Interview Q & A - Draft Article so far...

'If I've heard correctly, you started off by playing classical guitar, what made you switch over to folk?

I find folk a much more social type of music which is why I decided to start playing it. People who play folk are really friendly and very welcoming and they often meet up and play informally over a few drinks in pubs which I like. I also feel that there is less of a competitive attitude to playing this genre compared to classical music, people learn at their own pace.

'When you are playing, how does it make you feel?'

Playing this music makes me think about how I am preserving an old tradition. There was a time when folk music was very much on the decline and endangered and thanks to various revivals it has come to the fore again. Playing with other folk musicians is definitely the best part of it because you feed off each other subconsciously to make good music. When you really spur each other on the audience picks up on it and it makes for a cracking atmosphere.

' Do you prefer playing in smaller or larger venues?'

Whilst playing in a larger venue is a sure sign that you'll have made it as a performing artist, I prefer the smaller and more intimate venues because you can actually see the audience and their individual reactions to the music. There is nothing better than playing a home gig at your tiny, local venue especially when it's the place where you originally started out playing your first, nerve-wracking gig.

'Is there anyone you would like to duet with in the future?'

I have always regarded Steve Knightley from Show Of Hands as a major influence in my guitar playing. He is a seasoned professional as well as a brilliant song-writer who sings about current issues and previous important events in his life. It would be a great honour for me to be able to duet with him just for one gig.

'Any plans for 2012?'

This year, I plan to go to as many festivals as possible to soak up the atmosphere and hang out with other like-minded people. They are definitely the best places to discover up-and-coming artists too. Also I plan to establish myself more as a gigging artist in my local scene and hope to team up to form a strong band to eventually record a promotional EP.