STYLUSBOY
Summer is finally here, which means good bye winter blues and hell-ooo sunshine. It also means it is time for those summer playlists to step back onto the old iPods…. This is why we are here to help. Acoustic guitars, a nice rift, sweet melodies and cute lyrics are just a small portion of the talent that Stylusboy can contribute to our ever growing playlists… so it’s about time we got ourselves introduced.
Hailing from Coventry with his witty charm and summer sound, Stylusboy (or Steve Jones if you want to be properly introduced) is an extremely talented Vocalist and Guitarist; which is not surprising having played with the likes of Newton Faulkener and The King Blues. His acoustic melodies and laid back style have you tapping your toes and bobbing your head, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love.
In 2009, he lovingly recorded his first solo EP ‘Fingerprint’ which was recorded and mixed in his own living room and landed him a tasty session on BBC introducing! Now that is what we call dedication. In the meantime his second EP ‘Blue Whale Session’ was available for free download in March 2010, but now he is very much back and bursting with talent. June 6th saw the release of his third and latest EP ‘Whole Picture’ on Lazy Acre Records, which we urge you to get your hands on. Its happy rifts and summery charm take your ears on a musical journey. Each lyric beautifully written and effortlessly sung, this EP can shake off the winter blues for good and welcome in the sunshine.
Luckily for us, we managed to catch up with the man himself for a quick chat…
Hello! So, first things first, why the name Stylusboy?
Stylusboy came about a few years ago when I was creating an email address. I have quite a common name and wanted an memorable email address that didn’t have lots of numbers in it. I was sat in front of a well known printer at the time and saw the word ‘Stylus’ and I thought it sounded cool and then put boy on the email. When I started making acoustic tunes I put demos on Myspace (when it worked!!) and created a Stylusboy page. I thought it was more memorable and distinctive as a name.
When did you start life as a musician?
I first started playing guitar when I was 14 when I guy who lived in my street offered to teach me. I have been in tow loud guitar bands and another trip hop style bands. I have played guitar and bass in different bands. Stylusboy has been around for about 3 years since I started writing and recording my first EP ‘Fingerprint’.
What 3 words would you use to describe your style of music?
ooooh thats a hard one…. thoughtful, melodic folk….
Your new EP ‘Whole Picture’ was released on the 6th June, whats the story behind the songs?
I have actually posted video blogs on my site this week that explain all the songs. Beyond the Flags in inspired by a story I read about an Australian swimmer who was part of an open water swimming club. He was always told to stay inside the flags and after a while he started to question why he needed to does this. When he asked, he was told because it is for the best. After a few years he left to swimming club and went swimming beyond the flags and in doing so he found more freedom and peace. So it is a song about not always doing things the same way as always!
‘Something Worth Keeping’ is inspired by a flood that my neighbour had last christmas. It damaged a large part of my house and so their were loud dryers and things in chaos for about six months. Its a song written out of frustration and trying to find something to hope for in that situation.
You’ve played alongside the likes of Newton Faulkener and The King Blues, any other musicians you’re itching to play with?
I played the main stage of the Godiva Festival and both those acts played after me, it was a great gig. I’d love to support people like Mumford and Sons or Laura Marling as I love their albums. There are alot of amazing musicians in Coventry, my home town, that I love sharing the stage with.
In terms of gigs, whats been your most memorable?
I think one of the most memorable ones was when I supported Nell Bryden who was was tour from New York at the Hare and Hounds in Birmingham. It was a sell out show and you could hear a pip drop while I was playing. A very special show.
There are always gigs that are memorable for the whole reasons too! I have played a home town gig where I broke a string, got some words wrong and then bashed my guitar! Thanksfully everyone was very forgiving!
Any places you’d LOVE to play?
I’d love to play Glastonbury, but I think every artist would. I would also love to play at the Union Chapel in London as I have heard some many wonderful reports about it. Hopefully one day!
And finally, if you could make a music sandwich what would be in it?
Elbow on the bottom, with a thick spreading of Laura Marling, topped with a thin slice of Noah and Whale and on top a fresh slice of Fyfe Dangerfield….
NICE.
What a lovely chap, and with a long list of gigs behind him and an ever-growing fan base be sure to keep your eyes peeled and ears open over the coming months. For more information you can go to his website here and listen to his new EP ‘Whole Picture’ in its entirety (it’s totally lush).
