Two years after her acclaimed debut album 'That Girl', on Hut/Virgin, singer-songwriter Stephanie Kirkham returns with her second album 'Sunlight On My Soul' on her own SLK Music label. Receiving four and five-star reviews throughout the UK, critics have praised her bold progression on an album that encompasses Tudor madrigals, Celtic folk, country and jazzy pop.
English singer-songwriter Stephanie Kirkham signed a five album deal with Hut back in 2002 on the strength of her acapella demos. Her debut That Girl began to receive a startling amount of praise from both the rock and mainstream press and life for the Lancashire artist looked to be on the up and up. However, just six months later her label had been closed by E.M.I. and all bets were off.
Although a hard blow to take Stephanie was already busy writing her second album with a fresh new sound in mind.
Stephanie grew up in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire with two brothers and two sisters listening to Joni Mitchell, The Beatles and Johnny Cash, secretly dreaming of being a songwriter. She went to Blackpool Art College, modelled in Japan and worked at various arts and crafts, stained glass, floristry and painting. With pockets of notes, a stack of songs on paper and melodies running around in her head she eventually sang her songs onto tape and put them in the post. Jamie Nelson at Parlophone organised the early recordings that became the basis of her debut album.
David Boyd signed Stephanie to a five album deal with Hut Recordings and in 2003 'That Girl' was released. Despite the first single receiving great support at radio, soon after the release, E.M.I. closed the label.
When my deal ended so abruptly it made me realise if I were to survive in this business I had to wise up and do it my own way. The new album would have to be how I hear the songs in my head, I wanted it to be magical.
Stephanie teamed up with fellow musician Johnny Dunne and went home to Lancashire to set about making her follow up album.
I loved being 100% involved with the sound of the new record, I sang the songs to Johnny and he played music that weaves around my voice. There was no outside pressure on us. The goal was to make an album that we loved.
From the gentle harps of Butterfly Song to the strutting, jazzy-pop of Show Me What You're Made Of, through to the country-soul lament of Wash Away The Ashes and the Eastern mantra of Bonds Are Broken it's clear that 'Sunlight On My Soul' is a special album that was completely unexpected and is packed with the kind of joyously reflective songs that make an immediate impact.
It also proves that Stephanie Kirkham is a true individual, a soulful survivor following her own path in her own way. Stephanie is currently playing live in and around London.
Sunlight on my Soul
Released on SLK Music
Yorkshire Evening Post. Album Of The Week...... It's a charming record, a musical trinket box full of folktronica madrigals, chirpy jazzy numbers, quirky celtic ballads and folky pop songs full of quiet drama and beguiling beauty. Standout tracks are the lovely 'Wash Away The Ashes', the wonderfully ditzy 'Butterfly Song' and the beguiling 'All For Nothing'. * * * *
Nottingham Evening Post ..its like Bjork has succumbed to folk music..It could be the word-of-mouth success story of 2006. * * * *
Stephanie's Subba Cultcha Interview Feb 2006
How did the recording sessions for the new album go?
Great! It was a totally different experience second time around, I was 100% involved every step of the way because we didn't have a label paying the bills, choosing the sound and running the show. It was free and uninterrupted!
What goals did you set yourself before you started recording?
To make the finished songs carry the feeling they have when they first formulated in my head. Johnny Dunne took the time to listen to the stories and he interpreted the feelings into beautiful music.
What do you feel are your own limitations when it comes to creating/writing music?
I don't play an instrument which could be seen as a drawback, but I love composing melodies. The timing of 'Butterfly Song' is very unstructured and free. Sometimes your weaknesses are your hidden strengths.
Tell us 3 of your own favourite songs and the inspiration behind them?
After leaving Hut Recordings I wrote 'Show me what youre made of' to kick myself into positive action, so this song makes me feel strong.
'Butterfly Song' because its light and free.
'Bonds are Broken' I love the music on this! The song is like a spell or prayer saying enough is enough and letting go of whats not real. It's in the clearing out when you see whats what. When you realise you have to let go of something you thought was helping but really was only supporting you in ways that held you back.
What do you enjoy most about recording, and in contrast what do you enjoy most about playing live?
I enjoy the intimacy of recording. When the atmosphere is right, its easy to get immersed in the song. I haven't done much live work but my favourite memory is smiling faces and someone singing back at me.
What are the your plans for the rest of the year?
We're going to play at some radio stations and then get the band together later in the year.
Who is currently moving you musically at the moment?
K.T. Tunstall and Ron Sexsmith.
What album changed your life and why?
'Ladies of the Canyon' - Joni Mitchell. It was always on the record player as we were growing up. Her melodies draw patterns reaching from the earth and into the sky. She helped me find a private inner freedom where I could create music.
A moment in your life and a song that seem so perfectly intertwined in your memory?
Just before I played with the band for the fist time, when the first album was about to be released, I bought the new Cat Stevens compilation. I heard 'Dont be Shy' for the first time and cried so much. My all time favourite of his is 'I cant keep it in' it's so exciting being so into what youre doing that you feel you might just burst!
What bands have influenced you the most musically?
Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Billy Holiday, Bob Marley, Kate Bush.
Your proudest achievement so far?
Finishing 'Sunlight on my Soul'.
If you could erase one single/album from history (your own or someone elses) which would it be and why?
I wouldn't erase anything however irritating I find some of it. There's room for everything, it's easy enough to change the station.
How do you see yourself altering your sound in the future? Is there anything you wish to attempt in the future thats inspiring you right now?
