How has the recent charity single been doing and how did it feel to see the single stocked in Tescos?

I’m very happy with the song. Was a very difficult subject to approach and you have to be really sensitive when penning those particular lyrics. I decided to go for the angle of a myself telling a mate that if he needs me during a tough time, I’ll be there. Seemed the safest option. I enjoyed writing with a professional writer in Rupert Christie. It was good to hear someone say, “No, that’s shit, try again”… Brought out the best in me.
Seeing it in Tesco was strangely underwhelming. It was a nerve-wracking, stressful time, handing over control of something so important to my career to other people and, in hindsight, I think I would have asked for 100% assurances over certain aspects of the advertisement. I guess, when I saw it tucked away in the cd section, that no one really visits, my first thoughts were… “why isn’t this in a more visible place”… lol… If you didn’t know it was there, or were not going to buy a cd that day, you would never even know it existed… Ultimately, downloads make songs the chart toppers… Tesco didn’t push the downloads and there was little advertisement from Cancer Research UK, so despite out-selling Adele on the first week of sales in CD format, we just didn’t have the download numbers needed to really push on.
It’s a shame, I never really got to enjoy the moment as a personal accomplishment.

What have you got planned music wise for next year?

Well, I think I have had a bit of a reality check in recent times. Friends and family falling ill, some fatally. The single was also a lot of build up, to ultimately end up as a knock-back… I guess this year has signaled maybe a much needed re-evaluation I think music will always be a part of me. I think maybe I’d like to focus on playing MORE pubs and clubs, functions and event… Really make a living from this. Signs were good last year and there’s even the possibility of traveling to Russia with UK 3 LIONS (WWW.UK3LIONS.CO.UK), a charity football team and group of musicians and tv personalities. I have made quite an impact over in Russia and even play for FC Starco and your around, playing football and singing to thousands of people… It’s amazing.

I guess I just want to find the love for it again and making a living would be a happy bonus!!! Maybe treat myself to a car and things that people who work normal jobs take for granted… Like a big tv and a playstation hahahaha

Top five albums of 2012:

In NO particular order, plus it’ll have to be 3 as I haven’t listened to much…

Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball
Jason Mraz – Love is a four letter word
Aerosmith -Music from another dimension (shit title but I love them)

Top DVD of 2012:

I wouldn’t know lol

Top gigs of 2012:

Probably Aerosmiths performance back on Allston neighborhood, where it all started…

Best re-issue:

Although I’m not a huge fan of them, Pink Floyd’s The Wall Experience Edition, Immersion Edition and Vinyl Edition Re-release

Highs and lows of 2012:

The single would be the low I think… The high would be working with UK 3 Lions and FC Starco… I have also played a part in raising over £10million for charity this year!!! Very proud :)

Any tips for bands/musicians to keep an eye on in 2013?

The Dress Down Kids –  Band from Manchester
Jaz Elingtons new album should do well

Message for your fans:

Thank you, as always for all your messages, pictures, words of encouragement and support… You have, as ever, been a source of inspiration and comfort.
Please continue to contact me,  tell me of your stories and experiences… I always enjoy hearing from people.
Sorry that I had another false start, but thank you for still believing in me. I may take a change of direction career-wise, but I’m still around :)

Kindest regards
Lewis Clay