Interview: Oli Brown

4:11pm Friday 21st March 2008

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DESCRIBED as one of the most promising blues talents to emerge from Britain in a long time, 18-year-old Oli Brown and his band have been taking the industry by storm.

This year is shaping up to be an exciting one with the release of their debut studio album, a European tour supporting the legendary Edgar Winter and appearances in America.

Oli spoke to us ahead of his appearance at one of the biggest events in the blues calendar - the Burnley Blues Festival.

What inspired you to go into music and what instruments do you play?

My dad inspired me because he plays guitar a little himself and that was my first push. I play guitar, have done since I was 12. I failed most musical instruments like piano, even the recorder I didn't have that much luck with!

Tell us about forming your band My drummer Simon Dring is a drum teacher and is a fantastic drummer. He sits back and really kicks the massive drum kit he has. Fred Hollis (bass player) has been friends with Simon before I got these guys in so they already had a relationship on stage which is important for a bass player and drummer.

Tell us about what you have achieved as a band so far and what you have been most proud of We have achieved lots as a band which is just fantastic! There are many great moments so I can't specify one great moment. Something which really gives me a kick is playing the same venue for the second time and seeing it busier. It's just an incredible feeling What's been the highlight of your career so far?

Similar kind of answer really, it's hard to specify. But if I were going to say anything I would say my summer trips to America with the Blues band Blinddog Smokin. They taught me so much, they were what made me decide to make this band.

Was it a tough decision not to go on to further education and instead into music? how did your family feel about that decision?

No it was a simple decision! I hated sixth form and things were beginning to get interesting in my music and I had to hold back because of college and that was really hard. My parents were completely supportive. This is my ambition and I don't think anything should interfere with your ambition.

What is your all-time favourite song and why?

Haha an all time favourite song..... wow. I really can't pick one, so so many for different reasons. You have got me on that one!

What's the most rock'n'roll thing that's happened to you? Being invited to record at Ardent Studio in Memphis where so many great artists have recorded and performing a live show for their internet radio station. We were later informed that within three weeks 1.4 million people had heard the session.

Who is your all-time hero?

I don't have one all time hero. I don't like to aspire too much to one person because then you start to sound like them. I have various different heroes. Chris Cain, Jon Cleary, Tom Waits, Albert Collins.... I could keep going!

What is your ultimate career aim?

I don't know about my ultimate aim really. I love what I am doing now, I think every gig I fulfil it in some way. Just performing and watching people coming to see that and also sing along with the original songs.

What is in the pipeline and are you looking forward to the festival?

I've never performed in Burnley before but I am very excited, I heard it's a good show that has a great turn out. I will mention a few things in the pipeline, the album release, playing at the London Astoria, Shepherds Bush Empire. It's getting really hectic at the moment, just trying to keep on top of it. I suppose they do say be careful what you wish for!

l See The Oli Brown Band play live at 8pm in Oliver's Bar in Burnley Mechanics tomorrow night as part of Burnley's 20th Blues Festival.