Focus Steph Fraser
Article by Colin
Teenage singer/songwriter Steph Fraser is one to watch. Since taking her first guitar lesson at the age of five, Steph Fraser has been working on her talent for crafting songs. In August 2007, she was chosen to perform at the Blackpool Illuminations bash (broadcast by BBC Radio 2), alongside the likes of Natalie Imbruglia and Natasha Bedingfield. She's also played many local talent shows, as well as the prestigious "Black Vegas" event for emerging talent, at the Blackpool Grand Theatre.
Purple Sun is Steph's first EP since she signed her record deal. The title track is a gentle, melodic acoustic-driven pop song. All four tracks show a maturity, that belies her youth. It was recorded in Canada, where she has a growing fan base (she toured the country in June and August this year).
It may not have taken Steph Fraser long to emerge, but she's not going to go away in a hurry. Steph took some time out of her busy schedule to speak with We7.
The interview
Hi Steph. How are you?
I am great, thanks.
What made you decide to become a singer?
I just loved to perform when I was younger. Hearing Eva Cassidy, who combined playing guitar and singing, made me want to try it.
How would you describe your music?
Well, I'm a writer and I like to explore and experiment with ideas on the acoustic guitar. Hearing my own songs go down well at gigs has encouraged me to write more original material. It's mainly based around the acoustic guitar and violin.
Tell us a bit about your debut single Purple Sun.
It was only the second song I ever wrote! The lyrics are open to interpretation.
What music influences you?
Eva Cassidy and Katie Melua. I also like Sigur Ros.
How did it feel to perform alongside the likes of McFly, Natalie Imbruglia and Natasha Bedingfield last year?
It was fantastic to meet and play on the same bill as established artists. It gave me motivation for where I want to be in a few years. The crowd of about 18,000 was amazing.
Do you still find time to be a regular teenager?
Although I have achieved a degree of success over the past two years, I still have to continue with my school work and preparations for my GCSEs. I still hang around with mates doing normal stuff, like shopping and movies. I also like keeping in touch with my friends from Canada.
Do you ever get homesick from spending so much time on the road?
I love being on the road. I don't ever feel homesick because I love travelling, visiting new places and meeting new people. I loved Canada - it felt like my home!
What have you got planned for the future?
I have been accepted to play at Canadian Music Week (CMW) in March 2009, plus there's a possibility of doing SXSW. Then I will have to get my GCSEs out of the way after that. I'm looking forward to doing a few bigger festivals next summer plus I'm in the middle of recording a full album. We got 4 tracks laid down at Catherine North Studios, Hamilton, Ontario, and I'll be going down to London to record some of my newer songs in the winter.
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