Deacon Blue, with special guest Jamie Lawson, performing their Cities Of Love Tour at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Sunday 28th November 2021

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

It may have been freezing outside but inside the Royal Concert Hall, Scottish band Deacon Blue kept the temperatures soaring as they finally got to perform their Cities Of Love tour. With not a seat to be had they delivered a set list that showcased a wide range of their hits that spanned their 36 years as a band.

But it was Jamie Lawson who got the evening started. Back from a period of self isolation he took to the stage with just his guitar to show why he was the first artist Ed Sheeran signed to his Gingerbread Man label, and with a set list that included Cold In Ohio and that song that stops everyone in their tracks, Wasn’t Expecting That, it won’t be long before he is announcing his own headline tour.

As soon as Deacon Blue walked onto the stage it was instantly apparent that they have lost none of their original charm and energy. Touring to promote their latest album, City Of Love, they opened with the title track and other new songs such as A Walk In The Woods and Hit Me Where It Hurts displayed the same melodic solidarity and harmonies of their old songs.

Chocolate Girl had everyone on their feet as did Fergus Sings The Blues. With charismatic front man Ricky Ross’ booming vocals, alongside fellow vocalist Lorraine McIntosh whose incredibly powerful voice gained rapturous applause by itself on multiple occasions, they belted out a medley of classics like Wages Day, Loaded and Wish I Was A Girl Like You.

For Real Gone Kid the crowd punched the air and sang along before main set closer Town To Be Blamed saw them dancing to their hearts content. But the real show stopper was the first encore that included a beautiful Peace Will Come and a wonderful Dignity before a second encore of Forever Young brought the house down.

Jamie Lawson, an English singer, songwriter and musician, chats with Kevin Cooper about his lockdown grooming habits, his views on streaming services, wining an Ivor Novello award and the release of his forthcoming EP Moving Images.

Jamie Lawson is an English singer, songwriter and musician. He first picked up a guitar aged eight when he was given one for a Christmas present. Beginning his music career when he was still at High School, from the age of seventeen he began performing in pubs and bars around the UK and Ireland.

Lawson released his debut album, Last Night Stars on Allotment Recordings in 2003 and when he moved to Lookout Mountain Records, he released his second album, The Pull Of The Moon in 2010. A follow up album, Wasn’t Expecting That, was a re-release of his second album.

His single, Wasn’t Expecting That, was originally released on YouTube in 2011 and became hugely popular after it was played on one of Ireland’s biggest radio stations. In March 2015 Ed Sheeran announced that Lawson would be the first artist to be signed to his new label, Gingerbread Man Records. The single, Wasn’t Expecting That was re-released on 3^rd April 2015 and it peaked at number six in the UK singles chart and was certified silver in 2015 by the British Phonographic Industry.

In 2015 Gingerbread Man Records released Lawson’s self titled album which reached number one in the album charts, and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry, denoting shipments of 100,000 copies. In 2016 he won the prestigious Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, beating Ed Sheeran to the award. This was followed by two more albums, Happy Accidents and The Years In Between, and between 2002 and 2013 Lawson also released four EP’s.

Whilst busy promoting his fifth EP, Moving Images, during the Covid-19 Lockdown, he took some time out to have a chat with Kevin Cooper and this is what he had to say.

Hi Jamie, how are you?

I’m very well thank you Kevin; how are you today?

All is as good as can be considering everything that is currently going on in the world thank you, and before we move on let me firstly thank you for taking the time to speak to me today.

It’s not a problem at all; in fact it’s my pleasure, so thank you for wanting to speak to me.

And just how are you coping with the lockdown?

(Laughter) interestingly that is a weird one for me to answer because I was, in fact, taking the time off anyway. I was intending to take off the past few months and take a rest from touring; simply because I felt that I had toured quite a lot over the past few years. Plus, as you no doubt already know, we have just had a baby back in early February, so that has changed my life beyond all recognition, and on top of all of that we are currently in the middle of this pandemic which means that you simply cannot go anywhere, you can’t see anyone, so for me it really has been an interesting time (laughter). I personally feel that we have been quite lucky in terms of not having to tour which means that I get to stay home, be around and do all those sorts of things. So, I am doing okay, thank you for asking, I am doing okay.

And just how is the lockdown beard coming along (laughter).

