James Mellan on his hometown - incest capital of Europe, his ex-band ‘Neo Cavemen’ and his obsession with conspiracy theories

An interview with fellow journalism student James Mellan.

When asked to name any appealing features about the place he has lived in for the past 19 years, James thinks for a moment and then puts forward his most interesting fact - the small town possesses the highest proportion of incest births in Europe. 

James also confesses that St Helens has a high crime rate. He recalls that it used to be known for its glass industry and mining but today, is renowned for being home to St Helens Rugby team and having an ongoing rivalry with Wigan Warriors. However, he assures none of St Helens’ characteristics feature in his own life.

by SPW/

James changes subject matter to discuss his love of music. He boasts of how he used only his passion for music to learn how to play the guitar, being influenced by his friends and his favourite bands, of which ‘Pink Floyd’ comes top. 

In 2008 ‘Neo Cavemen’ was born, a punk band formed of four best mates, in which James played lead guitar. After 18 months of playing covers in local bars and landing a gig at Red Festival, the band finally split over “musical differences”.

James recognises the struggle to find a group of people with the exact same passion and musical interest, which for him is blues. James describes himself as open-minded, but when searching for band mates, he says it’s necessary to be specific and not to compromise, as it won’t work out in the long run.

As James keeps an ear out for musical talent, he moves on to his current interests. Like many lads his age, footy and the consumption of food keep him occupied on a regular basis. However James’ favourite leisure pursuit to indulge in is the research of conspiracy theories. Investigation on sites like ‘zeitgeist.com’ exhaust a lot of his spare time. 

On zeitgeist, he reads of conspiracy stories such as the ‘False flag operation’ which claims that 9/11 was an inside job of the American government. James’ view on the government is scathing and he admits to enjoying undermining it. He describes America as power-mad, and its take-over of Afghanistan as unnecessary. 

James says it’s the influence of his favourite musicians and comedians like Bill Hicks that have allowed him to feel confident about being critical. One day, his attention was grabbed when Muse front man Matt Bellamy wore a t-shirt hosting the words ‘Terror Storm’. This acted as the catalyst for James’ discovery process into conspiracy.

Although James’ concern of the government shows a possible link to his interest in journalism, he doesn’t see himself using a job in the profession to bring scandals to light. Although there’s a lot about society he is unhappy about, he admits to not being the type of person to stand up to it and that he’s more likely to just avoid controversy. 

James says if the government enforces something he doesn’t agree with, he’ll simply move country. He continues this way of thinking in his everyday life. If there’s something or someone he doesn’t like, he stays away. He believes that this ensures his happiness and state of mind.

In three words, James describes himself as decisive, strong-minded and opinionated. He’s been told he’s offensive but he just sees that as a consequence of having opinions. However, he doesn’t consider his views to be rash or out-of-order, simply honest. James finds his truthful manner helps him to gain trust in people and has no intention of changing any time soon.

Read James Mellan's official blog here