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”.