The up and coming singer-songwriter from North Wales is preparing the release of his new album ‘Battles’, the follow up album to the inaugural Welsh Music Prize nominated ‘In the Wake’, as well as going on a headlining tour. Here’s a few q+a’s from Mr Lewis himself…
So Al Lewis, tell the readers who may not have heard about you a little about who you are, and what you’re music’s all about…
I’m a twenty-something singer/songwriter – moulded in the traditional sense of the genre I suppose – confessional/honest lyricist / a one man and his guitar.
I’m from North Wales where I grew up in a Welsh speaking community and now live in London.
When did you realise that you wanted to be a serious singer?
I moved to live in Toulouse, France for a year as part of my studies and whilst I was out there I did a few acoustic solo shows in the local bars and cafes and it was from then on really that I decided I was going to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter.
Where do you draw your influences and inspirations from?
Family and friends – the passage of time, life’s trials and tribulations and one’s endless search for fulfillment.
My musical influences range from Bob Dylan to Fleet Foxes/ Simon & Garfunkel and Bright Eyes.
You’ve got a tour coming up, are you excited about it?
Very much so – it’s my first headline tour so I feel both slightly nervous and excited about what’s in store!
What’s the best and worst things about touring?
Best – seeing parts of the country you’d never normally visit / meeting new people
Worst – not sleeping in your own bed
What’s happening after the tour?
The album comes out on CD/Vinyl in January 2013 so there’ll be more promotional work and more touring for that in the new year hopefully…
The tour will support the release of Al Lewis’ ‘Battles’, available from 24th September 2012. Find out more here!