In my fifties, I am a Generation X Singer Songwriter & Guitarist. I was born in Cambridgeshire and was a founder member of originals 4-piece Britpop band, ‘The Sunkings‘ in the 90’s. I’m told my new songs are a blend of Country, Folk Rock & Americana – which feels about right, but it’s just whatever pops out really. It’s safe to say though, that whilst there may be some up-tempo tunes (still sub 130bpm) I don’t write music to dance to.

Influences

My favourite songwriters, those that orchestrate the soundtrack to my life, are Lennon & McCartney, George Harrison, James Taylor, Don Henley, Glen Frey, Billy Joel, Neil Finn and Justin Currie. And whilst I’m steeped in admiration for contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, Keith Urban, Lewis Capaldi Maren Morris & Taylor Swift, having spent my formative teens & twenties in a touring 50’s & 60’s covers-band, my own creative output is ‘unconsciously imbued with a distinctive retro vibe’ (apparently). I can’t shake it off and actually, I no longer fight it. I Am what I am (blah blah). Oh and it would be remiss of me not to unashamedly state that I sooo love The Beatles (and Elvis). 🙂

Starting Over

I gave up creating music about 20+ years ago following a loss of confidence and the inescapable necessity to engage with grownup responsibilities. As a responsible adult I’d always felt a sense of imposter syndrome in this roll. Then, in the 2nd lockdown, I was invited to join an age-positive songwriters group for the over fifties (did I mention I’m in my fifties?) called ‘Talent Is Timeless’ (TisT).  Set up by 30-something Saskia Griffiths-Moore, the 1500+ group has encouraged and inspired me to write and perform again and in doing so the reasons why I did this all those years ago have come flooding back.

My second time around on this musical mystery tour has, to my surprise, seen me win several  song writing competitions. I was also shortlisted for the 2022 Annual Global TisT Song Writing Competition as a co-writer and have performed at several London venues as a consequence of joining TisT.

Today, successful artists are usually either media-savvy young’uns or veterans with gold-plated back catalogues. It’s not usual for a hitherto unknown fifty-something songwriter to find a new audience and success. So, whilst it’s not my first rodeo, I’m happy to try and buck the trend. It’s just the measurement that defines ‘success’ may be somewhat different to me now.