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Fresh on the music scene and currently completing his first UK tour, we got the chance to sit down and talk to solo artist Sayer. Yes, he does go by just the one name. The 22 year old Singer from the town of Norwich in the East of England is a very busy bee right now but he took some time after one of his Gigs to have a chat with us about his debut album, musical inspirations and much more.

So, for the people who have never heard your music, how would you describe it?Well, really the style of the album is pretty vast. I guess you could say that most of it have an indie/rock feel to it, but there are some tracks completely different. There’s a variety of songs on there but it still sticks to the style of music that I grew up listening to, the music that inspired me.

Talking about music that inspired you that leads nicely into my next question, If you had to name the three artists/bands who inspire your album the most who would you chose?Well I grew up listening to Blink 182 so I guess I’m influenced by their music a lot. Also I’m a huge fan of Elbow and Green Day, so I’d say they influenced me too. Of course them influencing me doesn’t mean my music isn’t totally my own, because it is.

Those are all bands. Why have you chosen to go it alone? That’s quite a rarity in this music genre.It’s not that I specifically chose to do it this way, it’s just how it turned out. At first I was just putting lyrics to guitar, but then I started recording drums to it too, and eventually I’d get bass in there as well. And keys. Whatever I felt worked on the track.

How does the process work, what’s your method?Usually I get a guitar tune first and I’d record that. I’d begin putting lyrics to it as I went along. Then I’d record the bass beat to go with it. I’d play along to the initial solo guitar beat, just experimenting with different sounds. When I got something I liked and it sounded good I’d figure out a drum beat. It’s quite tedious and does take a long while per song, recording each part separately and making sure they fit together, but I love how they all turned out. Of course sometimes I’d end up recording a drum beat first and working with that.

Obviously you can’t play all those instruments during a gig…Oh I totally can! I’m just that brilliant (He laughs). No. I’m not that good at multi-tasking. I have some friends who tag along with me and they play the other instruments. I’m lucky to have such a talented bunch of friends. They’re brilliant. I guess really we are kind of a band. I couldn’t do this without them.

The album title “Further from home than you’ll ever know” where does that come from?
It’s from the lyrics to one of the songs on the album, “The Road Not Taken.” It’s probably my favourite track from the album so it felt fitting to get the album title from it. It’s about this job, and how it can be trying at times. As much as I love what I do you begin to miss home.

We hear that you worked on a couple of songs with Mark Hoppus, how did that come about and what was it like?
Oh, wow. It was absolutely phenomenal. I actually still can’t believe that it happened. I’m not absolutely sure how it came about but I’m so thankful it did. As far as I know, Mark heard some of the first tracks that I’d done for the album via a demo CD that my record label had sent out. He really liked what he heard (he laughs) I’m sorry… It’s just that insane. Mark Hoppus was one of my idols growing up, his music helped me through a lot. The fact that he liked what he heard enough to contact my label and arrange a meeting… that’s just unbelievable. We met and we talked and then worked on a couple of songs together. That man knows what he’s doing, he’s like a God in this business.

That’s definitely an amazing opportunity. Okay, we actually have a few questions from your fans here…First, from Georgia, 17: Now that you’re becoming more well-known, have you had the opportunity to meet any stars?Oh, I met Hayley Williams (lead singer of band Paramore) recently. She was doing an interview for Radio 1 and they were scheduled to interview my later the same day. For some reason I ended up getting there early and had to just hang about. I’m glad that happened, she was so awesome, funny and sweet. We had a great conversation. Oh, and of course I met Mark Hoppus too.

This one’s from Ben, 18: I know you must be busy and not have much time for yourself now, but I was wondering what you do when you do have spare time.I either just chill with friends or family. If it’s when I’m on tour and it’s just some down time in between gigs. I’m a big sci-fi geek. I’ll just chill and watch some TV, pull out the Firefly box set. That’s a brilliant show.

Lucie, 16 would like to know: Kiss, Marry or push off a cliff; Hayley Williams, Kate Winslet or Megan Fox.What kind of a question is that! Also, that list of women is really random. Okay, I’d marry Hayley, kiss Kate and… no. I refuse to push anyone off a cliff, that’s just mean! Unless, of course there was a trampoline at the bottom of it.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, I’m sure your fans will love it. Have a great rest of the tour and we hope your album continues to do well.Sure, no problem. It’s my pleasure and thank you! I sure hope that too.

Sayer’s debut album “Further from home than you’ll ever know” is out now. Catch him on his first UK tour (see tour dates on opposite page)