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Jayce Lewis
Jayce Lewis in 2019
Jayce Lewis in 2019
Background information
Birth nameJason Charles Lewis
Born (1984-09-29) 29 September 1984 (age 40)
Bridgend, Wales
GenresAlternative rock, industrial, synthpop, electronica
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Drums, guitar, keyboards, vocals
Years active2004–present
LabelsEMI Music/Virgin Records Universal Music Group
Websitejaycelewis.com

Jason Charles Lewis known professionally as Jayce Lewis (born 29 September 1984)[1] is a Welsh musician from Bridgend, South Wales, entering the industry as a respected percussionist, Lewis's prominence began in late 2009 following the self-produced single titled "Icon" (also included on EMI Records' Smash Hits 2009 compilation), achieving a top-10 chart position alongside VH1/MTV Asia Viacom18 features.[2] With strong industrial music and synthpop influences, his music has been generalised as alternative rock with electronica roots and "tribal percussion".[3] Lewis has collaborated with acts such as Queen[4][5] and synthpop icon Gary Numan, for whom Lewis has been a supporting act three times.

Early years and influences

Growing up in Bridgend - Wales,[6] Lewis began by learning to play guitar at the age of six. He was influenced by Brian May of Queen and Igor Cavalera of Sepultura.[7]

Lewis is a keen follower of dance and tribal music and incorporates this into his solo work.[7]

Career

Previously employed as a fabricator and welder, Lewis forged a professional music career following the release of his self-produced 2009 single "Icon", a hit in Asia and later well-received in Europe. He signed a five-year deal to EMI Records Europe and Asia on 4 September 2009,[6] and counts cymbal manufacturer Paiste among his professional sponsors.[7]

With his long-time friend and promoter David Prowse[8] (the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy) as manager,[9] Lewis formed a live touring band with a group of friends, and designed and manufactured his own live set production.[10]

"Icon", 2009

His self-produced solo single "Icon" was released in summer 2009, on EMI Records. It was heavily featured on VH1 and MTV Asia, resulting in him being artist of the month and becoming the headlining act of VH1 India Global Express Tour, covering four cities across India. "Icon" had a European release in 2010 and was also featured on Kerrang TV together with high rotations features on Scuzz's includeding a two-hour take over.[11][12]

The album's lyrics touch on several subject matters inspired by Lewis's life experiences.[13]

In 2009 Lewis found success following air-time in Asian territories and his broader concert touring, including Europe and North America.[3] In February 2010, he headlined the Rock 'N India festival, which hosted events in New Delhi and Bangalore, alongside popular artists such as the Backstreet Boys and Richard Marx. Lewis was presented a DNA Artist of the Festival award plaque by the event's founder, Venkat Vardhan.[3]

Jayce Lewis and band at Rock'n India 2010

BBC 1 documentary

A BBC documentary covering Lewis's journey to fame was shown on BBC One Wales on 10 March 2010 as part of a series called Planet Wales. The 40-minute documentary, titled "Big in India" was the first of the series and included live performances in Dubai, India, and Germany. The documentary was repeated three months later on BBC One Wales and North.[14] The documentary covered Lewis and EMI working towards the release of his second single and album.[9] A DVD released was planned and a few promo copies produced, but never came to fruition.

Début album, 2010

After writing and recording since early 2009, with a working title of "Chapter", Lewis released his first album as the self-titled Jayce Lewis, on 11 October 2010. Although he only released two singles in 2010, Lewis's album reached number 7 in the M-Music Asian charts, higher than those of Eminem and Bon Jovi, but was kept from the number 6 spot by Linkin Park.[15][16] It's claimed; the wide diversity in the album attracted the broad interest in media and public.[8][17]

The album was recorded in three separate studios, one of which is the famous Nott-in-Pill Studios in Newport, with ex-Skindred duo Jeff and Ginge.[8] The album's release was promoted by a succession of videos and singles and accompanying videos: "Icon", "Solitaire", "Passes II", and "Electric Medicine". The videos were directed and edited by Lewis with chosen production teams. He noted the "Electric Medicine" video as his proudest achievement to date, both on and off the screen.[18]

Hot 50 Sexiest men in Wales

In June 2010 the Welshman made the list in a public vote of Wales's top 50 sexiest men. Lewis was ranked at number 49.[19]

Gary Numan collaborations, 2011 onward

Gary Numan and Jayce Lewis in Los Angeles

In September and December 2011, Gary Numan confirmed Jayce as main support on his Dead Son Rising UK tour, covering 12 shows across the country. In an online interview, Numan hailed Lewis to being one of the best supporting acts to ever tour with him.[20]

Numan documented the DSR tour in a published diary, praising Jayce further. Numan publicly invited Lewis to tour America together in 2012. Later, in 2014, both Numan collaborated with Lewis on "Redesign", which featured on Lewis's Nemesis album (under the project name Protafield).[21][22][23][24][25]

Both Numan and Lewis toured once again later in 2017, confirming Lewis as main support for Gary Numan's UK and European leg of the Savage (Songs from a Broken World) tour [26][27][28] promoting his 18th studio solo album. To date, Jayce Lewis is the only live act to have ever tour with Gary Numan twice.