(Laughter) the lockdown beard is coming along quite nicely thank you. Having said that, I have in fact had to keep mine in check because I am doing quite a few live streams and videos to put out, so I have been doing my best to keep myself in check, although I have to be honest and tell you that the hair is now starting to go a bit wild (laughter). I don’t seem to be able to keep the hair in check as well as the beard so yes, the hair is starting to go a bit now (laughter).

Here we all are in lockdown together and the one thing which people seem to be becoming obsessed with is getting a haircut (laughter).

(Laughter) I know, it’s an interesting thing isn’t it. Vanity has come out to play (laughter). Is it vanity or is it self-respect, I really don’t know which it is?

Could it perhaps be a bit of both?

Perhaps you are right. I think that just before the lockdown came into being, I did go for a haircut and I have to say that I regretted it immediately (laughter). As he was cutting my hair, I kept having a peep in the mirror and I thought ‘this is crazy, his hands are over me’. Anyway, I got talking to the barber and he told me that his wife worked in a hospital and she was basically on the frontline, and I started thinking ‘what a stupid mistake I have made here’. So yes, I am really surprised that is what people want to go and do, but I am actually starting to understand it because my hair is starting to go out of control. But, at the end of the day there are always hats (laughter).

I had thought about shaving my head but knowing my luck we would be given the all clear to go back out onto the streets tomorrow (laughter).

(Laughter) I had actually been thinking something similar myself. I thought ‘should I just give it a little shave’ but then I remember that I did it once and I looked absolute awful even though it didn’t last that long (laughter).

Now that we have collectively rectified the nations ‘bad hair day’ we really should talk about your forthcoming EP Moving Images which has a release date of Friday 29^th May. Are you looking forward to getting it out there to the fans?

Yes, I am, I really can’t wait. It is starting to feel as though She Sings For Me has been out for quite a while now, which was received really well. We are well on the way to achieving two hundred thousand streams on Spotify which really is amazing. I am well chuffed with that. We have just released Closure last week and that has received a great response too so yes, I am looking forward to it, and finally getting to hear just what people think of it, and what tracks people are drawn to.

I have been told that you have a more personal interest in these songs than any of your previous songs. Is that correct?

(Laughter) just who have you been speaking to (laughter). Yes, I have as this is the first selection of songs that I have produced. I have recorded most of it here in my home studio, so it is probably the most direct version of the vision that I have of what I do.

Well I have to say that I have been playing the EP for the past few days now and I think that it is a great piece of work.

Thanks Kevin, I’m glad that you like it.

My favourite track at this moment in time is A Perfect Year; I think that is fantastic.

That is so cool, I am glad that you like that track as it really is one of my favourites too.

Where did the inspiration come from for that particular song?

(Laughter) it actually comes from a bit of a blunder, I guess (laughter). I actually wrote that song for my wife as a first wedding anniversary present, which in all honesty is a little arrogant, thinking that you could write a song for your wife. However, I had ordered another present which hadn’t arrived, and I was going to be, how do you put it, up shit creek (laughter). So, I very quickly, the day before the wedding anniversary, which being year one was paper, I very quickly wrote a song for her and gave her the lyrics on our anniversary as well as the song which I had managed to write and record within two hours. That is pretty much the version of the song which we now have (laughter).

I had most of the parts already worked out, the string parts were originally for the guitar, but that was expanded by adding a string arrangement. That is the simple reason as to why that song exists (laughter). In all honesty I never expected anyone else to ever hear that song, it was just for Catherine’s ears, but I quite liked it and I was hoping that others would like it too (laughter).

That just goes to prove that finding yourself under pressure can, sometimes at least, pay off.

Yes, that’s right, at least in some instances (laughter). It’s not until December so I have time on my side this year (laughter).

Are you always writing?

I’m so pleased that you have asked me that because I have to tell you that I have to do something. I start getting a little twitchy if I am not creating; if I am not working on something. Since our son arrived it has been my biggest time away from working in that way. It is the longest that I have gone without playing a guitar and let me tell you, it is beginning to feel odd. Having said that, I have since written a new song about ten days ago, plus I have been working on a lot of homemade video type of things with my band. We are all playing and recording different parts which I am now putting together. I like to have something to do, that’s for sure and I would like to get back to writing now. My head is now back in that space. You have to realise that a new-born does not really equate to making music (laughter).

Now that you are a father, do you feel that will affect the manner in which you write and also your subject matter?

