What is your names?
My name is James, the rest of the band are Peej, Benj, Aled and Kob.
What is your genre of music?
Rock, with various other influences thrown in.
Give us a little bio about you..
We’re from Chepstow, South Wales, and born out of my desire and passion to create music surrounding my experiences with anxiety and depression.
The band are comprised of Peej Edwards on guitar, Benj Allison on bass, Aled Evans on keyboards & Kob on drums along with myself.
We released our debut album, ‘The Dark’ in 2017 and very quickly amassed a great online following, with over 50,000 followers on Facebook alone. Our subsequent singles earnt us 90,000 streams on Spotify and over 66,000 views on YouTube, featured on multiple Spotify playlists including Release Radar and Discover Weekly.
The new EP ‘Recovery’ features anthemic choruses over soaring guitars. We have already received multiple plays from Planet Rock and support from Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, and our second video release from the EP ‘Lose My Mind’ is available for premiere on 14th June.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve been playing guitar for a number of years and spent a good portion of those years in bands. Music helps me connect with myself and those around me, and always has.
Are you a signed?
Not yet! We self-release all of our music and videos.
You released your new single “Lose My Mind” tell us more about it.
‘Lose My Mind’ is taken from our new EP, Recovery. It’s an upbeat, anthemic rock track about being in control of your own mind, controlling your emotions, and trying not to lose it.
What was the writing process like?
It always comes together quickly. We jam for a while and as soon as we have a hook that we want, it all falls into place really. I always like to write about my own personal experiences so it’s great to get that down in our songs.
What was the recording process like?
As a band, we gel really well together and have a lot of fun when it comes to recording. We have our own dedicated studio where we write, record and practice so we get to really hang out, have some fun and record some music.
What message are you trying to get out?
The music I write with the band comes from past struggles I’ve faced. Losing my father and my brother, and having a near fatal motorbike accident has made me realise that no matter how hard life gets, and no matter how low you may feel, there is always something around the corner to lift you back up, and with me that’s definitely in music. I try to convey this message in our music.
You also released your EP, tell us more about it.
Our latest EP, Recovery, releases this Friday, 15th June, and it includes 5 tracks. We’re really excited about it. It features the track for our newest single and video, ‘Lose My Mind’, our last single ‘Sinking Like A Stone’, our spin on Selena Gomez’ ‘Wolves and two versions of ‘Only Reason Why’ that I wrote for my wife Claire.
Describe each track in two words.
Lose My Mind – Frenetic / Anthemic
Sinking Like A Stone – Powerful / Slick
Wolves – Thumping / Elegant
Only Reason Why – Pretty / Meaningful
Only Reason Why (Alt Version) – Meaningful / Soaring
What is the message you want to get out.
The message the songs are trying to convey, is to remember that no matter how hard life gets, or how difficult things can be, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Do you have gigs coming up?
We have our debut live show coming up at Chepstow Racecourse on August 25th.
If so where are you thinking of heading?
UK initially, but who knows!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Nothing planned.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Dave Grohl?
What else do you have planned this year?
More music, more videos more shows… The sky’s the limit!
Do you play any instruments?
I’m the lead vocalist in Maddison, but I also play lead guitar.
Who are your influences?
Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd and Bring Me The Horizon to name a few.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
Kerrang would be awesome!
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
They always come from personal experiences, as they carry the deeper meaning for me.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Doing what we do now, on a much larger scale.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I love to keep in shape and keep fit, so you’ll normally find me training at the gym, or spending time with my family. I also love freestyle jetskiing, so if you don’t find me at the gym, at home or with the band, you’ll find me at the lake!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
There are two actually, Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd and The Pretender by the Foo Fighters.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Tough question, but it was advice from my brother, Alan. It was simply – no fear.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Work hard, take advice and constructive criticism on board and try to learn as much as you can, especially from your mistakes.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Worry is an investment on a waste of time!” My grandfather told me that. He’s 98 years old and going strong so I’d be stupid not to listen!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Well it’s a small town but maybe Wye Valley cliffs. There’s some amazing views of the river. I actually wrote some of the lyrics for the song ‘The Dark’ off our first album while sitting up there!
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Home
2/ Who do you see first?
My wife and kids!
3What do you eat first?
I wouldn’t eat straight away, but I’d definitely have a cup of tea
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My guitars, my rig, the rest of the band (obviously!), my big bottle of water and my phone!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Follow us on Spotify and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
