Jayce Lewis

Jayce Lewis

Jayce Lewis in Moscow 2013
Background information
Birth name Jason Charles Lewis
Born Bridgend, Wales
Genres Rock/electronica/other
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Drums/guitar/keyboards/vocals
Years active 2004 – Present
Labels

EMI Music/Virgin Records

Universal Music Group
Associated acts David Prowse Gary Numan Joe Calzaghe Steve Strange Joe Frazier Losing Sun Roger Taylor
Website

jaycelewis.com

http://www.protafield.com

Jayce Lewis (born 29 September 1984)[1] is a Welsh solo artist from Bridgend, South Wales.

Musicianship

Previously employed as a fabricator/welder, Lewis forged a music career following the launch, hit single – Icon. Lewis formed a live touring band from a group of friends, and designs/manufactures his own live set production.[2]

The Début album content touched on several subjects matters within his lyrics and was inspired by life experiences.[3] Lewis' music has been described as alternative rock, fused with dance electronica and tribal percussion.[4]

Biography

Formation

Jayce Lewis began by learning to play guitar at the age of Six. He is influenced by Brian May of Queen and Igor Cavalera of Sepultura.[5] Hailing from Bridgend in Wales,[6] Jayce is famously being promoted by David Prowse who played the Super Villain: Darth Vader in the Original Star Wars trilogy.[7] Lewis is a keen follower of dance and tribal music and incorporates this into his solo work[5]

He signed a five-year deal to EMI Records Europe and Asia on 4 September 2009.[6]

Jayce Lewis VH1 Tour 2009

"Icon"

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. the single was played up to 14 times per day and lead to Jayce headlining the VH1 India 'Global Express Tour' covering 4 cities across India. "Icon" had a European release in 2010 and was also featured on Kerrang TV with high rotations spots on Scuzz's playlist which included a 2-hour take over.[8][9]

Jayce Lewis is considered as a progressing global star following his successes in Asian territories and relentless tour schedules.[4] in February 2010 Jayce headlined the Rock 'N India festival which hosted to events in New Delhi and Bangalore alongside popular artists such as the Backstreet Boys and Richard Marx Jayce was presented artist of the festival by festival owner Venkat Vardhan awarding him their DNA Festival Plaque.[4]

BBC 1 Documentary

BBC 1 'Big in India'

A BBC documentary covering Jayce 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.[10] The documentary also covered Lewis and EMI working towards the release of his second single and album.[11]

A DVD released was planned and a few promo copies produced, but never came to fruition.

The Début Album

After writing and recording since early 2009 under the working title "Chapter", Lewis released his self-titled Jayce Lewis album on 11 October 2010. Although only releasing two singles in 2010, the album's début astonished the industry with its top-10 Chart position; ranked at number 7 in the M-Music Asian charts, Jayce's album charted higher than Eminem and Bon Jovi but was pipped at the number 6 spot by Linkin Park.[12] It's claimed; the wide diversity in the album attracted the broad interest in media and public.[7][13] 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.[7] The album's release was promoted by a succession of Video/Singles: Icon, Solitaire, Passes II and Electric Medicine, all of which were directed and edited by Jayce with chosen production teams, Electric Medicine has been noted as being his proudest achievement both on and off the screen.[14]

New album was launched at the Millennium Music Hall, Cardiff, on 30 October 2010.

Gary Numan

In September and December 2011, Gary Numan confirmed Jayce Lewis as main support on his Dead Son Rising U.K tour covering 12 shows across the country, in an online interview; Gary hailed Jayce to being one of the best supporting acts to ever tour with him, later hinting at a collaboration between them.

Numan also documented the DSR tour in a diary, praising Jayce further and publicly inviting Jayce to tour America together in 2012. Later in 2014 both Gary and Jayce collaborated on the song Redesign which featured on Jayce's Protafield - 'Nemesis' album [15][16][17][18][19]

Second Studio album

Appearing in an interview on Sky TV's The Moore Show Jayce discussed working on second album, although not naming the title; Jayce described it to be A huge Step forwards from the first release.[20] He played one new track from the second album at his first headlining gig at the Camden Barfly 18 May 2012.

