INTERVIEW:
Stealth
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STEALTH has been talking with me…
about his current single, Gotta Stop Loving You, and what its story is. He tells me about the E.P., Chorus, and whether there are particular themes that run through it – the songwriter reveals how his music has evolved and built since the earliest days.
Stealth recommends some new artists to look out for and discusses touring; how classic artists like Etta James are important; what advice he would give upcoming artists – he ends the interview by choosing a great song.
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Hi, Stealth. How are you? How has your week been?
It’s been great! My single, Gotta Stop Loving You, dropped Friday just gone and it’s been getting a great reaction. So, I’m very happy.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m Stealth. I’m a singer/songwriter from Birmingham who makes modern Blues/Soul music - and my mum thinks I’m pretty good at it.
Gotta Stop Loving You is your new single. What is the inspiration behind it?
I wrote the song after breaking up with a long-term girlfriend. It was the right call from her but it didn’t make it feel any better. I wanted to write a song that, essentially, said I don’t blame you for anything and I’m not angry...but, sh*t, this hurts like hell.
It is from the E.P., Chorus. Are there particular themes and ideas that influenced the songwriting?
The only real theme running through the E.P. is me. All of the songs written on the E.P. have come from a pretty personal place.
Your music has developed and evolved over the years. How do you feel you have altered as an artist? Do you keep picking up new sounds and colours?
I’m always looking for new things to inspire me and new ways of writing. However, I always get drawn back to that old-school sound. As an artist, though, I feel surer of myself; there seem to be people out there who are enjoying what I do which is giving me the confidence to push myself to make better music. I think this E.P. shows that. I really feel this is the best stuff I’ve put out to date (shock horror. Haha).
When did your attachment to music begin? Did music come into your life early?
I was the biggest Elvis fan when I was about four. I used to dress in shiny pyjamas and put shows on for people. As you can tell, I’ve always been an introvert...
I get a sense classic Blues artists are important to you. Are people like Howlin’ Wolf and Etta James heroes?
In a musical sense, yes. They are legends. Both of their voices are iconic. I’ve always been drawn to music that makes you feel and, when you hear Etta James sing All I Could Do Was Cry; Christ alive, that gets me in the feels!
Also; I defy anyone not to like Howlin’ Wolf. The guy doesn’t sing songs he bites chunks out of them.
Your music has received millions of streams and been heard on T.V. Does that sort of backing and kudos give you huge confidence?!
My parents do stream my songs a lot, yeah (smiles). But, in all seriousness of course it does, yeah. Like I said earlier; it just gives you confirmation that you’re doing something right. But, at the same time, adds that valuable pressure that you need to keep putting out good music.
Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?
I’m playing a headline show at Laylow in Notting Hill on 20th September. Tickets will be available on my Facebook page.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
Is world domination too much to ask for?
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
I was broke and I was sofa-surfing/living in my car and I had landed a sync on Suits (Judgement Day). I remember laying on my mate Luke’s floor at about four/five A.M., when it airs in the U.S., and watching my social media just go insane! That was the first time I really felt like, ‘SHHHIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT, THIS IS HAPPENING’. Those sorts of feelings come few and far between in this industry so I hold on to that one.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
The hard thing about this question is I’ve been asked it a few times then the person I say goes off and dies, so I don’t know if I should say! Haha. But, Fleetwood Mac would be a dream for me. Especially if we could get Peter Green up for a few tunes; maybe Black Magic Woman or something.
A rider would be no-frills beer, beer and beer (my tastes may become more Rockstar if this E.P. does well).
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be a plumber…
Honestly; do what you want. No one really knows what they are doing – we’re all blagging it - so make stuff that makes you happy and that you want to listen to because there is a possibility your gonna be the only one who ever hears it. But, if it does do something it will be credible and you’ll be happy to stand by it.
IN THIS PHOTO: Son Little
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
He’s not really new but I love Son Little. I think he’s amazing! Also; a good friend of mine, Cameron Bloomfield, is a very, very talented young man.
IN THIS PHOTO: Cameron Bloomfield
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Love my rugby, love my pubs - so; I do a lot of watching rugby in the pub.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
I’ll Make It Up to You - Clay Hammond
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