Lancashire singer set to tour new album at branches of Caffe Nero

Liam Blake, from Rufford, has spent time gigging in Dubai and is set to embark on a mini tour of the American South – before jetting back to the UK for a national tour playing branches of coffee chain, Caffe Nero.

Liam, 37, whose new album LHO is a compilation of songs about different kinds of love, says he just wants to make people smile.

He said: “I’m hoping to bring a little happiness to people through music. Caffe Nero put my debut album You And Other Stories on rotation.

“It was played in all their stores and as I am one of their featured artist my new album is also going to be played. I will be performing in a number of coffee shops next year.

“I think my music works for them is because when I perform on my own, there is quite an ambient feel.

“I think my voice is quite soft and most people say my music is quite relaxing.”

Liam, who used to live in Longton, has just finished completing his self-produced second album of tracks written in Dubai.

After unveiling his new tunes at a launch party on February 18 at Henry’s Bar and Grill in Lytham - where he is the current artist in residence - Liam will be crossing the pond and performing in country music heartland Dallas and Texas.

Liam performed in the USA a couple of years ago and he has been backed ever since by Texan, Stephen Strange, who has helped organise the gigs.

Liam said: “It is nice to go to a different place and see strangers connect with my music.

“It is quite an exciting time for me, I’m looking forward to going back to the USA.

“There is some interest in the record over in America. They seem to get my songs and I enjoy playing over there.”

But the globe-crossing musician could have ended up as a barrister if he had not switched his law degree at UCLan to a music degree and decided to pursue his passion.

He said: “When I first went to university, I was studying law and that is when I started to play guitar and everything changed.

“I switched to a music degree and I haven’t looked back. Now I’m preparing to release my second album LHO.

“Each song represents a different meaning of love. A few people have likened it to the early Tears for Fears stuff.”

l For video of Liam performing, see lep.co.uk