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Friday, 3 July 2015

Interview: Henry Maybury

Henry Maybury

Henry Maybury is a singer/songwriter who travels around the UK visiting schools and prisons to share his music and educational story. He says his aim in life is to help others through music and the Lost Days campaign, which he set up to help those struggling with addiction.

This week Henry took time out of his schedule to chat to me about his music and the campaign.

How did you first become interested in music?

I’ve been interested in music since I did my first musical at 6 years old. But rugby took over my life, especially when I was playing for my local club, my county and school. But when I was 14 I got struck down with arthritis and rugby started to fade out of my life, so music became bigger than ever.

Who are your influences?

I’m a massive fan of Robbie Williams and I’ve been listening to his songs from a very young age - I used to sing along to his CD’s when I was in my early teens. But the biggest influence in my life is rugby player Jonny Wilkinson. I just credit his determination, his work ethic and how he’s such a good role model to the younger generation.

What’s your favourite song?

That’s a tough question! There are so many great songs out there, but I do love listening to ‘Little Things’ by One Direction.

Henry Maybury

What music are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment I’m listening to some Ed Sheeran, and I just watched McBusted and One Direction live in Cardiff and they were amazing!

Do you have a favourite lyric?

One of my favourite lyrics is by the legend Eric Clapton, from his song ‘Tears in Heaven’ - "Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees."

Describe your music in 3 words.

Powerful, meaningful, educational.

Which of your songs is your favourite?

I think 'Great TV' is one of my favourite songs just because I was testing myself to see how quickly I could write a song. I wrote it in ten minutes, whilst watching the end of the X Factor. When I released the song on YouTube and submitted it to BBC Introducing, it was played nationally a week later.


How do you get inspiration?

My inspiration usually comes from things that have happened in my life. Music is like therapy for me - whenever I feel down I put pen to paper.

What are your interests outside of music?

I’m a massive rugby fan and love to follow the sport. I’m especially looking forward to the rugby world cup in England this year. I also love acting and would love to think in the future I could possibly do some work in the acting world.

Henry Maybury

What would you say was the best moment of your career so far?

It’s been an amazing journey so far and it’s really tough to choose one thing, but I would have to say performing at Castlefield Arena in Manchester in front of five thousand people.

Tell us about the Lost Days campaign.

Basically I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible for addiction charities globally, via the sale of my debut single ‘Lost Days’. The song was written for my brother Tom, who died in 2013 aged just 29 as a result of alcohol addiction. I wrote it to show the impact his addiction had on both himself and the family.


I started the Lost Days Charitable Trust with my mum and now have a committee of leaders and influencers involved, one being John Kelly, the first professor for addiction at Harvard University. My mum, the committee and I all decide which addiction and recovery charities globally will benefit the most from the money.

What made you decide to start the campaign?

I decided to start the Lost Days campaign because I hope to help those fighting addiction but also those living with addiction in their families. I also hope to raise awareness about the potential dangers of alcohol and educate the younger generation as I don't want anyone to follow in the same footsteps as my brother. 

Do you have any upcoming shows or tours?

I’m currently doing a Prison Tour around the UK, where I go into prisons, share my story, show the music videos and perform. In September I’ll start visiting schools again around the UK. Also my song 'You're Beautiful' is being used for the soundtrack of a play which is going to the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

Henry's new single 'You're Beautiful' is out now. The song has another powerful music video, featuring the legendary actor John Challis (Boycie from Only Fools and Horses) and Falklands war hero Simon Weston OBE.


Stay in the loop and continue the journey with Henry by following him on Twitter or Instagram.

Are you a fan of Henry Maybury? Let me know in the comments below!

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