What a great question and the answer is, I don’t know. I don’t really have an answer to that question as yet. Who knows, it must do, mustn’t it? I would think that it will change my views of the world at some stage or another. I am assuming that it will, but I am yet to put it to the test.

Why are you releasing an EP rather than an album; is it simply down to the fact that you can get your music out there quicker?

Yes, it is, it really is essentially down to that. It feels to me that the music industry has changed, and therefore as an artist you are almost required to have a presence twenty-four hours a day, but I have to say that is totally impossible for me. Having said that, there are certain artists who are magnificent at it. They are constantly posting things, keeping in touch with their fan base, and understandably their fan base grows because of it. However, I personally don’t have that train of thought, but I do my best. So, for me, the idea really is to try and get out less music more often, and that way I can keep up my profile, I guess.

At least, that’s the idea. It’s a shame as I really do enjoy making albums. I am personally a big fan of the album, and my thinking behind the EP is that maybe two EP’s will make a vinyl album. Who knows, I am hoping to release another EP later this year, and hopefully this is how we keep things rolling, and maybe I will be able to tour sometime next year, depending upon if live music is back doing what it does by then. To be totally honest with you, at this moment in time I don’t know if that is going to happen again for quite a while. Would it really work, having people sitting two metres apart at indoor gigs? It is going to be odd, but we are all going to be odd together if you know what I mean.

Maybe we can get through it in that way, I really don’t know. What I will say with a degree of certainty is that there will be no tours this year. Another problem is, just how are musicians going to make a living. Plus, what about all of the crew guys who would be out on the road as we speak. They are all self-employed so just what are those guys going to do? It is a really tough time for the music industry; it is going to need a bit of support.

Do you think that the music industry will ever recover and are we now looking at the dawn of a new era for the music business?

Yes, and yes to both of those questions. We are looking at a new era, and that is how we will recover. What you must remember is that people will always need music and songs. I personally would hope that we must restructure the way in which artists get paid from streaming sites. That is the main thing for us now, which is how people are listening. They can’t go to live gigs; music isn’t being played in shops because all the shops are closed, so basically the streaming sites need to be paying the writers and the artists more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not just down to the streaming services, it is also down to the record labels and how they distribute the music.

Are you personally anti or pro streaming services such as Spotify?

The lack of payment really would be a good enough reason to be totally anti streaming services, but the good news is that they work brilliantly. People out there can discover your work; the sad thing is that they simply do not pay us enough. I’m not against it; I would just like it to be fair, the same for Google and the same for YouTube. The problem is that at this moment in time they all pay pretty badly. There is a guy, Tom Gray, who was the vocalist and played both the guitar and keyboards for the band Gomez who is currently doing a brilliant thing on Twitter. If you check Tom out at #brokenrecord you will see that he breaks down all the revenue from streaming services and how much a writer might get and let me tell you, it is absolutely shocking. He shows you just how many streams you need in order to make a living. It is almost unattainable. Something most definitely must change; something has to give.

There are lots of noughts on the cheques which you receive from the streaming services, but they are currently on the wrong side, they are on the left and not the right.

(Laughter) I like that; they are on the wrong side (laughter). I think I will use that.

You have now been in the professional music business for twenty years. Have you enjoyed the ride so far?

Yes, I have to say yes. Although, having said that I would have to say that it was certainly very difficult during the first fifteen years. There was a little bit of success during that first fifteen years, which came in around the ten-year mark I guess, but that seemed to go away again. Having said that, to be honest, the last five years have been a blast. They have come and gone so fast. My life has changed in such a dramatic fashion. I have managed to get to do some of the things that I never dreamt that I would ever do and never dreamt of in a way. For example, I got to play at Wembley Stadium, and let me tell you, that was never on my list because why would it be, I’m a singer songwriter from Plymouth and that is never going to happen (laughter).

However, it did happen, I got to play Wembley Stadium. I got to travel a lot, I got to sing on some big TV shows, I had a number one album, and I won an Ivor Novello award. Things were a bit crazy for a while, but they have certainly calmed down once again. As a roller coaster it has been extreme.

Would you do it all again?

Of course, yes.

Do you have any regrets; is there something which you would do differently?

I can’t really say that I would do anything differently only because I am currently in a good place. I’m happy, I have a very good home life, and I am making the music that I want to make which is what I have always done. I have been very lucky in that sense, because overall I have made the albums that I have wanted to make.

