Press Here you can find a collection of past interviews, features and reviews. Just click on your chosen article from the following list. Articles Frank Gutch Jr., Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange 2007 Sam Wise, Acoustic Magazine 2006 Owen Bailey, Guitarist Magazine 2006 Simon Bradley, Guitarist Magazine 2006 Patrick Regains, Minor 7th 2006 Giles Duffy, Rocks Magazine 2006 Henk de Veldhuis, Bridge Guitar Reviews 2006 Phil Jackson, BBC Southern Counties 2006
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Steve Franklin, Starfish 2007 "Starfish welcomes the return of one of guitar's emerging talents. Fresh from recording his new album 'To Sleep' Lee Westwood has generously given up his time to once again amaze us with his awesome musicianship. Starfish was able to distract him from his latest composition to ask a few questions. What made you want to play the guitar? I was 9 and my mum was playing Guns & Roses - I wanted to play guitar like Slash. I was ten when I got an electric guitar for Christmas. I started playing acoustic when I was 16 and started finger style when I was 18. Why Finger Style? I started noticing flamenco players around Brighton. And started to listen to people like Tommy Emmanuel and Pierre Bensusan. What kind of tunings do you use? Lots, but mainly DADGAD and open D. I will often detune to suit the composition. Any tips for people learning the guitar? Listen to as much music as possible. Tabs and chord charts are good - but try to work out stuff by playing along with a CD - teach yourself with your ears. What advice could you give to someone wanting a career in music? Do you like money? If yes, perhaps think about something else. Enjoy what you are doing; remember why you are doing it. And finally, no matter how many empty gigs, returned demos or snide comments - don't give up! Where is the most unusual place you have performed? Probably an Irish bar in Northern Spain. The gig was great, and the locals - well lets just say they know how to party. Who are your main influences? I've already mentioned Tommy Emmanuel and Pierre Bensusan. Other composers who come to mind are Debussy and Rachmaninoff. I am always trying to seek out new music. I love going over to a folk festival in Hungary. The passion from the Gypsy orchestras is something else and the same goes for some of the instruments! What do you think about Starfish? I know that Starfish encourages young people to play music - whish is a good enough reason to support 'Starfish in the Park'" - Steve Franklin, Starfish 2007
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