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Tune in to the soloist

From the heart Jayce Lewis: ‘Music is a kind of therapy for me; a way of venting my feelings’

Hands blurred as the sticks thrummed the drums. Each time wood met membrane, the stage reverberated with rhythm. International solo artiste Jayce Lewis performed in Bangalore’s Hard Rock Café recently.

The former member of the reputed Welsh band, Losing Sun, Jayce has been a musical sensation since his childhood. Growing up in Wales, this self-taught virtuoso has unbridled confidence and a flair for producing his signature styles of choppy rhythm changes and fills.

Touring Bangalore as part of a national tour organised by Rayban Vh1 Global Music Xpress, Jayce played with an Indian rock band in each city. “The tour has being fantastic so far. The bands I played with have some great music up their sleeve. Melodic rock is a huge market outside India especially in Europe and the United States and I see it is thriving here in the subcontinent too. People love it here,” said Jayce.

Jayce’s single, “Icon” topped charts and he was also chosen as Artist of the Month by VH1. With tight drum patterns and ambient guitar overlays, “Icon” is a revolutionary composition. Jayce’s vocals lend a powerful intensity to the song’s frequency. ‘“Icon’ is my debut song and it’s also the first time I ever sang! It is a fantastic feeling to do well in my first single and be chosen by VH1,” he added with a grin.

Talking from the heart, the Welshman wrote “Icon” when he was coming out of a difficult personal experience. “Music is a big comfort for me and helps me deal a lot with emotional things that happen around me.”

“I wrote ‘Icon’ on my bass guitar and recorded it on my mobile phone. When I played it back, it sounded good so I got into a studio and recorded. Perfection mattered a lot so I put a lot into the process,” explained Jayce.

Inspired by legends such as Queen, Electronica, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, Therapy? and others, Jayce’s upcoming album “Chapter” is an example of his immense focus on improvisation and experimentation. “‘Chapter’ comprises 10 songs that are intense and each portrays a different layer of music. You will also find a lot of energy and emotions in the songs as the music is a kind of therapy to me; a way of venting my feelings.”

Answering to what was more difficult – playing with a band or going solo? Jayce said playing solo was less challenging. “I’ve always wanted to be a solo artiste. Being part of a band is more difficult because everyone wants part of the pie. There is no democracy within a band.” Reiterating his own example, Jayce’s message to upcoming solo artistes is: Keep the passion growing and never give up no matter how difficult the challenge is. People will see straight through you if you only imitate. Learn from those who inspire you but always be more creative and discover your own music.

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