Biography
John Herring is a singer/songwriter, raised on an
estate in Salford and writes songs influenced by
the urban street scenes in which he grew up and
the relationships around him.
Background:
Raised on an estate in Salford, in a household where music from Bacharach and David to Tchaikovsky was played it is safe to say that John's influences have been many and varied. He spent his early years destroying turntables through overplaying and by the age of 11 decided that the equally destructive tuba should be the next piece of musical kit to master. After 5 years and a realisation that the tuba wasn't where contemporary music was at John picked up the bass guitar, but three years later moved onto the acoustic guitar and began writing music.
John’s music is influenced by his early classical upbringing whereby strings and piano make a regular appearance on his tracks yet many musicians who John has worked with on his new album, ‘Tales From a Northern City’ use words like – Honest, Organic and Earthy to describe the sound he creates.
Influences and Comparisons:
Elbow, The Blue Nile, Roddy Frame, John Martyn, Doves, Peter Gabriel, The Smiths
Currently:
John has spent the first half of 2009 recording his new album, ‘Tales From a Northern City’ which was recorded and released in July 2009 in Blueprint Studios (home of Mercury Music Winners Elbow). Herring co-produced the album alongside Gary Hadfield (The Courteeners, The Twang) and worked with a wealth of musicians including fellow singer-songwriters Jason Dunkley, That Girl Sue, Phil Davies and Mike Kneafsey as well as Tim Thomas (Drummer – Meadow, Killer Heels), Martin Roberts (Bass – Orange), and Bob Buller (Cello – Cornershop). Herring explains, “Whilst there are very definitely acoustic and classical undertones throughout the whole album the music is strongly influenced by the urban street scenes in which I grew up. I am thrilled to be working alongside a number of great musicians and I think this has broadened the scope and appeal of the album.”
A full band line up launched the album to a 200-strong crowd of fans, critics and fellow musicians to great acclaim. John has featured regularly on BBC Radio Manchester Introducing and across the regional radio network.
Press:
‘Really, really love his work’ – Sam Walker, BBC Radio Manchester Introducing
‘The album, Tales From a Northern City was definitely worth waiting for... Success in this country is
tantalisingly close.’ – SalfordOnline.Com
‘His debut is hugely impressive. This writer strongly urges you to give it a listen.’ – Mike Roberts,
Whisperin’ and Hollerin’