Introducing: The James Lewis Band

Who are The James Lewis Band?

The James Lewis band are James Lewis on acoustic guitar and vocals; Tom Croft on drums, cajon and keys; and Sean Taft on bass.

Where are you based?

We are based in Leicester, and practice in a remote location near to Bradgate Park.

How did you get together?

We met online, through a dating website - nah just kidding! And after a couple of sessions things were progressing really rapidly.

Who or what are your greatest influences?

We all have a HUGE variety in musical influences from classical music through to death metal.

The amalgamation of all our different experience has been a great influence.

What do you do when you're not making music?

Work the day jobs; from managing Tesco, to call centres, to music tuition, to car painting.

What do you make of the music scene in Leicestershire and Rutland?

There's definitely new life out there now and a lot more to come, but the past couple of years haven't been the best with places like The Charlotte closing.

Who are your favourite local bands at the moment and why?

Local bands, well obviously there's the likes of Kasabian, and also Jersey Budd amongst others who's a decent bloke as well as making good music.

Where have you toured?

We've toured now over the majority of the Midlands, and are now stretching the boundaries further to likes of Leeds and soon down to London.

Do you have an album out?

The debut album 'Start From Scratch' is in the final stages of production and will be available through a variety of mediums soon! With some great artwork from Senior Design.

The band rehearse in a remote location close to Bradgate Park

Best gig so far?

Has got to be down at the Musician in Leicester. The sound's ace, the staff are great, and the crowd were awesome; never seen so many people crammed down there on a Thursday night at such short notice.

And worse?

There have been a few sketchy moments turning up to venues where everything is supposed to be provided and finding there's no drum kit or bass amp, but you have to take the rough with the smooth.

If you could change one thing about Leicestershire what would it be?

A better public transport system to the more remote areas!

What's been your most embarrassing music themed moment?

Strings snapping in the first song at the first gig; it wasn't the best start.

What's the best line you've ever written?

'The only lying I do, is lying beside you"

Who's your biggest fan?

It's gotta be 'Stevie Steve' who's got his Pajero plastered in James Lewis Band stickers from top to bottom!