met him when I was 13, and since then we have stayed in contact. Recently I was fortunate enough to perform a show with him at the Sage in Gateshead.
I’ve now been focusing more on the composition side of music. Guitar will always be my main passion in life – it’s made me who I am today – but I’m always interested in creating. I’m always striving to learn and develop as a musician.