You have briefly mentioned the Ivor Novello award which you won for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 2016. That must have felt special.

It really did feel amazing. That really was a great day. It was four years ago a couple of days ago now, so it is the anniversary of that. Winning that award certainly made me feel very validated for keeping at it, and that I had something to give and something to offer. I always had belief in that without any proof. Winning the award was proof from my peers and that really was a big statement.

And beating a certain Mr Sheeran into second place; did that make it feel even sweeter?

(Laughter) in a way yes, but for both of us. Certainly, for me it was fun for me to be able to show him the award but for Ed it was proof that he could pick a good song. He picked out an Ivor Novello award winning song and decided to put it out into the world when no one else would. That, to me, showed that he had the right instincts. So, I think that for both of us it was a great thing.

You are now back with Lookout Mountain, your previous record label before you signed for Ed’s Gingerbread Man Records. Does that feel like a better fit for you; is it like going home?

Yes, I suppose that it does a little bit. I am now back to the team of just me and my manager, and we are now trying to reach my fans more directly. I am now doing a few streaming gigs every Monday, putting out EP’s so that there is more music more often, and I am trying to bridge that gap between me and the fans and become more one on one with my fan base rather than going through the major label. Being honest, it has its perks, but it also has its downsides.

Putting you on the spot, what would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?

That would have to be winning the Ivor.

You have mentioned that you have found yourself in some big places and some strange places, just how the hell did you find yourself performing on the set of Neighbours (laughter)?

(Hysterical laughter) I have absolutely no idea (laughter). I’m guessing that my Australian record company may have had something to do with that in some sort of strange PR twist (laughter). It was an unusual day to say the least and not one that I will forget in a hurry. It was one of the stranger days in my life (laughter).

On that note Jamie, let me once again thank you for taking the time to speak to me today, it’s been great. Bye for now.

Thanks Kevin, it was great getting to speak to you once again, it’s always a pleasure. You stay safe and hopefully we will speak again later in the year.

Splendour Festival at Wollaton Park Nottingham on Saturday 23rd July 2016

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

This year’s Splendour Music Festival did not need wellies, but flip flops. Nor were rain ponchos needed but fifty factor sun cream as over 23,000 people visited Wollaton Park for the ninth annual Festival.

Joining the special club of headliners whose previous members include The Specials, Tom O’Dell and Jake Bugg, this year it was the turn of Jess Glynne to headline on the Main Stage and she did not disappoint.

With several long queues to access the venue throughout the day, this eager crowd were not deterred as rumours were rife that it was taking in excess of an hour to get. They did what the British do best; queued calmly and drank the fluids that would have no doubt been confiscated at the entrance.

Making the tea time slot their own was London band Turin Brakes, who delighted the crowd with a selection of songs from their latest album, Lost Property. Showing that they are certainly an underrated band as the combination of Gale Paridjanian’s guitar skills, Olly Knight’s distinctive vocals which were driven along by Ed Myer’s bass and Rob Allum’s drums made their distinctive acoustic sound reverberate around this lovely park.

In a thirty minute set which included new tracks 96, Lost Property and Jump Start, this crowd were well and truly entertained. New track Save You, has the potential to be an anthem in the making, whilst oldies Long Distance, Underdog and fans favourite 2003 hit Pain Killer prompted a mass sing along.

With sensible timings from the organisers it meant that the crowd were able to make their way across to The Confetti Stage to catch the artists appearing there and there were not any disappointed fans of Belfast punk band, Stiff Little Fingers. Opening with Barbed Wire Love, there was no doubt that Jake Burns and Co have lost none of their sense of justice and their anger in their thought provoking, uplifting and emotive songs such as Strummerville, Tin Soldiers, and Wasted Life, before bringing their appreciated set to a close with Alternative Ulster.

Fresh from an appearance at Glastonbury was Jamie Lawson who, when he appeared at Rock City earlier this year, the queue to get in went all around the block. Coming onto the Main Stage with his band, he was immediately swathed in smoke. But once it cleared Lawson emerged with just his guitar and that incredible voice. Opening his set with The Only Conclusion; this was the first of a string of catchy and often achingly beautiful songs. Cold In Ohio from his self-titled album was given an outing as was the hopeful and upbeat Someone For Everyone.

Finishing his set with Wasn’t Expecting That, this crowd either sang along to what has become a momentous first single for Lawson, or they just stood and listened. But he lightened the mood when he threw in a verse from Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl which absolutely delighted this overheated crowd.