Protafield 2014

Jayce Lewis as Protafield

Protafield

Early 2014 Jayce Lewis announced publicly, his new Rock/Metal/Electro 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 Jayce Lewis and Fear Factory front man Burton C. Bell [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

Singles

A total of three singles accompanied by each with a music video were released from the Nemesis album, 'God-Forced', 'Severe Sever' and '=Pure' [28]

Notable Quote

The Welshmans is also notable for a quote found on the rear page of his album booklet and famed by the Richard Dawkins Foundation in a tweet, quoting; “We're all sentient, conscious to the last” [29]

Special Guest appearances

The Nemesis album had a special guest involvement including Roger Taylor of Queen (providing the drum track for "Wrath"), Gary Numan(guest vocals on "Redesign"), and Lance Henriksen [26][30][31]

Roger Taylor (Queen)

Jayce Lewis asked a string of guests to appear on his Protafield project album, titled 'Nemesis' it included Queen rock drummer Roger Taylor, Roger's introduction to the Welshman was through The Cross band mate Josh Macrae Roger agreed a recorded performance on album track 'Wrath' listing 5 on the 'Nemesis' album[30][32][33]

Steve Strange (Visage)

Jayce Lewis, Gary Kemp & Boy George; Steve Strange's Pallbearers

Steve Strange's admiration for Jayce was commonly known following the 'Big In India' star BBC 1 Documentary, Strange gave relentless support as the 80's New romantic star proudly promoted their live collaboration of 80's hit 'Fade To Grey' Steve later recorded his final ever recordings with Jayce shortly before his death on 12 February 2015 at his studio in Bridgend, South Wales. Jayce also dealt with all Steve's funeral arrangements along with Amanda Lloyd, Jayce Lewis was also pallbearer alongside other 80's 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 Steve were the most overwhelming day of his life. [34][35][36]

Darth Vader/David Prowse

Dave Prowse & Jayce Lewis 2015

David Prowse and Jayce Lewis reported widely as being a formidable team in UK media, Prowse, who was an active manager of Jayce from years 2007 to 2010 continued their partnership long into the Welshman's career [37][38][39]

In 2009 Prowse agreed to handle all PR for Lewis following a long term friendship since 2001, Prowse became a personal manager of Jayce mentioning his career. 1 October 2015 Lewis and Prowse filmed a mini documentary titled The Force's Mouth, a short studio tutorial video demonstrating a recording process with Prowse and effecting his voice as the famous super villain Darth Vader, a welcomed piece of film by the Star Wars community after it remaining myth for over 37 years, Both are famously paired as close friends and have worked with each other for over 15 years. [40][41][42]

Northstone Studios

Northstone Studios - Court Colman Manor, Bridgend.

In October 2016 Jayce 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. It took Jayce a total of 9 months to build at a cost of £60,000 with an undisclosed investment from local government; Creative Industry Wales. In several interviews Jayce mentions the workings of his new album along with a collaboration with Queen guitarist; Brian May.[43]

Discography

Studio Albums

Year Project Title Label
2010 Jayce Lewis Jayce Lewis EMI Records
Year Project Title Label
2014 Protafield Nemesis Universal Music

Singles/Videos

"Icon" – Physical release date in Asia (Smash Hits 2009) 13 September 2009
"Icon" – single release date in Europe Digital 13 December 2009

"Electric Medicine" – Physical release 30 April 2012

Protafield – God-Forced – Single released February 2014
Protafield – Severe Sever – Single release 9 June 2014

