Idas shines at the big switch-on

Idas says his songs are inspired by things that happen in his everyday life

A singer-songwriter from Poulton set the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on stage alight.

Twenty-two-year old Idas promised "a big sound" from his set and he didn't disappoint.

The switch-on concert was one of the first live music events Idas ever went to and he is still pinching himself that he was part of the line-up.

"It was wicked! I remember thinking how cool it would be to perform in front of so many people and now I have!"

He continued: "Playing in front of my home crowd was fantastic. I was a little nervous but very excited as I have never performed in front of so many people before."

He tried out some new material in his switch-on set. "I could see everyone moving to my new songs - so I think they loved it. Words can't describe seeing 20,000 people doing that," he said.

Born Howard Peter Murphy but known to his friends as his stage name Idas says it was "a night he will never forget."

"Apart from my performance, I got to meet JLS, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith, Alan Carr and Ricky Hatton. They were all so down to earth."

'Born to do'

He has always been passionate about music. His father - who himself trained as a classical pianist - recalls him asking for a guitar at eight. He wanted to learn another instrument because he had already mastered the piano!

"Music is something that I was born to do. Since I can remember I have always been singing and playing whatever I could get my hands on."

Within a week of learning his first chords he had written a song. And he hasn't stopped writing since. "I like to write music that plays with the emotions, and that makes people feel what I feel."Many of his songs are inspired by real-life events with some even helping him through tough times. He explains: "Rise Again for instance was a song I wrote about pulling myself through an impossible situation. It worked, too."

If I had all the money in the world or living on the streets I would still write music. Idas

Growing up, he spent all his pocket money and Christmas and birthday money on music. At 15, his dad asked him what he wanted to do. His reply was to create, produce and perform music to the highest level.

From that day they have been collaborating on the 'Idas plan'. While his dad has provided as much financial backing as he could, Idas has practically locked himself away to produce the sounds and music to reflect his style.

He has worked with record producer Matt Schwartz who has worked with the likes of Massive Attack and one half of Deepest Blue. He also enrolled the help of Pete Craigie who has mixed five number ones for artists such as Kylie, Sugababes and Blue.

Twinkle toes

SWITCH-ON SET Rise Again: has an unexpected uplifting edge and is about not giving up even when everything seems to be going against you Paranoid: it's about friend of mine who began to lose his way and watching his fate unfold knowing there was nothing I could say or do to change it but trying to anyway Calling You: a moody piano feel with a deepness about it. The slowest of my set it is about someone I always turned to You're Not Alone: the most upbeat of my set. No matter how alone you feel, you're not!

The result is in Idas' words "an explosive blend of emotive pianos and powerful sounds, with rich melodies and seductive vocals".

In between gigs - and the occasional party - he is putting the finishing touches to his debut album which is expected to be out in early 2010.

He insists he isn't after fame, fortune or having women throwing themselves at him. "I started out in music because it's part of who I am. If I had all the money in the world or living on the streets I would still write music. I would find something to make a tune on.

"I'm looking forward most to getting my music out there and touching people with the stories I'm telling."

He might be able to make music but seemingly he hasn't got twinkle toes. When asked if he can dance - for the first time he isn't quite so confident. "Erm, no. Well, maybe after a tequila or two!"