A SINGER in a band tipped for the top today branded East Lancashire folk a bunch of cynics -- and thanked them for it.

James Walsh, the frontman with indie band Starsailor said it was the 'inbred cynicism' he found among the people he grew up with which pushed him on to his dream of becoming a famous musician.

Chorley-born James, 20, gave his first newspaper interview to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph this week.

His group, who take their name from an album by their major influences Tim and Jeff Buckley, have been tipped as the big new thing for 2001 -- hopefully repeating the success of Belmont-born Badly Drawn Boy, who was the big discovery of 2000.

James, who attended St Michael's CE High School in Chorley, said: "I have always found myself surrounded by people with an inbred cynicism, which makes them sceptical of anything different. I didn't want to be a part of that. I knew there was something different.

"Their cynicism showed when I said that music was what I wanted to do. I could have done what everyone else did but I wouldn't have been happy.

"I was pushed on by a determination to be different and I hope that is paying off now. All I want is for the music from my band to be respected." James' band, who were signed to EMI after a receiving a rave review in NME last year, have already performed on Radio One and go on tour later this month.

Their first EP is out in February, followed by the single, Good Souls, in March. An album is also in the pipeline.

The band have been likened to The Verve and Coldplay, both benchmark outfits many groups aspire to.

But despite the scepticism of local people, which James said made him feel a bit of a loner at school, he said he has no desire to rub in his new found success.

He added: "I am doing what I what to do. Why should I get on my high horse and tell people about it.

"I am simply doing what I love. Some people enjoy going to the pub or reading. For me, it is writing music."

His dad, headteacher Tony Walsh, said: "He is the ideal son. I wanted to be a star, but ended up a headteacher.

"I am confident he can match the hype surrounding him."