Liam Bailey

Describe your style in three words?
Honest, Real, Unapologetic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Fugazi at Nottingham’s Rock City. I’d never heard of the band, my friend took me along and it was completely off the beaten track, I’d never seen anything like it and still haven’t to this day. The energy was right there, and it really did blow me away.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Gregory Isaacs and Jimmy Ruffin.
Jimmy is part of the Motown label, an incredible voice and talent.
I listened to Gregory Isaac growing up; he had a real flair about him that made me want to get involved with what he was doing.

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
70s roots reggae, because that was part of my parents’ lifestyle as well as their record collection. I’d also say punk, Joe Strummer is a huge influence of mine and The Clash definitely had an effect on my lifestyle. Punk helped me realise that singing doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s about the delivery too.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Tony Benn - I’d love to talk to him about the effect he had on democratic socialism, and how it changed his own perspective.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Union Chapel in London - it’s a big church, there’s something about the sound in there. It sounds both epic and spiritual, and it works well with what I’m doing.

Your greatest hero or heroine in music?
Jimi Hendrix - he’s never been touched, and I don’t think there will ever be anyone like him again. He completely broke the boundaries of where music can go and how it can be played.

Liam Bailey's debut album 'Definitely Now' earned him an instant reputation as a soul vocalist and singer-songwriter. His new material coming soon has already won the approval of David Rodigan and Annie Mac.