NOW

Ean J is a singer songwriter from Aberdeen, Scotland who's songs are primarily about his experience, strength, and hope since he gave up drinking in 2015!   His debut single 'A New Beginning' went to #48 in the iTunes Singer Songwriter Charts and his debut album is due for imminent release.

Although born in Manchester he has lived in Aberdeen since 1991 and considers himself Scottish, having lived in the city the majority of his life.  Since 1995 he has owned and run XSP Agency, representing local and national bands, singers, speakers, and even a few minor celebrities!

Having adopted a “work hard play hard” attitude to life from an early age, he found himself drawn to a business where drinking was not only acceptable but often encouraged; and where most occasions, socially or otherwise, were usually accompanied by real ales, malt whiskies, and fine wines!

However, as the see-saw slowly tipped, the hangover tolerance reduced, and the Glenmorangie gradually morphed into Glenaldi, the time to make an important life change decision had arrived.  All the so called “fun” had gone; to be replaced, firstly by habit, then compulsion, and finally by despair.

Never being one to go out for "a couple of pints”, he made the decision to quit drinking alcohol in July 2015 and has consequently never felt healthier, happier, and more content.  And one real 'joy in sobriety' was writing, arranging, co-producing and recording an album of self-penned songs.

'A Long Time Coming' is a celebration of sobriety and hopefully inspiring to others.  In many of his songs Ean shares the joy of "what it's like now" in his new sober life.  In others he tries to describe "what happened", and there are of course a few tracks that poignantly reflect "what it used to be like"...

Today he enjoys productive and enjoyable days being involved in the agency and promoting his original music, whilst always making time to help others suffering from unhealthy relationships with alcohol.  He tries to spread through his words and music the message: "it doesn't have to be that way".

THEN

Born in Manchester, the family moved in Barcelona, Spain (whilst still ruled by Generalissimo Franco!) when he was 10 and then relocated to Antwerp, Belgium during Ean's teens.  He speaks fluent Spanish and Dutch/Flemish, the former through necessity as no one in Spain spoke English then!

The son of the chief engineer of the Hammond Organ company and keen restorer of classic pianos, Ean was never far from an instrument, starting to play piano, Hammond organ, and guitar from and early age, progressing writing original songs in his early teens.

He played in various original bands but at the age of 20 he abandoned this noble path to become a professional musician playing mostly covers and backing artists at Butlins, Warners, and other holiday centres (camps!), and was not slow in engaging in social pursuits surrounding the circumstances!

Ean moved to Spain for a second time in the 80's and seamlessly transferred his particular brand of 'Agadoo-music' to Benidorm and Tenerife audiences, becoming spectacularly competent at playing Hi Ho Silver Silver Lining and developing a true expertise in running raffles with a donkey* as first prize.

During his time in Benidorm he created and entertainment-managed the Bermudas Nite Spot, a "retro nostalgia music club" where he was Musical Director/keyboard player to no less than 17 hit recording artists of the 50's and 60's, with 6 of these stars** having had a #1 hit in the UK hit parade.

* stuffed

** Ronnie Hilton "No Other Love"/Ruby Murray "Softly Softly"/Ricky Valance "Tell Laura I Love Her"/Danny Williams "Moon River"/Craig Douglas "Only Sixteen"/Jet Harris "Diamonds"