Throughout the years rock stars have possessed similar traits – loud, brash, wild and not necessarily talented. For many the route to stardom has been achieved through a high profile affair with narcotics, supermodels and often a stint in prison. As such it’s become less about the music and more about the personality. Of course there's often some who embody the two, like Pete Doherty, the filthy looking frontman from Babyshambles who’s courted more headlines with his antics – affairs with Kate Moss, rehab woes and paintings made with blood – than his eloquent work. His talent often takes the passenger seat while his erratic ego takes the wheel in his drive to fame.

Refreshingly, Doherty’s bad boy persona hasn’t rubbed off on Adam Ficek, the renowned drummer from the aforementioned Babyshambles. Tidy and trendy Ficek has come from a school of hard knocks and benefited from it. While he may not have an angelic past, Ficek’s not likely to be throwing his career down the drain in order to conform to media stereotype. No, the drummer is a true artist. “I’m a musician,” he simply confesses, “and I play music.”

Making music a lifetime occupation, Ficek moonlights as solo artist Roses Kings Castles (RKC), a side project to Babyshambles that allows him to channel his musical ingenuity. Following a brief introduction via a keyboard and private lessons from his school music teacher, Ficek took the autodidact route into the music world – polishing his skills playing in a variety of small-time indie outfits. However, not thinking his talents would get him far he became truant instead.

“One thing lead to another and I ended up getting into trouble with authorities,” admits the former wild boy who eventually saw his life change when his local council offered him a grant, and subsequently an opportunity to study. “I moved to Essex and for the first time in my life I actually applied myself. I went to University and into the booming indie scene in East London, where I met the rest of the band, and as they say the rest is history…”

Ficek uses RKC as a creative platform from which he airs his true identity. However for a man who hides behind the drums going front of stage was daunting. “When I drum I can hide and Pete just takes care of business,” he says. “But when singing there’s no hiding. I have to be more focused and extrovert. You’re in the front line and you can’t pretend.”

Yet, as RKC Ficek remains true to himself.  “I don’t feel I need to be quirky,” he says. “I’m me up there. The music scene at the moment is full of actors and actresses who want fame. They don’t seem sincere. I just want to play music.”

Having written lyrics all his life, Ficek was already armed with an arsenal of songs when he decided to become RKC. All he needed was a vehicle in which to get his music out to the masses. He found this via cyberspace.

“I put all my music online and released an album, all on my own,” says the one-man-band. “I’m a grafter, I believe in getting out what you put in. So many people in this industry have a shit work ethic, perhaps it’s considered un “rock n roll” to graft and put the hours in but from my upbringing I’ve learnt that’s the only way. Lots of the bands I meet in London have come from comfortable backgrounds. I think it kicks you up the arse when you’ve not had it all on a plate, I grab everything with both hands.”

While Babyshambles pride themselves as being a throwback to a sort of poetic post punk era, RKC’s soundtrack is a combination of bittersweet melodies– drawing creativity from after hours police chases on the Milton Keynes council estate where he grew up. “I guess you could say it’s twee,” says Ficek who is careful not to choose a favourite between the two outfits, continuing: “Babyshambles is heavier and punkier. Which I love.”

A victim of the industry’s executives, Ficek is determined to take fame at his own pace. “This industry breeds sharks as there is money around. I try to avoid them as much as possible,” he says. “New artists must prepare to be shafted then they won’t be disappointed. It will happen. It’s only a matter of time.” Fully prepped Ficek is hopeful for his future, concluding: “I play drums in Babyshambles and curate the odd pop of Roses Kings Castles. I just want to be a musician.”

Roses Kings Castles album out now.