Musician's surprise at Asia hit

Jayce Lewis is flying out to India later this month

A musician who self-financed a video single shot near his south Wales home has become the featured artists on a leading music channel covering Asia.

The video accompanying Jayce Lewis's single Icon is being played up to 18 times a day on VH1 in Asia.

The 25-year-old of Kenfig Hill, near Bridgend, is flying out to the Far East this month for a series of gigs.

He is being promoted by Dave Prowse, who appeared as Darth Vader and who he first met at a Star Wars convention.

Icon was the first song Jayce wrote and the first one he has sung on.

He also plays every instrument on the track.

Jayce said he started playing the guitar at the age of six and had played in a succession of bands.

It was only when his last group broke up towards the end of last year that he decided to try his hand at becoming a solo artist.

"It was the first track I had ever written and the first one I sung on," he said.

"For my first track and first piece of music to be playing 18 times a day on VH1 and MTV Asia is just incredible - I can't take it in. It's really taken me by surprise."

Jayce who has signed a deal with record label EMI said it was also being widely promoted in India.

"They told me I was on a 40ft billboard on the side of motorways which is a bit odd. I will see it for myself when I go there at the end of the month."

He is currently putting the finishes touches to his debut album Chapter and tours India later this month with further gigs planned for Japan and Hong Kong.

Star Wars

The single Icon is also on a compilation CD released in Asia alongside some of music's biggest names including Coldplay, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry.

His career is being promoted by Dave Prowse - the actor best known for his roles as Darth Vader in Star Wars and the Green Cross Code Man.

Mr Lewis said they had been friends for a number of years.

"We met at a Star Wars convention when I asked him to sign an autograph," he said.

"We got talking - I told him I was drummer and his son was a drummer - he's just taken me under his wing."

He has also recently teamed up with Martin O'Shea who has managed a number of chart-topping bands including Atomic Kitten.

"I'm really happy with the enthusiasm and the support I've been getting," he added.