UB40 needed no introduction, even though the line-up may have changed and there was no Ali, Astro or Mickey. But some do say that this is the real UB40 and despite the legal wrangling’s between the brothers, what are instantly memorable are the songs which this band have been performing since the 1980’s as they rose to prominence as being the first British reggae band to achieve mainstream pop crossover success.

If the audience were flagging as the temperatures reached the mid 20’s, they were instantly revived when the strains of Homely Girl, Cherry Oh Baby and Kingston Town just begged to be sang along to. A cover of Jimmy Cliff’s Many Rivers To Cross together with the band’s 1980 debut single Food For Thought brought back memories of those early days whilst set closer Red Red Wine had everyone of all ages singing along.

With the main stage now dressed in white, it was time for Sheffield’s 80’s giants, The Human League to take their turn at entertaining. Opening with Mirror Man, those in the audience will have immediately remembered lead singer Phil Oakey with his hair drooping over one eye, yet still looking remarkably cool.

Taking this audience on a trip down memory lane, they were treated to the classics which included Love Action (I Believe In Love), The Lebanon and Tell Me When. With band members Susan Tulley and Joanne Catherall having three costume changes, it was Oakey who moved the set along with his pitch perfect vocals. Finishing with Don’t You Want Me Baby and Together In Electric Dreams, the atmosphere was simply that; electric, as a packed audience danced and provided backing vocals to a set which had ended too soon.

It would have been a pity to have missed The Darkness on the Confetti Stage and many decided that they were too good to miss. With enigmatic lead singer Justin Hawkins, they were pure entertainment. Dressed in a purple jump suit, Hawkins knew how to entertain. They were the most energetic, simply bonkers band to grace the stage of Splendour and kept the temperatures way up there.

With a set list that started with Black Shuck and Growing On Me, their set also included One Way Ticket and Love Is Only A Feeling. Running from one end of the stage to the other, The Darkness were definitely not Stuck In A Rut, but as they finished with Love On The Rocks With No Ice, it was clear that this audience would have appreciated a little ice to just cool them down.

Back to the Main Stage for headliner Jess Glynne, the evening was brought to an end with the sun having set over a fantastic setting, with the lake and its inhabitants finally getting some sleep. Having appeared at the No Tomorrow Festival two years ago as the featured vocalist for chart toppers Clean Bandit, it was some of their covers which were given the Jess Glynne treatment.

With a set that included all of her hits, Glynne brought a Festival that was very successful, full of fun, and hugely entertaining, to a close. As this capacity crowd made their way to the exit, they would still have been singing Hold My Hand; a reminder of what was a truly brilliant day.

Jamie Lawson Performing at Rock City on Monday 18^th January 2016

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

Last night a packed Rock City crowd saw why Ed Sheeran chose Jamie Lawson as the first signing to his Gingerbread Man record label, and why this is an artist that is finally getting noticed after plugging away for years in bars across England and Ireland.

Accompanied by a keyboard player, bassist and drummer, he frequently reverted back to what he is most comfortable with, just him and an acoustic guitar.

He opened with The Only Conclusion, a track from his self-titled second album, this being the first of a string of catchy and often achingly beautiful songs which allowed Lawson to hit his stride confidently and quickly. Following with But Love Me and the very beautiful Touch Of Your Hand from his debut album, The Pull Of The Moon, it was hard to see why it has taken him so long to get that step up the ladder.

An audience of diverse ages hung on his every word as new tracks Someone For Everyone and In Our Own Worlds showcased lyrics that are at times heart on sleeve confessional whilst at times buoyant expressions of love. New single Cold In Ohio was giving an outing, as was the hopeful and upbeat Someone For Everyone. But it was his breakthrough song, Wasn’t Expecting That which stunned this audience into silence as its accelerating momentum from first encounter, through marriage and family to sudden bereavement occurs with a swiftness that is disarmingly emotional.

Finishing with Ahead Of Myself, we were reminded of just how good Jamie Lawson is. He delivered a set devoid of attitude and pretentiousness, but with plenty of emotion and honesty, and with a voice that soared, broke and creaked in all the right moments.

If you get the chance to see Jamie Lawson live, then take it. He won’t be in such intimate surroundings for long.

Jamie Lawson chats with Kevin Cooper about working with Ed Sheeran, his massive hit Wasn’t Expecting That, his musical inspirations and his forthcoming tour of the UK.

