Music to our ears #3 - Stylusboy

Hailing from Coventry, Stylusboy (AKA Steve Jones) supported us at our album launch in June. His tunes have a simplicity to them that I envy. So, so catchy. And he's a great guy too. He very kindly recorded an exclusive video for us here.

BR - How are you? Tell us a wee bit about you.

SB - I am very good thank you. I am a singer songwriter from Coventry and I play folk songs which are inspired by life and all it's twists and turns.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I am working on a Live album which I have recorded at the house shows I have played this year. I also have an EP coming out early next year of all the songs from my 'Whole Picture EP' which have been remixed by various people. I am very excited about both of these releases. I am also working on a number of new songs which will be released next year.

Which one album would you say made you start writing your own songs?

That is a pretty tricky question. When I was growing up I listened to alot of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and my musical tastes develop broadly from there. I enjoy The Beatles and The Beach Boys. I think people like Damien Rice really influenced me to start writing quieter acoustic songs.

Any favourite gigs spring to mind that you've played?

About a year ago I support a lady called Nell Bryden at the Hare and Hounds in Birmingham which was part of her UK tour. Nell is a from New York and she invited me to play which was ace. It was a sell out show of about 100 people and you could hear a pin drop during songs which was lovely but equally a little bit scary!

You are an avid tweeter, what's the appeal?

The appeal for me is just getting to know people. Musicians, bloggers, artists and all sorts of other places. Sharing thoughts and ideas and sometimes just funny stories. Alot of people have discovered my music from Twitter and not just things I have tweeted. My 'Whole Picture EP' comes as two copies, one to keep and one to pass on. People have run competitions for people to win their 'pass it on copy'!

You play house gigs, tell us about that.

House gigs are amazing because they are so intimate. I asked my mailing list if anyone would like to host a house show back in May and a number of people got in touch. The idea being the hosts would invite people to their houses to watch me play, they would also cook food and during the gig we enjoy this together. House shows are really great because they are very intimate and the audience are able to ask me questions and make requests.

You hand made each EP. Why not go to a mass supplyer?

I have always enjoyed designing and making the CD covers. I did a fine art degree and so the aesthetics of my releases has always been important to me. I like giving all my releases the personal touch so they are a little bit special.

Is there anyone you'd like to collaborate with, both in the local scene and globally?

Local I am currently working on a song with Wes Finch and I have talked to lots of different people about working together. I would love to write with someone like Laura Marling just to experience how she writes. I would also love to work with people like Faithless because they are just completely different to anything I would normally do. I have another collaboration which is currently happening via the wonders of the internet but I can't tell you more than that at the mo!

You've recently played bass with Atlum Schema, would you drop it all and play with him full time?

No although it was alot of fun to play with Atlum Schema and to return to playing the bass which I haven't done, particularly in a live band situation for a while. It was great to play Andy's songs and sing with him.

Your EP's have a few different instruments on them, do you play band shows?

I have played a couple of band shows and shows with extra people playing with me. I see the recording of my songs completely differently to playing them live. Live the songs are very stripped back and often just me and my acoustic.

What are your plans for 2012?

2012 is going to be a busy year. I have my live house show album being released and my Whole Picture Remixed EP coming out too. I am also writing a number of new songs and working with some film makers. Some interesting gigs are being booked too. It is all very exciting!

You can pull off the hat, how'd you get your 'look'?

Thanks I am glad you like my hat. I guess I like to think a little about what I am wearing and the image I put across. I don't mean that to sound big headed or anything, so I hope it doesn't. My hat often comes with me to gigs, this is true!

13 Quick fires...
Blur or Oasis
Blur
Michael Jackson or Elton John
Michael Jackson
Beer or Wine
Wine (be a different answer tomorrow!)
Salted or Dry Roasted

Sated

Book or Telly
Book
Jeremy Clarkson or Richard Hammond
Richard Hammond
Snes or Mega Drive
Mega Drive
Michael or Jonathan
Michathan
Twitter or Facebook
Twitter
and finally Marmite or no marmite
No Marmite

We here in Barricades Rise both Love the film High Fidelity. So, taken from that what are your all time top 5 cover tunes of all time?

Smell Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
You got the Love - Candi Staton
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
One day like this - Elbow
Made Up Lovesong #43 - Guillemots

Where can people get in touch with you?
www.stylusboy.co.uk
mr.stylusboy@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/stylusboy
www.twitter.com/stylusboy
www.stylusboy.tumblr.com
www.stylusboy.bandcamp.com

Anything else you'd like to add
Just to say thank you for featuring me on your site. Do get in touch and come and see me play. I love meeting people and talking about music!