Protafield Nemesis, 2014

Appearing in an interview on Sky TV's The Moore Show, Lewis discussed working on second album, although not naming the title; he described as "a huge step forwards" from the first release.[29] Early in 2014 Lewis announced his new project, Protafield, after agreeing a record contract with Caroline International (Universal Music Group) with his new album 'Nemesis'. It's reported that the Protafield name was created between Lewis and Fear Factory front man Burton C. Bell [30][31][32][33][34][35][36]

Guest appearances

The Nemesis album had guest-performer involvement, including Roger Taylor of Queen (providing the drum track for "Wrath"), Gary Numan (guest vocals on "Redesign"), and actor Lance Henriksen (best known for Aliens and two follow-on films, and the TV series Millennium).[35][37][38]

Million (Part 1) 2017

In 2017, Lewis released his third studio album, titled Million. Unlike previous releases, Million was released in a series of two parts, both on the label Universal. In total, the album consisted of seven tracks, and featured a collaboration with Queen guitarist Brian May.[39][40][41]

Million (Part 2) 2018

On October 12, 2018, Million (Part 2) was announced for release. The second part of the double album concept featured another special guest, the celebrated atheist Professor Richard Dawkins, who recorded a spoken word contribution for the track 'Exhale'.[42]

Lewis with Richard Dawkins in Dawkins' home while working on Million (Part 2)

Steve Strange (Visage)

Steve Strange's admiration for Jayce was commonly known following the "Big in India" BBC documentary. Strange, of the 1980s new romantic band Visage, promoted their collaboration with the release of a live recording of them performing the 1980s hit "Fade to Grey" together. Strange later recorded his final ever recordings with Lewis shortly before his death on 12 February 2015 at his studio in Bridgend, South Wales.[43]

Lewis dealt with Strange's funeral arrangements and was a pallbearer, alongside other 1980s stars such as Boy George, Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp and Steve Norman. For a short time Lewis was also the live drummer in Visage on their 'Hearts and Knives' tour in 2013, the Welshman's been quoted in describing pallbearer duties for Strange as 'The most overwhelming experience of his life'.[44][45][46]

David Prowse

Dave Prowse and Jayce Lewis 2015

David Prowse was an active manager of Jayce from 2005 to 2010.[47][48][49][50] In 2009, Prowse agreed to handle all PR for Lewis following a long term friendship since 2001.

On 1 October 2015, the two filmed a mini-documentary, The Force's Mouth, a short studio tutorial video demonstrating a recording process with Prowse and effecting his voice as the famous villain Darth Vader, a welcomed piece of film by the Star Wars community after 37 years of debate about the voice casting choices of the original production. Prowse and Lewis retained a close friendship and business partnership lasting over 19 years.[51][52] [53][54][55]

Northstone Studios

Northstone Studios, Bridgend. South Wales

In October 2016 Lewis announced the opening of his newly built recording studio, Northstone Studios. The studio was renovated from a disused outbuilding connected to the Court Colman Manor in Bridgend, South Wales.[56] It took Lewis a total of nine months to build at a cost of £60,000 with an undisclosed investment from local government; Creative Industry Wales. In several interviews Lewis mentions the workings of his new album along with a collaboration with Queen guitarist; Brian May.[57]

Ascension of The Watchers

In 2020 Lewis become a member of the American gothic rock band Ascension of The Watchers, formed by Fear Factory front man Burton C. Bell and Ministry band keyboardist John Bechdel. Lewis was initially involved as producer and mixer for their 2020 album Apocrypha,[58] but his full-time role as drummer and programmer became clear during the album's creative process.[59][60]

Discography

Studio albums

Year Project Title Label
2009 Jayce Lewis Smash Hits 2009 Virgin Records
2010 Jayce Lewis Jayce Lewis EMI Records
2014 Protafield Nemesis Universal Music
2015 Documentary The Force's Mouth Devfire Entertainment
2017 Jayce Lewis Nemesis (Special Edition) Universal Music
2017 Jayce Lewis Million (Part 1) Universal Music
2018 Jayce Lewis Million (Part 2) Universal Music
2020 Jayce Lewis FL Studio Drum Pack Image-Line
2020 Ascension of The Watchers Apocrypha Dissonance Productions

