Kirkby-born Stephen Langstaff is hitting the road as part of the Academy Live tour this week, playing at 02 Academy venues across the UK, taking in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and culminating in tonight's show in Islington.
With an army of fans, three albums of music and record-breaking gigs under his belt, Stephen Langstaff is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most prolific singer songwriters. He recently became the first unsigned singer songwriter to headline O2 Academy Liverpool’s main room, supporting The Lightning Seeds at Liverpool's Philharmonic and supporting Deacon Blue playing to a 6,000-strong crowd at the Echo Arena.
Who are your musical heroes?
Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Razorlight, Beatles, Oasis. Nirvana were one of the first bands I got into in a big way, I fell in love with different types of music as a teenager.
What's your favourite guitar solo?
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. It mirrors the spirit of the melody. I don't like anything too esoteric, simple is more powerful.
You've supported The Lightning Seeds and Deacon Blue, who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Beverley Knight. She's like a modern day Aretha Franklin it's criminal she's so underrated as an artist. And Johnny Borrell (Razorlight), I know a lot of people don't like him but I find him interesting. And Tori Amos, she has a studio in Cornwall, maybe I'll happen to 'bump into her' one day.
Have you met any of your musical idols?
I met Tori Amos and was starstruck, she was lovely. And I met the lead from the Levellers, I was struck by the size of him but he let me down. It kind of dismantled my view of 'stars,' so I've seen both sides of the coin.
What would you like to achieve with your music?
I want to reach as wide an audience as possible, I think my music has big appeal. The source of my songwriting comes from a single human place, I don't believe in setting limits. I'm very ambitious musically, I want to perform my music throughout the UK, Europe and America. I don't care about the fame and fortune, I want the songs to reach people.
Tell us your top spots in your hometown Liverpool -
Dinner: The Quarter.
Drinks: Alma de Cuba, The Peacock, Mojo.
Go out on a date: The cinema, then drinks at the Docks.
Watch a sunset: Anywhere near the water.
Write: At home, I need peace. Ideas come at any time, but home is where it gets finished, home is like the 'greenhouse.' I'm constantly switched on, picking up ideas, in rehearsal, travelling. I write bits and pieces on holiday in the Lakes and Cornwall this Summer but feel my strongest work is created at home. I'm a homebird.
Your song 'Saw The Angels' was played at Anfield - a special moment for you as a Red?
I'm not a massive footy fan, but officially I'm a Red, it was immense, my mate who took me loved it.
When was the last time you saw an angel?
Monday this week. My grandad recently passed away and I was playing back some cassettes - he used to read us stories and I felt a presence, it was strange, I was all alone in the house but it was comforting. And my friends, they're all angels. Anyone who can lift you, help you and keep you going is an angel.
I hear that some of the Hollyoaks cast are fans - fancy a spot of acting?
I have a fantasy that I could act, but wouldn't be any good in reality. But I'm a performer and wouldn't rule it out. Maybe I could turn up in Eastenders, playing dominoes with Patrick or ordering a shandy in the Vic.
Are you looking forward to headlining the 02 Academy Live tour?
I can't wait, I'm looking forward to hitting four cities in a week, I'm all fired up for the stage and seeing new people, it's about moving people with the music, and spiritually.
Any warm-up rituals?
A few quiet moments to myself, connecting and centering myself for the performance.
What song sums up your mood today?
Back to the Lake - Guided By Voices
Do you have weird dreams when you're away from your bed, on the road?
I have weird dreams anyway, I hardly remember them, but when I do they're weird. I think I get most of my dreaming out of the way in the day.
And what colour is your soul today?
Green, earthy, neutral. And I'm drinking green tea.
www.myspace.com/stephenlangstaff
Photography by Lyndsay Silver www.studiosilver.co.uk (29/09/09)
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