“It’s all about the songs”…that’s the reply you’ll get from Stewart if you ask him what singles him out from the crop of everyday singer/songwriters.
“If there’s no song, it doesn’t matter if you’re the best looking, best dressed, best managed guy, signed to the biggest record label with the biggest budget. People buy into the music. It’s where it starts and that’s what causes the reactio in someone – nothing else.”
In his relatively short time performing as a solo artist, with his own material, this 30 year old from north London has built up a reputation as a singer and songwriter with huge potential, but also one that possesses something that little bit different!
There’s no end to the amount of guys with acoustic guitars and pretty songs about every day life…but Stewart’s songs aim a little higher than that. “I hope that people see me more as a Jonny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls kind of songwriter, rather than James Blunt. Sure, all of my songs start with just me and an acoustic guitar, but it’s the journey they take form that point, then into the studio, into rehearsals with my band and then finally onto the stage, which brings them to life”.
Having spent over a year in the studio with renowned producer David Brant, he has developed a collection of songs featuring soaring arrangements, epic production and the kind of melodies that will stick in your brain for weeks, months, maybe years or even a lifetime!
With material that deals with everything from hope and aspiration to defeat and rejection, Stewart’s debut album is a sweeping mix of expertly crafted songs that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that’ll leave you reeling like you’ve been by a double-decker bus, but somehow feeling all the better for it!!
Stewart has enjoyed great reviews and critical acclaim for his live shows with a live following that has grown steadily following UK shows at legendary venues such as The Astoria, the Clapham Grand, the Islington Academy and many more. Dave Grenfell of London based live music promoters “Feedme Music” describes Stewart as “…an astonishing talent”, while live audiences continue to be amazed by his stunning collection of songs and emphatic live performances!
In June 2008, Stewart landed the opportunity of a lifetime when he was selected as the opening act for rock legends Bon Jovi on the UK leg of their ‘Lost Highway’ world tour. Together with his band, Stewart wowed the 62,000 strong crowd at Twickenham Stadium in London, with a blistering set of tracks from his debut album. The Bon Jovi faithful took Stewart and the band to their hearts from the first few chords of the opening song and by the end of the set, the notoriously tough crowd were converted – clapping along to the songs and cheering wildly for more.
Following the success of the Twickenham show, Stewart flew to New York to once again hook up with the Bon Jovi tour where he spent three days filming in and around New York and New Jersey and at the band’s Madison Square Garden shows.
Following the success of the Bon Jovi shows, Stewart’s profile increased and doors began to open. One door that stayed open was that of Hans Ebert. Hans turned out to be a major figure in the Asian music industry and in 2009, Stewart signed to Hans’ management company WE Enhance. Later that year, Stewart signed a two album lisencing deal with Gold Typhoon to release his album across the whole of Asia.
As part of the album re-launch, Stewart recorded an English version of a Mandarin song, which was a huge hit for Chinese singer/songwriter David Tao. Using an English translation of the lyrics, Stewart recorded “I Love You” in his own style. The song is now the lead single and video from the Album.
In December 2009, Stewart was invited to be part of the line up at the Hennessy Artistry concert in Taipei City, Taiwan, where he performed a blistering set of his own material, as well as performing a duet with Taiwanese superstar Jolin Tsai.
Stewart’s album will be released in Asia on February 5th 2010 and he is MTV debut artist of the month throughout February… www.mtv.com.tw