References

  1. ^ Owens, David (29 October 2010). "Continental drift; Jayce Lewis may be big in Asia, but there was only one place the Welsh musician wanted to launch his début album – back home in Wales". Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales). Retrieved 9 July 2012 – via The Free Library.
  2. ^ "Musician's surprise at Asia hit". News.bbc.co.uk. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  3. ^ a b c "Musician Jayce Lewis headlines Rock 'N India festival". BBC News. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  4. ^ "QueenOnline.com - News". Queenonline.com. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  5. ^ "QueenOnline.com - News". Queenonline.com. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  6. ^ a b Mainwaring, Rachel (20 September 2009). "Bridgend musician Jayce Lewis cracks Asian market". Wales Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  7. ^ a b c "Artists-> Jayce Lewis bio". Paiste.com. Paiste. 8 February 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  8. ^ a b c "Darth Vader backs Welsh drum talent". Rhythmmag.co.uk. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  9. ^ a b "Musician managed by Darth Vader headlines festival". BBC News. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  10. ^ "Musician's surprise at Asia hit". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  11. ^ "Shakenstir » Jayce Lewis A New 'Chapter'". Shakenstir. Archived from the original on 22 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  12. ^ "Markets around the world are flooded with bands". Radioandmusic.com. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  13. ^ "Metro Plus Mangalore/People: Tune in to the soloist". The Hindu. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  14. ^ Owen, Cathy (3 July 2012). "The unknown Welsh singer who's a star in India". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  15. ^ "BBC Blogs - Wales - Jayce Lewis". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  16. ^ Evans, Gareth (8 January 2011). "Musician makes waves in Asia". Wales Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  17. ^ "Rock star Jayce Lewis' passage to India paves way for Welsh return". WalesOnline.co.uk. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  18. ^ "Interview: Jayce Lewis". KiliLive. Archived from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  19. ^ "The Hot 50: Wales' sexiest men revealed". WalesOnline.co.uk. 11 July 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  20. ^ "Interview: Part One: Gary Numan - New Reviews". 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  21. ^ "Gary Numan on Twitter: "I did a guest vocal on a track called 'Redesign' for Jayce Lewis's Protafield project recently."". Retrieved 13 June 2017 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ "Tour Diary: Gary Numan". The Stool Pigeon. 5 January 2012. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  23. ^ "Interview: Part One: Gary Numan". New Reviews. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  24. ^ Owens, David (3 July 2012). "Welsh pop star Jayce Lewis bonds with Gary Numan over planes". Wales Online. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  25. ^ "Gary Numan". The List. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  26. ^ "UK Tour Support Band: Jayce Lewis - Gary Numan The official website". Garynuman.com. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  27. ^ "Gary Numan + Jayce Lewis @ Brixton Academy, London". Theindependentvoice.org. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  28. ^ "Gary Numan: O2 Academy Brixton, London – live review - Louder Than War". Louderthanwar.com. 16 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  29. ^ "Past Guests". The Moore Show. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  30. ^ "Nemesis". Emp-online.co.uk.
  31. ^ "Jayce Lewis". Image-line. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  32. ^ "Protafield – Nemesis". PlanetMosh. 13 June 2014.
  33. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  34. ^ "Protfield - Nemesis". MyRevelations.
  35. ^ a b "Protafield announce debut album, 'Nemesis'". Sound Sphere.
  36. ^ "Interview with Protafield at Sonisphere 2014". Rock Sins. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  37. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  38. ^ "Welsh pop star Jayce Lewis bonds with Gary Numan over planes". Wales Online. 20 August 2011.
  39. ^ "Jayce Lewis – Million Part 1 (2017)". Damedindustrial.com. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  40. ^ "JAYCE LEWIS-MILLION PART 1". Crossfire Metal Webzine. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  41. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  42. ^ "Richard Dawkins & Jayce Lewis - Richard Dawkins Foundation". De.richarddawkins.net. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  43. ^ Steve Strange/Visage BBC NEWS Tribute with Jayce Lewis, BBC News
  44. ^ "St Pauls Lifestyle: Visage with Steve Strange dare to bare in "Hearts and Knives" – releasing now. Review, films and photos". Stpaulslifestyle.com. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  45. ^ David Owens (12 February 2015). "Steve Strange death: My debt to a great man for love, support... and David Bowie's suit". Wales Online. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  46. ^ Steve Strange/Visage BBC Wales Tribute ft. Jayce Lewis and Martin Ware, BBC Wales
  47. ^ Gilbey, Ryan (29 November 2020). "David Prowse obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  48. ^ "Darth Vader Manages Rock Band!". Dolphinmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  49. ^ "Interview with Dave Prowse". The-void.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  50. ^ "Jayce Lewis profile". Kitmonsters.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  51. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/uk/western-mail/20201130/281586653158916
  52. ^ Owens, David (15 September 2017). "Darth Vader star's final appearance in Welsh music video". WAlesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  53. ^ Owens, David (1 October 2015). "This is what Darth Vader would have sounded like if Dave Prowse actually voiced him". Mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  54. ^ Owens, David (1 October 2015). "How Dave Prowse would have sounded as Star Wars' Darth Vader". Wales Online. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  55. ^ "The Force's Mouth – Part 1 (Featuring - Dave Prowse & Jayce Lewis)". YouTube. 1 October 2015.
  56. ^ "Northstone Studios". Court Colman Manor. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  57. ^ Abby Bolter (23 October 2016). "Welsh rocker Jayce Lewis built his new studio himself on the site of an old monastery". Wales Online. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  58. ^ Holmes, Richard (20 October 2020). "Burton C. Bell interview". Rush On Rock. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  59. ^ Ruskell, Nick (9 October 2020). "Album review: Ascension of the Watchers - Apocrypha". Kerrang. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  60. ^ "Interview Under Fire Podcast". 28 September 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2020.

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