Protafield – "=Pure" – Video Release date 4 February 2016

References

  1. ↑ "Continental drift; Jayce Lewis may be big in Asia, but there was only one place the Welsh musician wanted to launch his debut album – back home in Wales. David Owens meets the man who is rocking the sub-continent. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 29 October 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  2. ↑ "UK | Wales | Musician's surprise at Asia hit". BBC News. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Metro Plus Mangalore / People : Tune in to the soloist". The Hindu. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 "Musician Jayce Lewis headlines Rock 'N India festival". BBC News. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Artists-> Jayce Lewis (Bio)". Paiste. 8 February 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  6. 1 2 Mainwaring, Rachel (20 September 2009). "Bridgend musician Jayce Lewis cracks Asian market – Showbiz – Life & Style". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 "Darth Vader backs Welsh drum talent! | Rhythm | MusicRadar.com". Rhythmmag.co.uk. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  8. ↑ "Shakenstir » Jayce Lewis A New 'Chapter'". www.shakenstir.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  9. ↑ "'Markets around the world are flooded with bands' - Jayce Lewis". Radioandmusic.com. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  10. ↑ Owen, Cathy (3 July 2012). "The unknown Welsh singer who's a star in India – Showbiz – Life & Style". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  11. ↑ "Musician managed by Darth Vader headlines festival". BBC News. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  12. ↑ Evans, Gareth (8 January 2011). "Musician makes waves in Asia – Wales News – News". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  13. ↑ "Rock star Jayce Lewis' passage to India paves way for Welsh return – Music – Lifestyle". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  14. ↑ http://www.kililive.com/news/jayce-lewis-new-video/
  15. ↑ https://twitter.com/numanofficial/status/527163702328315904
  16. ↑ "Tour Diary: Gary Numan". The Stool Pigeon. 5 January 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  17. ↑ "Interview: Part One: Gary Numan". New Reviews. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  18. ↑ Owens, David (3 July 2012). "Welsh pop star Jayce Lewis bonds with Gary Numan over planes – Showbiz – Life & Style". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  19. ↑ "Gary Numan". The List. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  20. ↑ "Past Guests". The Moore Show. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  21. ↑ http://www.emp-online.co.uk/art_283842/
  22. ↑ http://www.image-line.com/documents/powerusers.php?entry_id=1337900337
  23. ↑ http://planetmosh.com/protafield-nemesis/
  24. ↑ https://www.avalost.de/10228/spotlight/protafield-nemesis
  25. ↑ http://www.myrevelations.de/index.php?section=reviews&module=cdreviews&submodule=review_detail&reviewid=12878
  26. 1 2 http://www.soundspheremag.com/news/culture/protafield-announce-debut-album-nemesis/
  27. ↑ http://www.rocksins.com/2014/07/interview-protafield-21745/
  28. ↑ http://www.thenoisecartel.com/2014/02/24/protafield-release-debut-videosingle-ahead-of-uk-festival-appearances-and-european-tours/
  29. ↑ https://www.quotesdaddy.com/user/Jayce+Lewis/my_quotes/1
  30. 1 2 http://www.rogertaylor.info/guestdet.html
  31. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/welsh-pop-star-jayce-lewis-1817204
  32. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/queen-drummer-roger-taylor-agrees-5324038
  33. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/will-will-rock-you-jayce-7233750
  34. ↑ http://www.stpaulslifestyle.com/articles/2013/04/09/visage-with-steve-strange-dare-to-bare-in-hearts-and-knives-%E2%80%93-releasing-now!-review/
  35. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/steve-strange-death-debt-great-8638342
  36. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrrjtxc2HOE
  37. ↑ "Darth Vader Manages Rock Band! | Dolphin Music". www.dolphinmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  38. ↑ "Interview with Dave Prowse | Star Wars' Darth Vader | The Void Magazine". the-void.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  39. ↑ "KitMonsters – Protafield - Jayce Lewis". kitmonsters.com. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  40. ↑ http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/what-darth-vader-would-sounded-6555577
  41. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/how-dave-prowse-would-sounded-10171237
  42. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYaz85FrSz4
  43. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/welsh-rocker-jayce-lewis-built-12062096
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