Ahead of our coverage of the Tynemouth Food Festival on the 13th & 14th of May, we’ll be taking a look at some of the fantastic local artists set to play over both days. First up is Doozy Rowlands, a newcomer to the North East music scene, for this young folk artist music was a necessity rather than a hobby.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself, what inspired you to get into music?

A: I’ve always had an interest, my grandparents were very musical so that gave me a foundation of interest in music. I got an F in GCSE music because I could never concentrate. Then at the age of 16 I was made homeless after moving around loads and still couldn’t really play a note, but I needed to generate money to live so rather than just begging, I busked.

I sounded utterly crap to begin with but I learned by playing the piano in Central  Station until my fingers were red.

From that I understood basic musical theory like 5ths, octaves, cadences and all the rest. I took that onto guitar and eventually picked up bass and drums too as my friend was a drummer so I used to go round his to jam.
Music has always been an escape like something I didn’t have to trust but at the same time something I could rely on. You can always tell a song something and never worry about it being lost in translation or used against you.

Q: Who are your biggest influences musically?

A: My influences include artists like Bob Dylan, Paulo Nutini, Donovan, White Buffalo, Jack Johnson but also bands that are a bit heavier trying to strip some of their ideas down into minimalist stuff so like Pendulum, The Prodigy, KoL, Royal Blood, 21 Pilots.

Q: Who do you find yourself listening to at the moment?

A: I listen to lots of my friend’s music actually, ‘Phnkt’ he’s a house producer, I really like his melodic ideas. In terms of famous artists I listen to Pendulum as I mentioned, Madeon, Prodigy, KoL, Elvis, Johnny Cash.

Q: What does the rest of 2017 hold for Doozy Rowlands?

A: I’m releasing an album in summer, haven’t stamped down a date yet but it’ll definitely be before September. I’m also sessioning for a band based in Scarborough who are bringing out an album on April 9th. I’m doing lots of gigs and trying to play at as many festivals as I can. I love festival atmospheres, everyone just wants to have a good time and make memories; I love that vibe.

Catch Doozy at the Tynemouth Food Festival on Saturday 13th of May at 10:15 AM.

Keep your eyes peeled for more interviews every weekend in the lead up to the festival!

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