Backstage

Backstage
Focus archive
Focus on…

Steve Appleton

August 2009 | Pop

Taking inspiration from classic pop, drum'n'bass, reggae and funk, 19 year-old Steve Appleton has an ear for a tune and an eye for an incredible live show. Steve is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, with some more talents still to be unveiled. You can hear the fruits of his labours, his debut album "When The Sun Comes Up", first and for free on we7.

"When The Sun Comes Up" is a feel good summer record - one for those long lazy days where all you want to do is lounge around in the sun. To get to know more about the record, and the man behind it, we spoke to Steve to get the low down.

The interview

How are you today?

I'm ever so well, thanks. Just got back from Japan last night, so I'm still on Tokyo time. But I'm feeling surprisingly good.

You signed your label deal two years ago - did you want to take your time on the album before you released anything?

I wanted to get it to the place where I was completely happy with it without wanting to go back and make more tweaks, One year was spent writing the other was probably spent tweaking, but I guess perfectionism is paramount when producing an album right?

Definitely. How would you describe the new album?

It's a feel good album and great for the summer - whilst it still lasts. It's quite an original sound in the way that it brings together a lot of styles of music that I love listening to. Styles like pop, rock, funk, reggae, blues and with influences from different styles of dance music.

Are you excited to be releasing your first record?

For sure, it's what every musician dreams of!

What is your favourite track on the album?

I'd probably go with the title track, When The Sun Comes Up. Every time I hear it I feel like I've had a good day.

You write and produce your material yourself, do you ever feel like getting in outside help to take the pressure of in this respect?

It's a strange one actually because I think I'd be more pressured working with a producer. Having that 100% creative control gives me freedom of not only my working hours and times, but opportunities to explore new ideas, new genres. Producers are always going to be songwriters to a certain degree and I wanted the album to come solely from me.

What is the most famous person you have met so far? Did you get star struck?

I've not been star struck just yet, there's only a small bunch of people who I reckon I'd be star struck by. Megan Fox is one. But that might just be because she's hot.

If there was one artist you say inspired you the most, who would it be?

Jamiroquai. A very talented chap is old Jay Kay.

Did you enjoy playing Glastonbury?

It was lovely, thanks. I had to leave early though to finish a support tour with Anastasia, but the time I did have there was a laugh. I do love festivals.