Mark and Me Podcast Episode 472: James Veck-Gilodi (Deaf Havana)
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Nov 24, 2025 
James Veck-Gilodi, lead vocalist and songwriter of Deaf Havana, reflects on the band’s rebirth and their 2023 album. He recalls early influences, forming the band, and the challenges of touring. He also shares his recovery from alcohol, getting sober, starting therapy, and how sobriety reshaped his creativity and priorities.
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School Lunches Turned Into A Long-Running Band
- James started playing music with schoolfriends at lunchtime in remote Norfolk and the band formed around 2005–2006.
- He stayed with largely the same members for almost 20 years before lineup changes around COVID.
Sold-Out London Show Changed His Mind
- The moment James realised the band could be more was when he became frontman and a sold-out London show saw fans sing songs he wrote in his bedroom.
- That sold-out Garage show made him accept the project was bigger than a hobby.
Breakup Before Lockdown Led To A Regroup
- The band effectively broke up before COVID and James and his brother later wrote songs that became a messy record they now largely avoid.
- That low period forced a redefinition of the group from childhood mates to a different lineup.