VOYAGER FACESRISING STAR p.17 / COVER STAR p.18 / BUSINESS STAR p.24

Lewis Floyd Henry

[ RISING STAR ]

IT’S TRUE: PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF. After spending the past seven years busking around London, the multi-talented Lewis Floyd Henry has just released his debut album.

He’s often compared to Jimi Hendrix due to his appearance, but the 31-year-old Londoner not only sings and plays the guitar, but accompanies himself with a tambourine, a tiny foot-operated drum kit and a harmonica.

Born in Lewisham, south London, Henry dabbled with street art and graffiti before eventually enrolling to study art at Central St Martin’s. He admits that it has been a struggle to get to the position he is in now. “Street performing can be tough. One rainy day I busked in an East End tunnel all day and made just £6, but on other days, around Brick Lane, you can get anything from £40 to £100.”

Voyager 17

Despite such volatile job security, he has never considered giving up on his passion. “I’ve always wanted to be a musician, from as far back as I can remember,” he says. “I love music and put a lot of creative energy into it.”

This past summer Henry finally made his big breakthrough, receiving invitations to perform at several events during the busy British festival season – including Bestival, the Big Chill and Latitude. Just 12 months ago he was busking at the same festivals in return for free entry.

The year will be capped with the release of his album, One Man and his 30-Watt Pram, named after Henry’s habit of transporting his instruments around town in a vintage baby’s pram.Matthew PriestOne Man and his 30-Watt Pram is out nowG

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