[3] He self-released an EP in 2005 (Chapter One) that created waves in his home town of Durban, and later that year he began talks with 2Feet Music.

He has toured with international artists Jack Johnson, Donavon Frankenreiter and has also shared the stage with South African acts such as Nibs Van Der Spuy, Guy Buttery, Jean Morrison and Perez.

His songs have been used in campaigns by Nissan (Greece), Audi (UK), MTN (South Africa), as well as twice on the American TV show Private Practice.

He performed his first ever gig in Umhlanga Rocks with respected South African guitar player Guy Buttery supporting fellow Durban band, Perez.

Along with drummer Gareth Gale, and bassist Roly Struckmeyer, Purkiss recorded what was to become Chapter One at Birch's Tropical Sweat studios in Durban.

After the album was released, Purkiss met Damon Forbes who signed him to the jazz and world centric record label.