After seeing Small Town Jones at The Phoenix in Exeter, we were really excited to see that he was going to be performing at Beautiful Days Festival in Exeter. We thought it was high time we chatted to him and found out a little bit more about him....

Firstly, for those people who aren’t familiar with you, please tell us a bit about yourself and your music….

I'm a singer songwriter based in the north of Devon. I’ve been peddling my wares for a fair few years now playing all over the UK and Ireland. I’ve recorded four albums to date in studios as far apart as Morthoe to Ammarillo. I’ve had some incredibly flattering comparisons about my sound to that of John Martyn, Wilco, Ron Sexsmith and even Nick Drake so if you like any of those guys you may like my sound too. I play in various formations, solo and with a band. At this year’s Beautiful Days there will be two of us as I will be accompanied by my friend and brilliant musician Dave Little.

We last saw you live at The Phoenix in Exeter some time ago, if I delved through my records, I can probably tell you who you were sharing the stage with…..what have you been up to so far this year?

I haven’t been up to a great deal musically this year so far to be fair, just a few local shows. Dave Little and I recently made a return trip to the Phoenix supporting 3 Cane Whale, which was a great night put on by the folks from Exeter Balcony TV. I suppose I’ve been trying to focus my time this year on writing new material, spending time with my family and working. (I also work for the Youth Offending Team)

Standing in a field watching bands has become a popular pastime for us Brits, what do you think it is about music festivals that appeals to so many people?

I think its that collective feeling of being outdoors, in a beautiful setting, all sharing the same harmonious experience whilst being completely off your tits!!

It can often be a battle getting through 3 days at a music festival, please share your top three survival tips

I think the key to survival is to not think too much about anything other than the moment you are in - most people are in that vibe at festivals and time has a way of taking care of itself when you do that.

What is your preferred tipple at a festival?

My preferred tipple in the past was whatever I could get my hands, especially rum, but I'm a little more choosy these days and a little less reckless so probably red wine.

And what's your best hangover cure?

More red wine.

You’re playing at Beautiful Days this year, which of the other acts are you hoping to catch whilst you’re there?

My friend Jamie Freeman is Playing The Bimble Inn which is always a great venue to hang out. Vintage Trouble are always good, The Hives, a bit of Suzanne Vega then the rest will be wherever I land. I like the discovery element of festivals. I’m hoping to find my new favourite band. I’ll also have my family with me so they will no doubt direct me into something new.

We’ve had some stunningly good weather in the UK over the past 6 weeks, please predict the forecast for Beautiful Days

It has to be a down-pouring of good vibes followed by drunken intervals of sunshine and happiness!

Where can people keep up to date with you?

I’m more interactive on my social media Facebook, twitter and Instagram pages than I am on my website but the links can all be found at http://www.smalltownjones.net/

Lastly, please tell me WHY people should come and see you when you perform at Beautiful Days?

People love a proper moment at a festival. I’ve had many that have stuck in my mind. I’m hoping we can create one of those.

So there you have it folks, you now know a bit more about Small Town Jones than you did 10 minutes ago, if you're able to catch his set, please do, you'll have a great time and his music really is something to be savoured, we'll see you in there!