BRIAN Christinzio’s life as singer-songwriter BC Camplight was mired in a personal crisis before he unexpectedly landed in the north of England.

The maverick American pianist had lost his record deal, was battling addiction and mental health problems while squatting in a disused church in Philadelphia.

He knew a dramatic change was needed in order to save his career and sanity.

“I was a loser – I was mad at the world,” said BC ahead of his exclusive show at Clitheroe Grand to celebrate Independent Venue Week on Saturday, February 1.

“I was wallowing in self-pity and drinking far too much. I had nothing, there was so much anger, and then I woke up.”

On the recommendation of a fan on social media he put his roots down in Manchester.

“I turned up there with nowhere to stay or go, but immediately I felt at home, and was gifted this unbelievable warmth from northern folk who welcomed me with open arms.

“I slept in a pub, sofa-surfed, and found fresh inspiration through making new friends, getting a dog and putting a new album out.”

He adds: “People in America ask me what is the best thing about England?

“I tell them that the people there like me.”

He began writing music for the first time in years but shortly after the release of How to Die in the North, an album rich in piano led soul and quirky pop, he was told he was barred from the UK after outstaying his visa.

He returned to America knowing that he might not see these shores again.

“I thought it was a joke at first, but they deported me two days after it (the album) came out.

“The next thing I know, I’m playing Pac Man in my parents’ basement in the USA, thinking, this is my life now.”

He added: “I was sure I’d lost my chance – I thought I was done.”

Through relatives, though, he was able to secure Italian citizenship and a year and half later he was back in Manchester, penning one of alternative rock’s finest albums for many a year.

And Deportation Blues saw him forge a reputation as one of independent music’s most forward-thinking artists.

“The thing is, despite being American, I feel Mancunian, and I couldn’t think about making another record until I got back,” he said.

“There’s lots of calamity and stress on Deportation Blues, controlled chaos really.

“The thoughts and sounds that began to flow out of me through this lens were vengeful and scary.

“I wanted the music to sound cold and urgent.”

His latest work, due to be released in April, is the last of a trilogy, celebrating his love affair with Manchester and a deep respect for life in the North.

“It feels so surreal now,” he said. “Did I really leave America and go to another country on a whim?

“Believe me, things are about to get very interesting.”

BC Camplight, support from Pill Fangs, Grand, Clitheroe, Saturday, February 1. Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk