Local Music Spotlight: Stephen Langstaff

If you are a regular viewer of The Guide Liverpool then you will be familiar with local lad Stephen Langstaff. Ste was the first ever unsigned act to headline a gig at the O2 Academy and since then he has gone on to headline his own shows at The Epstein, East Village Arts Club and LEAF.

Ste is a huge David Bowie fan and has recorded a special cover of ‘Ashes to Ashes’ in tribute to his idol. .

Tell us about you and describe your music?

I like songs that anyone can connect to. I listen to every kind of music and there’s endless influences that go into what I write. I love soulful music that can make someone’s hips swing but also touch them emotionally.

You had a huge 2015, what was the one highlight?

The highlight was probably putting out the ‘Sirens’ single as it was my first real release and I enjoyed the process of it. Hard to pick highlights though because I enjoy all aspects.

You have gigged all over the world, what advice would you give to upcoming singer songwriters?

Just work hard and be true to yourself. That’s all I would say.

Does coming from Liverpool help with a music career?

It helps me as far as inspiration goes. Liverpool’s a rich music city and it gives me confidence knowing its in my blood.

If you could direct people to one original track of yours, what one would you choose?

I’d say go and watch the ‘Sirens’ video. It’s a celebration of a girl who doesn’t believe in herself but should. And we shot the video in Liverpool city centre.

Watch Ste Langstaff’s video for ‘Sirens’ here, all filmed in Liverpool.

You are a huge Bowie fan, if you could have met him what would you ask him?

I would have asked him for recommendations of music to listen to, books to read and visual artists to check out. And have thanked him for inspiring me.

What has David Bowie’s legacy left musicians like yourself?

I think he just did whatever he wanted which seems like an obvious thing to say but hardly any artists actually follow it through like he did. Dress how you want, change your style if you want, mix in any genre you want. He did it all with a sense of fun too and broke down many walls. That’s an amazing legacy.