Born in Glasgow , Scotland , 11th November 1981 , it's hard to believe Stephen didn't exit the womb clutching a guitar. He was raised on a stable diet of family parties and credits his family for instilling a love of music in him “I remember, my dad would grab the guitar and play songs of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and many more. Everyone one would sing along… even if they didn't know the words†It was seeing the joy music could create that set a young Stephen off on his musical career. From a very early age he was itching to get his hands on a guitar, so it was no surprise that when he finally got hold of one it was clear to see that with a little bit of practice and a whole lot of natural ability, he became the one entertaining at the parties.
Never satisfied performing only cover versions it felt natural that at the age of 14 he should start writing songs. Although admittedly some early efforts weren't very successful “looking back it's embarrassing when I remember how my family would suffer the constant guitar playing and singing, of songs that were less than pleasing on the ear.†Stephen views this as a stepping stone to finding success in lyrics and completing full songs that people actually enjoy listening too. How did Stephen know that people enjoyed listening to his songs? “Well it started when I noticed the complaints from my brothers were lessening and eventually turned to compliments. That was pretty good sign.†Listening to his songs now there's a world of difference in quality with early influences of bands like Oasis, being replaced with the more mature influences of great artists like Bruce Springsteen and Townes Van Zandt.
Not content with the limited audience a party could offer it was time to start playing live. The first step was to test the songs out at various open mic nights in and around Glasgow, and Edinburgh, where they were mostly met with positive reactions. Success at these nights meant only one thing he should start looking for gigs where he could play a full set. With word of mouth spreading due to what people heard at these nights Stephen had no problem finding places to play. Since then he has been enthusiastically playing the live circuit in the UK , a few highlights being; playing on the same bill as JT Van Zandt and many other great artists as part of a Townes tribute, night to help raise money for M.S. Society of Scotland, playing support slots to many Fantastic singer songwriters, Phil Lee, Jace everett, to name but a few and writing the sound track to award winning Cannes entry "Shot In The West" in which he Recorded with the Legendary "Sensational Alex Harvey Band" Widely renound as Scotlands Greatest Ever Band. Stephen has also played a number of gigs in Greece , and continues to gig around the world and if you're lucky you may even catch him playing an open mic night.
Stephen is currently writing songs for a debut album, which will no doubt be well worth the wait.
