Tim Metcalfe talks to the man described as 'the Vinnie Jones of folk' The last time David Gray visted Oxford few people outide Ireland had heard of this fiesty singer songwriter. These days, music business luminaries such as Robbie Williams, DJ Jo Whiley and Bono sing his praises.

Has all this interest changed his life? A bit. But not much.

"It's just flattery," he says. "But it's good that people have got into the records. We've been carrying the music for so long it's like a burden has been lifted."

Gray has tasted success despite the best efforts of the music business. His story is an object lesson for anyone chasing a career in music.

His initial dealings with a major label which resulted in three under-promoted and largely unheard albums left Gray disillusioned but not defeated. He built a home studio, teamed up with his writing partner Clune and produced a collection of songs which became the album White Ladder which he released on his own label.

Last summer White Ladder topped the album charts for six weeks, outselling everyone from Macy Gray (no relation) to Travis perhaps helped a little by the fact that the album included the title track of the movie This Year's Love.

And it just keeps getting better. Gray has just returned from a sell-out tour of the USA with his band.

"We didn't know what to expect," he says. "But we sold out in every town." Those 'towns' included Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Right now, it seems the sun is shining on Mr Gray but don't expect it to go to his head. In fact he knows that there's always someone willing to put you firmly in your place. "I was at this Irish awards ceremony," he recalls. "One of The Corrs minders came over and said 'Andrea (The Corrs lead vocalist) wants to meet you'. I was wheeled over to their table and she started twittering on about how much she liked White Ladder. She told me Bono had given her a copy saying 'This album will change your life'. I was so gobsmacked that I didn't know what to say.

"Eventually I said something like: 'Well, if you like those songs I've got lots more if you're looking for some.'

"She replied 'I like your songs, but I like ours better'!"

On which note the minders moved in again . . .

It's all water off a duck's back for Gray, who long ago learned to trust his own judgement when it comes to music. And at last people are catching up with his vision.