A few days later and I’m writing with Roy Hay and my long-term collaborator Mike Burns at his Roy’s Home Studio. He introduces me to an incredible writer named Steve Duberry. Steve has worked with everyone and actually wrote for Tina Turner. (It was a bit of a WTF moment for little old me from Newcastle.) We spent days writing and creating some incredible songs! It was odd because despite being in America all my collaborators were British except Mike. He was the only American here with a crew of Brits, haha! By chance, one of Roy’s bandmates Boy George, another Brit, was in town. Roy, George and I went for lunch on Sunset Boulevard and instantly connected. We talked about writing together, free of ego, just music and genuine conversation. These moments remind you you’re on the right path with the right people.
My time in LA has been incredible. I’ve made lifelong friends out here and connected with incredibly talented people like Shawn Mendes and Timothée Chalamet while out and about. I’ve also met many industry professionals who’ve all been incredibly supportive of my journey. A guy from a small place in the UK like me doesn’t usually experience this. Honestly, cruising Beverly Hills in a Porsche with my demos blasting is a world apart from listening to them on the bus back in Newcastle upon Tyne. It’s completely different but I rate both equally. Newcastle gave me the grit and LA’s giving me the space to make the record I should’ve made years ago. This time, it’s going to be done properly. Debut album coming soon, baby!
