The Latch

Two guys, one from the North, one from the South, are putting their stamp on the world with an inspirational fusion of strong melodies driven by powerful guitar riffs. Simon J. Pinto and Lee Latchford Evans came together through a chance meeting at a recording session and instantly hit it off. Then began a friendship that spawned a writing partnership, which transformed into ‘The Latch’. Capturing their unique individual style, The Latch push boundaries through their exciting stage performance and musical ability. Together they have created a wickedly tight live band with a great sound, high energy and plenty of fun.

The Latch have started getting recognition through fans and industry alike having their music included in two film soundtracks, being nominated for an Indie Music award and national press & media coverage.

Simon has been working behind the scenes in the music world for years recording rock and pop acts, live touring shows, bands and as a player has also written for television and film soundtracks. Well renowned in the session world, he has earned high acclaim for his creative and enthusiastic approach to guitar playing.

Simon started playing drums at the tender age of six and by the age of ten had made his first broadcast on Capital Radio, making subsequent appearances on Radio and TV over the next few years. At the age of fifteen he began getting more and more calls from bands and artists to record and play around the London music scene.

Simon soon found a natural home for his exhaustive energy and heart felt expression with the guitar. His percussively quirky, fast yet melodic approach made him an instant hit with studios and his outrageous stage persona got him noticed by bands and crowds alike. After an outstanding performance for Guitarist magazine’s 'Guitarist of the year' Simon played all over the globe alongside acts such as Brian May (Queen), Mig Ayesa, Dean Howard (T'Pau), Russell Watson, Angel Witch, Rick Parfit jr to name but a few.

Lee knew from a young age that he was destined for a career in the music business. He learnt the saxophone in his early teens and also joined his school choir. He worked with the RSC and went on to study at a highly reputable musical theatre school. Shortly after graduating, Lee was offered a part in a major musical but instead decided to take a chance on a then unknown project known as STEPS.

After leaving Steps, selling over 20million records worldwide and winning countless awards including a Brit, Lee went through a period of working with various producers writing new material and finding what stimulated him musically. He found his passion for music was not best directed through his pop culture experience, but found real inspiration in commercial rock, the music he listened to most and found his aptitude leaning towards. Lee is learning guitar and piano and is finding both are helping him get more involved in the production and writing side.

As well as this Lee’s been asked to do many celebrity TV appearances, he recently just finished being one of five judges on the South Coast Idol tour – an X factor type musical talent show, for which over 10,000 music acts auditioned.
Lee has starred in a West End Production and has recently completed two feature films due to be released later this year.