The sound of this album is different from the last and will be different from the next but I don't have set plans, it'll unfold naturally as everything keeps changing.
What drives you?
The inner urge to express myself and do the things I want to do in the time I have. I want to be relaxed and happy and feel like I've done something worthwhile.
What are your fears?
My fear is giving into fear and suffering the consequences which would be regret, underachievement and unhappiness.
The revolution comes, who would you like to be first against the wall (and if youre feeling particularly bitchy, a second, third, fourth and so on)?
No-one. Destroy the weapons.
Best piece of advice you'd give to aspiring musicians, or the best piece of advice you were given when you started?
The advice I received was negative which made me more determined to prove people wrong but I'd rather tell you what I read on the inside of a margarine carton just before I sent my demos off. "Hide not your talents. They for use were made. Whats a sundial in the shade." Benjamin Franklin. All I'd say is to do your best then, whatever the outcome, you have no regrets. Clear your pathway of what's holding you back. Believe in yourself and dont give up. People love listening to music so why can't it be yours?
"There is also an unreal other-worldly quality to Kirkhams music"
Tweedale Press Group
"An astonishing voice and fine line in delightful but not over-sweet songs"
South Hams Newspapers
"A singer-songwriter for whom 'art' is not a tag carelessly applied to her music, but an integral part of each song"
Adult Contemporary
"It puts you in mind of a young Kate Bush". * * * * *
Peterborough Herald & Post
"Quirky celtic ballads and folky pop songs full of quiet drama and beguiling beauty" * * * *
Yorkshire Evening Post
"Its like Bjork has succumbed to folk music..It could be the word-of mouth success story of 2006" * * * *
Nottingham Evening Post
"An organic beautifully realized set of songs with a voice to fall in love with"
Designer Magazine
"Lets hope that in this world of fake plastic pop creations there is enough room to accommodate the likes of the indisputably talented Stephanie Kirkham"
Lancaster and Morecombe Guardian
"A perfect lift on a dull day" * * * *
Ipswich Evening Star
"Her quirkiness is reminiscent of Kate Bush" * * * *
Shropshire Star
"A considerable talent to watch"
Indie London
"Kirkhams real talent lies in creating believable moods"
Word Magazine
"I recommend this album. Its really quite hypnotic"
Evening Times
"She is definitely my tip for the artist, who with a little luck, will really make it big this year" * * * * *
Portsmouth and District Post
"Impressive"
Blackpool Gazette
"She writes the most delightful songs, never has there been a better nature-pop song than 'Hear The Blackbird' "
The Northern Echo
"Uplifting melodies and poetic lyrics"
Lincoln Chronicle
"The clarity of the crisp calm airy vocals are delightfully lackadaisical..In fact its a guaranteed winner!"
Rock City
"The musical equivalent of a stroll through a spring meadow and an English country bazaar"
Sheffield Star
"Stephanie captivates completely on this delightful collection of 11 self-penned songs..Nice One!"
Fife leader
"Stephanie is a real rising star"
Morecombe Today
"Kirkham has certainly found her own voice within the current crowded world of singer-songwriters,
and she could prove the one with the most staying power"
Herald Observer Group
"With a bit of luck, this time she'll be here to stay"
Shields Gazette
"The musical equivalent of smiling"
SubbaCultcha
"Fairy-sounding troubadouring innocence"
Huddersfield Daily Examiner
"This album is a joy to listen to"
Ripple- Leicester Uni
"Her voice is soft but robust, bringing to mind Erin McKeown in all her finery"
Uncut Magazine
"Blends the kookiness of Kate Bush with the jazzy-pop of Katie Melua. 'Sunlight On My Soul' is a joyous collection which skips breezily between jazz and folky madrigals"
Daily Mail
"Tempting as it is to knowingly smile and place her in the Vashti Bunyan
camp of delicate folksters, Kirkham refuses to be tied down..gloriously luminous"
Wears The Trousers
"Stephanie is one of the best singers this country has come up with in a long time.
Her new album, 'Sunlight On My Soul', is a joy to behold"
Jewish Telegraph
"It's all underpinned by a strong sense of melody that insinuates the songs into your mental bloodstream"
NetRhythms.co.uk
"Kirkham casts a wide and varied net..influences as diverse as lounge bar jazz and Tudor madrigals"
Bournemouth Daily Echo
"Calming and spiritual music; nurturing and satisfying for the soul.. your heart is captured by her soothing and heartfelt songs"
Eastwood Advertiser
"Her waif-like vocal rooted in folk with a completely modern overhaul marks her out as the UK's answer to Suzanne Vega"
icBirmingham.co.uk
"Gentle and melodic, this little gem of a folk album grows on you with each song..there's no mistaking her individuality"
Somerset County Newspapers
"Stephanie's naturally soothing voice sounding even more heavenly than it did on her 2003 debut" * * * *
Cornish Guardian
Discography
That Girl (album) 2003 Hut/Virgin
Inappropriate (single) 2003 Hut/Virgin
National airplay including Radio 2, Terry Wogan,
Bob Harris and Ken Bruce
Sunlight On My Soul (album) 2006 SLK Music
Show Me What You're Made Of (single) 2006 SLK Music
Airplay on BBC Radio Cornwall, BBC Radio London, BBC Norfolk, Radio Ceredigion, Lochbroom FM
BBC Radio Lancashire
Sunlight On My Soul short Video Preview
See more Sunlight videos here