Jamie Lawson is a British singer-songwriter and musician. He was the first artist to be signed by Ed Sheeran’s new record label, Gingerbread Man Records. He is currently best known for his hit single Wasn’t Expecting That and his self-titled album which peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart in 2015.

2015 has been a great year for him having supported Ed Sheeran on his X Tour in March and April, and also supporting One Direction on their 2015 On the Road Again Tour of the UK and Ireland.

Whilst preparing for his 2016 tour of the UK, Jamie Lawson took time out to have a chat with Kevin Cooper, and this is what he had to say.

Hi Jamie how are you?

I’m alright thank you. How are you Kevin?

I’m good thank you and let me just thank you for taking the time to speak to me today?

No worries, it’s my pleasure.

And tell me, how is life treating you at this moment in time?

Pretty well thanks although I have to tell you that I am a little tired as I have just done a three week run of these weird Radio Jingle Bell Balls (laughter). I didn’t really know about these things but they do them all over the USA so that is what I have been doing for the past three weeks (laughter).

I understand that you got to play with some cool people whilst you were over there in America?

(Laughter) that’s right Kevin I did. I got to play shows with both Fall Out Boy and Great Big World so whilst it was hard work it was also great fun. It was very nice to be able to meet these people and also to play with them.

So whilst it’s been good fun I detect that you are glad to be back home?

That’s absolutely right Kevin (laughter). I have one more thing to do for Radio 2 then that is it until I start rehearsals for the tour, so it will be feet up for me (laughter).

Was it always going to be a career in music for you?

Yes I think so. I didn’t seem to be any good at anything else that’s for sure. I don’t know if I was good at this either but what I will say is that it was something that I really enjoyed. I think that I made the decision very early on that I would rather do something that I enjoyed rather than something that I wouldn’t enjoy but which would simply pay my way. So yes, I think that it was always going to be something music related.

Are you looking forward to getting back out on the road here in the UK?

Yes Kevin I really can’t wait. This will be my first tour of the UK with a full band. I must admit that I am getting really excited about the tour. I did a solo tour in November which was really good because people have now started to know the songs and they sing along. However that was just me and them so it was quite an intimate tour. Hopefully the next tour will manage to take that up a step and so I am really looking forward to it.

You are playing here in Nottingham at Rock City on January 18th. Are you looking forward to it?

I am Kevin, I am really excited about it, especially when you see who has played there before. Rock City is a venue that has a great reputation.

I have to say that I think that Wasn’t Expecting That is a beautiful piece of work.

Thank you Kevin that’s lovely of you to say.

I don’t know if you have heard this or not but certain quarters of the UK Music Media are already saying that Wasn’t Expecting That is going to be as anthemic as Lady In Red?

(Hysterical laughter) that’s brilliant. I love that Kevin. I haven’t read that but I wish that I had. I really don’t know what to say about that.

Well the song is already being played at weddings so you are already well on the way.

Yes that is very true. I get an awful lot of requests asking if I can change the last two lines of the song. I haven’t done that yet but I am now seriously considering it (laughter). Maybe I will at some point.

You first released the song back in 2011 did it frustrate you with how long it took to break here in the UK?

To be honest Kevin I thought that I had missed the chance. At the time when it broke over in Ireland I had big hopes of the song making it big in England, big in Europe and perhaps even hitting the USA. When it didn’t I was a little bit heartbroken I think. I thought that I had missed out on my one chance. So the fact that it has come around again because of Ed Sheeran and his involvement, it is just a massive surprise and a really welcome one at that. I am very grateful to Ed for giving me the chance to get the song out to the world. I always thought that it would connect as it did in Ireland which has now finally been proved.

So tell me, who or what was the inspiration behind the song?

It came out of a conversation that I was having with some friends when I was over in Ireland on tour. During the conversation someone just said I wasn’t expecting that and for whatever reason it just stuck. The following day I started writing the song and it was the second line which came first. It very quickly became a challenge for me to see if I could get a couples whole life into one song lasting three minutes. That was my challenge to myself. There are bits of me in it, there are bits of people who I know in it, and yes, it just worked.

You have mentioned Ed (Sheeran) who signed you to his Gingerbread Man Records. Did you know that he wanted you before you signed for him?

