James Iles

James Iles was born in Solihull in 1976 and grew up in Hollywood, Birmingham. He left Staffordshire University in 1997 with a 2:1 Politics degree with honours before embarking on a career as a journalist.

From reporting in the regional press to becoming an editor and sub-editor, launching new newspapers and now working as a group production editor and features editor, this year (2020) James wrote his first book "Talking About Pop Music: An A to Z of Hit Artists."

A journalist, writer and author with more than 20 years' experience, his debut publication charts some of the greatest bands and solo artists in the history of pop.

Jam-packed with interesting facts, musical insight and his own personal memories, "Talking About Pop Music" includes a playlist lovingly curated for each chapter.

Featured artists include ABBA, David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, Genesis, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Tears For Fears, Led Zeppelin, Duran Duran, Paul McCartney and U2.

Hot on the heels of his first publication, James released "Finding The Plot: 12 months of garden discovery" - a collection of his horticultural features in a month-by-month format to help green-fingered folk get to grips with their outdoor plots.

Printed in full colour, James also took all of the pictures for the book in gardens he has owned or worked on over the past two decades.

He believes our gardens are a sanctuary, and hopes "Finding The Plot" will also help get people outside, boosting their physical and mental health.