I've played and recorded with many fantastic musicians. Here's a list of people from the top of my head:
Drums- Jeremy Kehoe, Peter from Gorey, Anthony Kenny;
Bass- Phil Daly, Derek Clabby, Jimi Cullen;
Guitars- Anthony Gibney, Peter Morrow, Ronan Byrne.
Clarinet- Aidan
Accordion- Micheal Flynn
Melodica- Andy Blaikie
Keys- Liam McDermot.
Busking & trad sessions: Christophe Capewell & Eva from Slovakia
Influences
Jimi Hendrix, Graham Kendrick, Nick Cave & The Bads Seeds, Steve Earle, Damien Dempsey, Jinx Lennon, Johnny Cash, Iain Archer, Brian Houston, Irish songwriters... Ross Breen, Ro' Byrne, Anthony White, Dave Murphy, Anthony Gibney, Ciaran Flynn, Damien O'Rourke, Jack Tuck and many, many more...
New Zealand based Irishman Stephen Roy Hill is a purveyor of quirky, understated folk-pop.
His YouTube series, Songs From A Chair, present old and new songs from his back catalog. Built on an Irish landscape, the songs express the vagaries of life as important sign-posts for our existential journey.
Things are never as simple as they seem and the songs are filled with twists and unexpected lyrical turns. Subtle melodies keep the emotive stories centre-stage.
"I've always tried to imitate artists like Tom Waits, Steve Earle & Nick Cave - their attitude and lyrics - but I end up sounding like a middle class Damien Dempsey" explains the self-effacing Wexford man. "But, hey, no-one else is tapping into that market".
Social commentary and cultural diatribes are woven into tales of lost love, old flames and nights on the town. "It's the little details that makes songs come alive" explains Stephen, "A dog barking in distance, hail-stones pinging off your shoes, shivering at the bus-stop, waiting."
Stephen's debut album, "Public Transport", was released in 2006. It went largely under the radar, but picked up a small but vocal following, including former Radio 1 DJ John Kelly, who found the album in his jacket pocket on his way to the studio and ending up playing a few tracks on his show. A single "Conspiracy" was released and received airplay on many stations, including Beat FM, Anna Livia and Raidio Na Life.
Hey Stephen, I sure am! It's been in the pipeline for a long time and it's finally coming together. It's like giving birth!..not that I ever have literally!! Hope all is going well for you over there. Are you staying for good or just visiting?
Thanks mate! Yeah, now, the hard part is paying off the mortgage, but hopefully I should manage.. If I get on myspace around the time, I'll make sure I invite you to a housewarming party if I have one!
Thanks for accepting Rising Stars as a friend on Myspace!
The team at the Dublin City Soul Festival are passionate about music and dedicated to the promotion of artists and groups who put their heart and soul into creating their own unique sounds.
That's why we've launched the ultimate search for Ireland's best 'Rising Stars'. So whether you're a solo artist or an up and coming band, we want to hear from you!
Interested? To apply go to www. dublincitysoulfestival. ie, complete the entry form, attach your demo with original song lyrics and we'll put you in the spotlight! See website for amazing prize details!
Closing date for entries is Tuesday April 14th at 6pm.
Hi Stephen. Gig was great fun. Yeah Katherine and a couple of others came along and played. We all enjoyed ourselves I think. How's life in New Zealand?
haven't got a job? i'm proud of ye son. glad yer havin' a good time, must be nice weather there now. everything's smashing over here, loads of work coming in. goin to spend xmas in north germany at me bird's mum's place. should be snowing...nice
Hey Stephen, Yep no trouble getting home, here's my site; http://captainmania.deviantart.com/gallery
I haven't actually checked out your music yet, but I do plan to soon. I almost forgot your name but remember you mentioned "ph" spelling which helped me remember!
