Little Fish

Little Fish is the work of singer songwriter Julia Sophie (electric/acoustic guitar/vocals) and Neil Greenaway (drums). The sound of Little Fish is stripped back, direct and defiantly punky in spirit, but also melodic and true to the song. The song lyrics come direct from the heart. They are often poetic, reflective and brutally honest, as seen in the lyrics of Bob Dylan and PJ Harvey. Julias vocals can range from aggressive and powerful, similar to ex Skunk Anansie vocalist Skin as well as Patti Smith. She is also very comfortable with her bluesy Janis Joplin voice. On other tracks Julias voice haunts and mesmorises like Beth Orton but with the conviction of Sinead OConnor. Neils drums power the songs with upbeat, imaginative and vicious rhythms that combine with Jules cutting guitar strokes and arresting vocals. Unlike many musicians, Julia spent all her childhood without listening to, or playing music. Throughout her youth and teenage years she dedicated herself to sport. As an athlete, she competed in many sporting events around the world, playing basketball at National League Level (Oxford Devils) and sporting a stint in the England U16s. She also trained with the Oxford United Football team, came first in many National and County Judo Competitions, competed in a number of County Cross Country Competitions and Bi-athlons (running and swimming). It was only in her final years at school that she started to discover and explore music and writing. I used to find the intensity of music was something deeper than I could handle. But there was a part of me that was very attracted to that intensity and I realised that I could express myself with it. So eventually, I borrowed an old guitar, got a chord book and wrote a song. Song had up until then been sleeping in her veins as both her French mother and grandfather were accomplished writers. But from then on, she endlessly wrote songs and busked them around Europe. As a performer, Little Fish has now overcome many hurdles for her trade: the likes of depression, drugs, and a career threatening throat condition. Two years without a voice, half a year with a chopped finger after cutting it on a luthier apprenticeship, are experiences that have made her music a result of her survival. It was only at the beginning her throat problems that she met her talented drummer Neil. Neil has played drums since the age of 5. He developed his unique style with different bands playing everything from Big Band jazz to rock. He approached Jules in a local Oxford chip shop when he overheard her slagging off drum solos to a friend. He has stayed committed to the music ever since. The band are now regularly gigging around London and Oxford and are building a devoted following. The name Little Fish is the result of Julias daydream Feel free, I wake up in a head spin. I am me. I am just a Little Fish. I see what I see Julia has also been collaborating with Albanian artist and designer Bekim Mala (www.myspace.com/squarepictures) on making their own music videos and set design. There is no end to this creative and imaginative journey. As only the Little Fish hold the eyes to the see.