A ROMSEY singer songwriter has kick-started his solo music career by busking around the south to debut his new EP.

Samuel James, 21, has been seen playing his new EP, Chain Store Coffee, on the high streets of the town and the nearby cities of Salisbury Winchester and Southampton, writes Cam Melling.

“High streets in the south like Salisbury, Winchester and Southampton are renowned for their great busking culture and it seemed like an ideal way to first show off my new music,” said the 21-year-old.

“I have always been passionate about writing music and I am delighted to finally be able to share my new EP.”

After studying at Winchester University, Samuel, real name Sam Fower, is now focusing on promoting his original material.

“I hope Chain Store Coffee is a welcome break from the loud repetitive beat that dominates most modern music,” he said.

“I hope people enjoy my music because for me it is all about people responding to new material.”

The former student lists his inspirations as Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and Ed Sheeran.

Having started writing music from his bedroom at an earlier age, Samuel enlisted the help of Steve Bishop from Bishop Studios in Totton to hone his skills and professionally produce his chain store coffee EP.

The release is his third of 2017, having released two mini-albums earlier in the year. He now wants to share his music during gigs of his own.

Sam said: “An early ambition of mine is to showcase my music at the Beggar’s Fair in Romsey and after that I would like to be selling out gigs playing my own original tracks.”

Samuel’s summer dates are yet to be announced but more information can be found on his website at samueljamesmusicofficial.com.

The new EP is now available to stream and download online.

Words and picture - Cam Melling