Where are you from?

We're a mixed bag from London and High Wycombe.

How did music start for you?

I wanted to be in a band as soon as I heard my friend play a Metallica song to me on his Walkman. I got my first guitar when I was ten and went from there.

Who were you listening to when you were growing up?

The first cassettes I owned were Anthrax and AC/DC so I had a bit of a metal upbringing. I soon moved on to punk and listened to the likes of Blink 182, Pennywise and No Use For A Name. My taste in music was constantly evolving and still is today.

Where and when was your first gig and how did it go?

I was in quite a few bands growing up but didn't actually play a genuine gig until I joined My Own End. We played our first show back in '99 at the High Wycombe White Horse, which was a strip club by day and a venue by night. We weren't very good at all. I can't listen to old demos. It makes me cringe. Needless to say, we didn't get many more gig offers.

How would you describe your music?

Now I love the music we write. We try and steer clear of fads and just try to write honest songs. If I had to put us in a genre I'd say alternative melodic rock.

Who or what have been your biggest musical inspirations?

I could reel off a massive list of modern bands but my biggest inspirations are good song writers like Billy Joel, Phil Collins and Michael Jackson. They were the theme to my childhood. Because of them I can appreciate music when it's well written.

Tell us about your latest album.

I think the reason I'm happiest with our second album Bones is because we've really honed our song writing skills. I'd like to think there's a few classic songs on there. At least in my back catalogue. Our first album still sounds like a band finding their feet but this record feels accomplished to me.

What can we expect at your Nottingham gig?

The Rescue Rooms is a tiny venue so I expect utter chaos, sweat pouring off the walls, people singing their hearts out and everyone with a smile on their face. I can't wait to get back to Nottingham. We played Hit the Deck Festival last year and if this upcoming show is even vaguely reminiscent of that, it will be incredible.

Anything else?

We're also doing an in-store signing and acoustic set at Fopp before the show from 5pm. So come down and say hello.

Young Guns play the Rescue Rooms on Thursday February 9. Doors at 6.30pm. Tickets are £10 from the venue, call 0845 413 4444 or www.alt-tickets.co.uk.