Lemar: 'In many ways I have fufilled my dreams'

When Lemar was growing up in Tottenham, headline gigs in West Bromwich were not necessarily at the top of his wish-list. And yet the singer who became a star after appearing on Fame Academy can't wait to get started at Judgestock, which plays out at Sandwell Valley on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Lemar will line up with Blue on Monday, playing his third gig in three days.

"I haven't played live for about three months," he says. "So, yeah, I'm really looking forward to it.

"It's always good to get out there and play. When I was growing up as a kid, this was what I dreamed of doing. It should be a really good show.

"I've got gigs on Saturday and Sunday too, so by Monday I should be red hot."

Lemar's absence from the stage has been brought about by a hectic schedule of writing.

"He's conjured new songs for his forthcoming album and also been busy in Los Angeles, writing for TV and film.

"I'll be bringing out new stuff next year, hopefully. That's when people will be able to hear what I've been up to." Lemar is among a number of big names playing at Judgestock. Saturday's bill will feature rockers The Quireboys and Mitchel Emms, from BBC's The Voice. Sunday will feature The Twang and Alabama 3 while Monday is a day of pop. Lemar said: "It should be good. You know, I started out on Fame Academy and what I've always tried to do is focus on the best music that I can put out. For me it's more important to maintain the standard of the music that I put out than anything else. I don't ever want to be ashamed of anything I do. When I was growing up, I liked a lot of soul and a bit of pop. I love R'n'B and hip hop too.

"These days, I don't get to gigs as much as I would like to. "When you're part of the industry, sometimes you miss a few things that you would like to go to. In many ways, I've already fulfilled my boyhood dream of being on stage.

"These days, I love writing. You know, there have been a number of times when I've pinched myself and wondered how I got here.

"There have been times when I've won Brits or Mobos and I've been appreciated for what I'm doing that I've just thought: 'Wow'. There have been other amazing moments, like being in the studio with Lionel Richie or George Benson. You try and take care of business and do the work, but it's hard not to be in awe of those kind of people.

"You have that moment, when you think 'wow' – then you get on and do your thing."