John Marcangelo was born and bred in the town of Whitehaven, situated on the west coast of Cumbria and built on the traditional industries of mining and shipping. For hundreds of years, workers in the North had walked to their demanding and at times dangerous jobs in wooden soled shoes with leather uppers called clogs. It was no different in Whitehaven and everyday, the clatter of clogs could be heard as coal miners made their way to the pits. A different but no less percussive sound could be heard coming from a small shop in Roper Street, intriguing a young musician.

That initial inspiration was also fuelled by the clog dance itself, a two-hundred year old percussive dance that pre-dated tap dancing. Another influence and one which would later play an important role in the songs' longevity was the proud musical heritage of the colliery brass band. For now, studies beckoned and the opportunity to meet like-minded musicians at the Leeds College Of Music who not only wanted to further their skills but create their own music.

At just 5 years old, John Hodgson was performing in local orchestras and brass bands, including the renowned Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band. Three years later, he was playing over five nights a week and during weekends before moving to the Leeds College to begin his studies in jazz and improvisation at age 15.