European adventure

The city’s take on the modern one man band, Howard James Kenny, is set for a 26-date European tour in March and April, supporting instrumental Leicestershire rockers Maybeshewill, starting on Friday, March 9.

With stops at Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, it will be his biggest tour to date.

He says this is something to embrace but his nerves are jangling a little ahead of taking his loops and effects pedal-laden album, Shelter Songs, on the road.

“I've wanted to get into Europe to perform for many years, so I'm pretty pleased it's finally come together, however daunting it may be.”

Aside from the shows, the trip should provide him with plenty of sight-seeing opportunities.

“This is the closest i've got to a holiday in about 10 years too, what with always spending my spare time touring the UK, so it'll be great to get to travel to some countries abroad.”

“I'll be in Vienna for my birthday, so that'll be pretty special, but I've always liked the idea of going to Switzerland, so I'm mostly looking forward to visiting there. I'm not overly particular though, I just looking forward to covering a lot of countries.”

Although it means local crowds will have to wait to see him live again, he remains hopeful the tour will provide him with some creative inspiration to pen new material before returning to Worcester’s live circuit.

“It can be hard writing dynamic music on my own, which I'm completely happy with, but hopefully the tour will inspire me to get my next record written.

“I'm always apologising to audience members who've seen me before for not having any new material, but, touch wood, no one's thrown tomatoes at me yet. At least people in Europe won't have seen me play these songs before.”

Howard will be releasing a limited edition 12” vinyl, complete with various remixes, to coincide with the tour.

For more information go to howardjameskenny.com.