Biography

Steve spent his youth in various different bands, The Boys and ultimately Ocean Colour Scene. After signing a record deal with MCA in 1995, OCS released “Moseley Shoals” which sold over a million records. In fact, Steve’s guitar riff from the hit single “The Riverboat Song” was the soundtrack to one of UK’s biggest pop culture phenomenons of its time, TFI Friday hosted by Chris Evans. This was followed by the album “Marchin’ Already” from which another of Steve’s guitar riffs was used – this time in Guy Richie’s blockbuster film “Lock Stock and two Smokin’ Barrels”. “Hundred Mile City” was yet another huge hit for OCS and saw Steve’s music career firmly set in stone.

At the same time, Steve began his apprenticeship with Paul Weller as his young side kick guitar player. “When I was a kid, I was a huge Jam fan, I used to bunk off school, get a bus from the Midlands to London and spend the day hanging outside Solid Bond. (Paul’s Studio, Hyde Park.) I was eventually allowed in by Kenny Wheeler, Weller’s Tour manager, that was my first proper meet up with Paul. About a year later my Dad who was managing OCS got a call from his Dad John to ask if I would join his band. “Incredible really and we’re still playing music together 28 years later. He’s one of my soul mates for sure, I still get really excited working with him, He’s huge inspiration, it’s a total joy working with him it really is.”

In 1999 Steve recorded one of The Jam’s songs “Carnation” with his old 90’s mate Liam Gallagher from Oasis which became a top 10 hit.

Seven years ago, he was asked to tour with The Specials after Roddy Radiation left the band. He is now a firm live member and thrilled to be playing with them. “God they were the sound track of my teens, I loved their tunes so much and they were Midlanders, which only made it a better fit. “When they asked me if I could dep for a while I jumped at the chance. I’ve really enjoyed being part of their revival, they are all great musicians with fantastic tunes and are beautiful people. It’s so much fun playing with them.”

Steve has remixed and mastered his 3rd solo album “Peace City West” for vinyl and digital release 2nd April 2021.

In his early 20’s Steve went to see PP Arnold perform at the Birmingham Hippodrome, where after the show he went to the backstage door with a bunch of flowers to meet the legendary soul singer. Known for her hits “The First Cut is The Deepest and “Tin Solder” with The Small Faces. Ironically 30 years later Steve produced her comeback album at his studio in Devon “The New Adventures of PP Arnold”

“We were recording “Marchin’ Already”, and I managed to get hold of her to sing on one of the Ocean Colour Scenes tracks “Beautiful Thing” which then became a single. We just bonded. While living in Brum I did some demos with her which then lay dormant for another 20 years until my wife – Sal and I were unpacking boxes after our move to Devon and we found the demos. I got really excited and thought it would be brilliant to bring them back to life and finish off where we started. so, for the next couple of years she flew in and out from her home in Spain to come record here at Kundalini Studios. We finally 20 years later made “The New Adventures of PP Arnold” Funny how life goes round in circles.

Since that time Steve has juggled touring, writing, producing and recording with many Artists even DJ’s from time to time and is still as busy as ever.

Steve and his wife Sally have their own small record label “Kundalini Music”. As well as releasing his own solo records, he has put out music from PP Arnold, Yasmin Kiddle, and Leah Weller.

Steve’s 4th solo album is due for release on Kundalini at the end of 2021.

In the mean time He has remixed and mastered his 3rd solo album “Peace City West” for vinyl and digital release 2nd April 2021.

Jan 2021.