I guess that we had been talking about it for a little bit, so yes, I suppose I had an idea that he wanted me to sign to his label. I had opened for him at a secret show which I think was the moment that got Ed thinking about signing me. However it wasn’t until we did the UK Tour that we started talking about it seriously. But at that point the label wasn’t up and running; he got it up and running for me in a way. So it took a little while but here we are (laughter).

So just what is it like for you to be working with Ed?

Ed is great. It’s interesting that Ed has said a few times that the attraction of him working with me is that he knew that he wouldn’t have to work very hard. He knew that I would be able to go into the studio and make the record that I wanted to make and that would work. When Ed started talking about the label and I spoke to him about the record that I wanted to make, I found him to be on-board very early on. All that Ed had to do was to facilitate the right people to work with and then I simply went into the studio to make the record and I have to say that it has been absolutely great in that way Kevin. He is a very good boss (laughter).

I have seen Ed on YouTube this morning covering the song.

Yes I know, but he always gets the words wrong (laughter) but bless him for doing it.

Has he paid you any royalties for covering the song?

(Hysterical laughter) that’s a good point Kevin and to be honest, I don’t know. I will have to ask him (laughter). To be honest Ed has done more than enough for me so I would quite happily give him the song.

I recently caught you on TFI Friday and I have to ask you, just what was it like being in the studio with a certain Mr Ronnie Wood?

The whole experience was great Kevin. Bless Chris Evans because he has been very supportive of the song from early on. He seems to really like the song and what I do. It’s great to have that kind of support from people like that. That show is crazy and I have absolutely no idea how they pull it off (laughter). But it was really nice to be a part of it.

Are you currently writing for the second album?

Funny you should ask me that Kevin because I am actually starting to think about songs and starting to find the time to write whenever I can. It is actually much tougher than I thought it would be to be able to find the right head space. Especially when almost all of my down time is spent moving from one place to the next. That is quite hard and it is not really that creative. Having said that I am trying to get into the habit of it and I am finally settling into this lifestyle which is still quite new to me. So what I will say is that I am certainly thinking about it but I haven’t got very far yet.

How does it feel knowing that you have written and performed a song that literally stops people in their tracks whenever they hear it?

To be honest Kevin I had never thought about it like that. I get a lot of messages now from people who have been through similar circumstances or their parents have been through similar circumstances; telling me just how much the song helps them, moves them and brings back happy memories, which to me is the most important thing. I am really honoured that my song can do all of that for them; I think that it is incredible. Whenever I was in a certain mood I would always go to music; music was my fall-back if you like, so I am really chuffed that people are finding that sort of comfort in my songs. That means a lot to me.

Not wanting to put a downer on things but just how do you follow a record such as that?

Good point Kevin, who knows, maybe I don’t. I don’t know (laughter). I may not be able to, however if you listen to the rest of the album I think that it stands up. People go into the album with Wasn’t Expecting That as their favourite song, and then come out with something else. I personally think that the album is definitely strong enough but whether we get the chance to put those other songs out there and onto the radio is another matter entirely. But I will let it be what it is and I am really happy with how things have gone. The album went to number one and for me 2015 has been an incredible year so let’s just hope that the next song gets listened to too.

Who has inspired you musically along the way?

I am a big R.E.M. fan and I love Crowded House. Back in the day I was a massive Jackson 5 fan and I love people like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley. I think that Ron Sexsmith is a fantastic songwriter and I also like 10,000 Maniacs and American Music Club. There is a lot of different stuff but it is basically down to great lyric writing and beautiful melodies. No matter what form it comes in, if I can find a great song with a fantastic melody then I am a happy person.

What was the first record that you bought?

That was Michael Jackson’s Bad album which is still to this day a really great record actually, apart from the track Speed Demon which is terrible (laughter). But I won’t hold that against him (laughter).

Who did you first see performing live in concert?

That was Don McLean and then my second gig was The Manic Street Preachers (laughter). So there you go Kevin, there is quite a leap between the two. We were very lucky in the fact that Don McLean came to Plymouth. I was then and still am now a huge Don McLean fan. I still listen to him whenever I can.

Let’s all be thankful for the invention of the cd as we can now hear American Pie in its entirety as it was written and performed. Back in the day I bought the 7” single and had to flip it over half way through the song.

(Laughter) of course yes, the record company split it into two halves.

On that note Jamie let me thank you for taking the time to speak to me.

It’s been a pleasure Kevin, thank you. Please do come and say hello in Nottingham.