RICHARD SUTTON
RICHARD CHATS
What are your influences?
"I love a whole array of music and my influences really reflect my musical journey.
"I was brought up with classical music in the house, and particularly loved Mozart and Tchaikovsky.
"One of my earliest and most vivid memories as a young child, though, was lying on the bed and listening to a tape of Queen. Their melodies and arrangements have inspired me and been part of my musical fabric ever since."
What have you learned along the way?
"In the early years of songwriting, I learned a lot from Buddy Holly's ability to create and craft the pop and ballad song.
"There here have been many pieces of music from individual songwriters and bands I have admired - from country, folk, rock and pop. In fact I spent many years playing these in bands. And I learnt a lot from that.
"However, my musical journey has moved a long way since I went solo acoustic. Having always loved Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon is now the greatest influence on my songwriting and on how to deliver a song live.
"All these influences have added to the pot that is me."
What do you enjoy about your work?
"I love the experience of playing to listening audiences, and capturing them with just a strong message, a tune that gets to the heart, and an acoustic guitar.
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What inspires you to write?
"My songs are also very much driven by my own personal experiences of life, and the internal battles one faces.
"I then craft my songs through melody, interesting chord progressions and words that have meaning."
