The 39Steps is the studio project of DJ/producer Kato and singer/saxophonist Laura Fowles. Since meeting through a mutual friend a few years ago the pair have been steadily refining their sound, which they like to describe as "dark soul"- heavy beats with warm, lingering vocals. The result is the forthcoming album "Coming Clean", arriving in the new year, which takes as much from film scores and soul as it does from hip-hop.
Kato has previously released songs under his "Invisible Orchestra" moniker, most notably "Therapy" on First Word Records, which was described as a "homegrown classic" by Blues and Soul Magazine. Last year he was shortlisted for a prestigious BBC Urban music award. He has held DJ residencies all over Leeds and in Birmingham but these days has cut down in order to concentrate on The 39Steps. You can still find him DJing regularly at the Hifi Club in Leeds, as well as other occasional gigs.
To say Laura is in demand would be something of an understatement. She has toured the world playing saxophone for Hed Kandi, holding down summer residencies in Ibiza, as well as playing in far-flung Singapore and Taipei. She is also a respected jazz musician, as her stature on the live jazz scene attests. Recently Laura has concentrated on her singing career, recording with several notable house producers. The 39Steps project, however, shows Laura in a light that until now has not been seen or heard.
The four songs on this page give a taste of what is to come in the new year. If you like what you hear then please add this page and stay in touch with us. Please feel free to leave comments or ask us questions. Better yet, visit our website at www.the39stepsmusic.co.uk for recent news, new songs and regular blogs!
Thank you for your ears.
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