To name a few, in no particular order of merit (music I like, rather than direct influences):
Hank Williams, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Cash, Robbie Fulks, BR549, Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, Sons and Daughters, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Randy Newman, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, Aimee Mann, Ron Sexsmith, Alice Cooper, Alice In Chains, The Beatles, The Doors, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Leonard Cohen, Tim Hardin, Fiona Apple, Buck Owens, Christy Moore, Elliott Smith, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Webb Pierce, Squeeze, Jeff Buckley, Tim Buckley, Led Zepellin, Pearl Jam, Nick Drake, Tom Waits.
Sounds Like
A chunk of Hank Williams, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Cash, Robbie Fulks and BR549 with a little Squeeze, Randy Newman and The Beatles and a side dish of folk and blues.
To hear the whole album, Lowlights and Footnotes, go to my website.
BIOGRAPHY
Steve McCormick is a singer/songwriter based near Carlisle, Cumbria, England, described by Maverick’s Alan Cackett as ‘the perfect antithesis to all those substandard British country singers - Stetson on their heads and singing in a pseudo American accent the latest covers of Jackson, Strait and Brooks’. While his music is often categorised in the realms of country, alt.country and Americana, McCormick is a million miles away from the stereotypical English country singer (perhaps best illustrated by the acutely observed ‘Another English Cowboy’). McCormick effortlessly blends a number of styles including country, rock ‘n’ roll, folk and blues. There are no fake tales of being ‘down home on the range’ here - honesty and straight-forward story-telling are the order of the day, his lyrics gaining favorable comparisons with the likes of Randy Newman. McCormick's influences are as much the likes of Squeeze, Leonard Cohen, The Beatles, AC/DC and Tim Buckley as Merle, Hank or Waylon.
His debut album, 'Lowlights And Footnotes', was released late 2008 and includes 12 original songs. It has picked up a number of glowing reviews (Sound on Sound, Maverick, etc.) and international airplay, in addition to securing bookings at a number of UK gigs including the Ireby Festival, Brampton Live and the Cockermouth Rock Festival. The album was recorded, mixed and produced by McCormick in his home studio where he illustrated his ability as a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo and lap steel. Alan Cackett of Maverick magazine described McCormick as 'a master of guitar'. The album was mastered was by Simon Heyworth (co-producer of Tubular Bells who has mastered George Harrison, Nick Drake, etc.). It is available on CD for £9.99 including global shipping (via the website) and is also on iTunes, Napster, etc. A four track sampler can be downloaded free directly from the website.
McCormick is currently gigging in a variety of line-ups: as a solo acoustic act; as an acoustic duo with Annette Stubbs as harmony vocalist; and as a 5-piece band. He is currently writing the follow-up to ‘Lowlights and Footnotes’.
Lowlights and Footnotes is now available to buy for £9.99 (global shipping is included) - payment by any major debit or credit card. Get in touch if you wish to pay by cheque.
The album is now available on iTunes for £9.99 or 79p per track.
Artwork by Derek Glaister.
Feel free to get in touch or add me as a friend.
Check out the preview of my new album, Lowlights and Footnotes, from YouTube:
The TGM Awards 2009 is coming! The nominations have been announced for the sixth annual awards and we can confirm that Steve McCormick has 2 nominations, for:
* Best EP/Album ("Lowlights & Footnotes") * Best Song ("If Only She Were Lying")
The poll opens on Friday 20th November 2009 and will close on Friday 18th December 2009.
Like the tunes. Keep doing your thing, man. Also, thanks for the kind words. I'm especially proud of Here With Me (my newest album). Check it out if you get a chance & let me know what you think.
O, out of curiosity, just how many cowboys are out there roaming the vast wildernesses of the British Isles? Just kidding. Keep writing and performing. There's nothing better.
Hi, Thanks for the add and your friendship. Your songs are great, I liked them all! Please post more when possible, I sure would like to hear more. Have a wonderful day!
Hi I’m Katie Thompson – a 22 year old singer/songwriter from New Zealand! I could really use your vote for Rabo Idol! If I win I will receive $10,000 towards my next album from Raboplus! Just click on the link above!
Yes, it's that time of the month again when your listening pleasure can be enhanced by heading off to the AUK Myspace site where you will find folk whimsy from The Travelling Band, poignant thoughfulness from Waylon Jennings, The Butless Chaps (don't you just want to know what they sound like?) and the sweetly swinging (and singing) Tish Hinojosa.
Cheers for the add Steve - I like your stuff - 'Another English Cowboy' is me fav:) Hope you like me stuff too:)! Wishing you all the best from Paul:)!
Wow! You're right. Great stuff. Thanks for seeking me out. I really dig your sounds. Check out the show sometime if you get a chance. If you feel like sending a CD - I'll get you on the air. -Will
Glad to have you on mySpace CARLISLE BLUES FESTIVAL in the UK would love to have any interested Blues fans at their festival THERE ARE STILL TICKETS LEFT and ACCOMODATION if required. 21st to 23rd November 2008 Check out the MySpace for details. Or the website http://www. carlislebluesfestival. com/ Cheers
Hi Steve. I've just been sifting through the endless pages of friend requests from rubbish metal bands, so to hear your music was a such a relief! Really like the songs and the countrified style. Cheers. Alastair.
