“I write songs that I’d like to listen to myself and I think I always have”; states Novocastrian, Simon Todd. “I like melody. I like interesting chord progressions and rhythms. My lyrics are regularly inspired by personal experience or from true events; rather than using the detached, formulaic format that I find is an overused trait in so much popular music. Sure, I can create around a fictitious concept, but when doing so, I find it beneficial to immerse myself into the subject matter or character that I am writing about. Not so much ‘method acting’ as ‘method songwriting’”. This results in hook-laden songs, steeped in melody and meaning.

In June 2008, Simon spent a week in Crete with Nashville recording artist and producer, Kevin Montgomery, at ‘Songs In The Sun’. Also in attendance were ex Brooks and Dunn drummer Dale Dorman, and the legendary Tommy Allsup – one-time Buddy Holly, and Bob Wills Texas Playboys guitarist; the man who flipped the coin with Ritchie Valens for a seat on the plane that took Valens, Buddy and The Big Bopper from us on “The day the music died”.

“Sitting by the pool in such a beautiful location”, said Simon; “singing ‘True Love Ways’, whilst being accompanied by Buddy Holly’s guitarist, is something that will stay with me forever”.