91Èȱ¬

Mr. Plow is a tall bloke with a guitar, a sweet voice and a hatful of gloomy songs.

When did you begin performing?

Many years ago, as a callow youth.

Who or what are your greatest influences?

Johnny Cash, Evan Dando, Gram Parsons, The Police Academy movies – particularly Officer Zed.

Describe you sound

Short and simple songs (mostly about my lazy, grumpy, disappointing self), pretty melodies, strummy and twangy guitars

What do you make of the music scene in Leicester?

There are many very good performers and groups, though sadly a lack of a large gig going audience. Or perhaps it's just that no-one comes to see me play?

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

Paul Carden (he’s a great bloke and fine songwriter). Kevin Hewick (the man is a legend – in a just world he would be famous & dripping with fur coats, gold plated sports cars and an expensive drug habit). The Breakdowns (the best rock n roll band this side of Rockaway Beach) and Firebrand (spikey punky glamour chicks). Not forgetting ist, Jack Bomb & Showaddywaddy.

I have a day job – sometimes I even go there, but only in dire emergencies

Best gig so far?

At the Beltane Fayre in Castle Gardens, April of this year. It was nice to play outdoors in a big open sided tent along with the vikings, jesters, wenches and hippies.

Worst gig?

Once or twice I've playedÌýtoo many miserable songs in my set, and managed even to make myself sad.

You played the Leicester Pride festival this year. Was that a good experience?

I played the 'warm up' show the night before. It was good to play to a new crowd, and to hopefully show some support for the folks that Leicester Pride brings together.

Where did you go to school and what was the best thing about it?

I went to school in Leeds, where IÌýgrew up. The best thing about it was my A Level economics teacher, she was in her early twenties and gorgeous!

What's been your most embarrassing music themed moment?

Playing alongside a guitarist who conquered his nerves by getting drunk and wearing a gorilla outfit. The drunken gorilla fell into a drum-kit and the drummer got really annoyed. Thereby being witness to an irate drummer starting a fight with a boozed-up, stumbling gorilla. Apart from that it was a really good gig.

Favourite track you've written?

Probably 'The People Vs. Mr. Plow.'Ìý I like to write songs which massage my huge ego.

Where and when was you first gig?

Mr Plow first played in Loughborough, in October 2005. The dark forces behind Mr. Plow first gigged many many years before.

I'm the worst person you'd ever want to be in a band with – it turns me into a psychotic tyrant. So of course my plan is to put together the Mr. Plow band and make their lives misery.

What was you first memory?

Being in hospital aged 18 months, having an eye operation. I remember sitting in a high sided hospital cot looking up at my Mum & Dad.

Favourite cheese?

Mini Babybel or cransleydale.

Most romantic gesture you've ever made?

Ah – you've got me there. I'm not big on romantic gestures. Does making Mrs. Plow’s packed lunch count?

Biggest regret?

I really don't have one – I'm way too lazy to spend time pondering what could have been.

Is being based in Leicestershire a help or a hinderance?

Although, I like Leicestershire very much, and I've met a lot of cool people through music, it's probably a hinderance, given the fact there's not a great deal of public interest in the local music scene.Ìý They're all to busy with ASBOs and alcopops.