Sean Weir, 22.

So how did it all begin?

My dad has played guitar in bands for as long as I can remember so from an early age was brought up with a lot of musical influence. When I turned 16 I decided I wanted a guitar for Christmas and became addicted to playing it. This led to me getting lessons which inevitably gave me the confidence to form a band and start performing live.

How did you get started?

The band started out as a group of 5 best friends who shared the same interest for heavy rock music and just wanted to have a jam. We soon realised that we had something pretty good going and started writing our own music as well as covering our favourite songs until we had enough material to play a gig. Eventually after one and a half years of gigging I decided that I wanted to further my knowledge of guitar playing by studying music at university. This led to me leaving the band and moving to Brighton to study at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music.

Equipment/Instruments?

I have owned many guitars since I began playing 6 years ago as I could never find the right guitar for me which became very frustrating when the total number exceeded 30. The list includes Gibson Les Paul’s, Fender Stratocasters, Paul Reed Smith’s as well as many other guitars that were bought on impulse. I eventually found a luthier from California called John Suhr that custom built guitars and have used them ever since.

Direction?

I have a varied musical taste from Funk/Blues to Death Metal and everywhere in between but my preference’s lie with Rock/Metal.

Do you perform alone and as part of a band?

I don’t perform alone as I have always enjoyed being part of a band. I am currently in 2 bands, an original material metal band called White Walls and also a Function’s band playing cover songs for weddings etc. They are both very different from each other which helps keep things interesting for me.

Where did the name come from?

The band name White Walls signifies a blank canvas or new start as most of the members were from the band I was in previous to moving to Brighton.

Who inspired you?

I grew up with a lot of different styles of music being played in my house therefore have taken influence from many guitarists/bands such as Dire Straits, ACDC, Oasis, Metallica and even Michael Jackson. But to be honest my main influence to start playing guitar was my dad as he was the person who introduced me to the instrument in the first place.

Do you write your own songs and music?

I am always writing music for my own enjoyment and also for the band as I feel it is very important to write your own material. I believe the ability to write a great song makes the difference between a good musician and a great musician.

What was the first event you ever played at?

It was a battle of the bands in a venue called the Red Rooms in Hawick which went really well even though we were all very nervous.

What was the best event you’ve played at?

I played a gig in Brighton at a venue called The Concorde II which held 600 people and was full to capacity. The gig went amazingly and had a great atmosphere filled with like minded people just enjoying the night.