WHEN James Rooney was four all he wanted for Christmas was a toy car wash – but his grandparents knew better.

They bought him a guitar and amp and by the time he was six he was recording his first songs on a karaoke recorder.

"The amp was this little Fender five watt thing that used to scream at you," said singer-songwriter James, who grew up in Wiltshire close, Woolston.

"I don’t think my parents were very happy.

"Music has always been a big part of my life. I remember listening to The Police, The Jam and The Smiths in my dad’s car. I was brought up with that in the background."

James, who has just released his new single As You Do, was also influenced by Warrington Music Festival and performing in the town.

The former St Peters Primary School and Cardinal Newman Catholic High School pupil added: "I used to go to Warrington Music Festival whenever I could. I thought it was absolutely class.

"The best year I went there was when a band called The Stocks on the main stage and I was a really big fan of them at the time.

"I also used to play at the Plugged young people’s music nights at Parr Hall."

James used to be in an indie rock band called Emergency Door Release who entered Warrington Guardian's Hotwired competition in 2013.

But the four-piece split up in May 2014 which was when James became a solo artist.

James, whose parents Tony and Catherine live in Appleton, said: "What I felt with Emergency Door Release was I was like the band leader, tour manager and publisher all in one.

"So what started as me setting up a band, having a good laugh and touring turned into something stressful.

"I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to write whatever I have in my head without having to worry about the band set up.

"It’s been quite refreshing in that way but I do miss hanging out with my friends while making music."

James now lives in Newcastle and balances his time between music and a job in finance. To hear James's music visit jamesrooneyband.com