Sunday, April 27, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
singer inc vol 2 - Steve Balsamo
I'm singing on a beautiful album with a group of
fabulous singers, Singers Inc., Vol.2, out tomorrow. I'm covering 'Calling You'
by Bob Telson. Stunning song and we've tried to create a haunting version. My
good mate and ace muso Andrew Griffiths produced it , and I LOVE how it's turned
out. Please check out snippets of all the songs here
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/singers-inc.-vol.-2/id767747331
Please share far and wide if ya moved to! Thank you all very much x Steve
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/singers-inc.-vol.-2/id767747331
Please share far and wide if ya moved to! Thank you all very much x Steve
new solo album Rosalie Deighton
Wonderful Rosalie Deighton has just released her gorgeous solo album. Please go get it, it will make your life better! https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/burning-boat/id849716614
watch the video on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erOXvUKbhok
watch the video on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erOXvUKbhok
Friday, April 18, 2014
Steve Balsamo -interview juli 2th 2011
A new
television series starts tonight looking at just what special qualities go into
making a truly timeless pop song. But Swansea singer-songwriter Steve Balsamo
tells Nathan Bevan that he believes one Welsh band captured that magic more than
40 years ago and are yet to be bettered
Whether it’s London Calling by The Clash or Agadoo by Black Lace, the mark of a good pop song is one that will sink its hooks into the listener’s brain and refuse to let go.
And, be it the work of punk upstarts railing against the socio-political mores of modern Britain or a Eurovision-begetting novelty act given to dressing up as giant pineapples, all those songs started life in exactly the same way – as scribbled ideas on a notepad, the back of a cigarette packet or a cocktail napkin.
It’s precisely that journey that will be explored on the BBC from tonight as the network launches a two-month long celebration of and investigation into the craft of songwriting.
Called Secrets Of The Pop Song, the three-part series sees Guy Chambers – the man whose starry CV includes the co-writing credit on Robbie Williams’ mega-hits – dissect the art of penning perfect pop by collaborating with different artists to write a new song each week, while we at home track its progress from the written page to being performed live.
The series, featuring contributions from musical heavy-hitters like Sting and Brian May, will also see Chambers attempt to create a radio-friendly anthem with soul-rockers The Noisettes and team up with celebrated record producer Mark Ronson to score that elusive breakthrough single.
In the first episode though, Chambers will collaborate with American singer Rufus Wainwright to produce a timeless ballad, a skill that would appear to require an ingredient best referred to as ‘The Ex Factor’ – the ability to tap into one’s own heartbreak and channel it to pen a bona fide tear-jerker.
It’s something a lot of Welsh acts are more than acquainted with.
When his relationship with actress and society girl Sienna Miller went into very public free fall, Ruthin-raised actor Rhys Ifans threw himself into working with his rock band Y Peth, whose debut LP The Golden Mile included a tortured confessional called Stonefinger.
“Every little thing you said would break me. All of it came true. Every bit of love I give. You mock it, yes you do,” sang Ifans, before subsequently denying it was about Miller and adding that the lyrics had been penned before they’d even met.
Meanwhile, Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones, more used to singing about the minutiae of Valleys life, turned the spotlight on his own private affairs come album number four, You Gotta Go There To Come Back – the gravel-throated Cwmaman vocalist writing Rainbows And Pots Of Gold about his split from a childhood sweetheart.
But surely the peerless pop yardstick by which all else should be measured is Without You, the seminal effort from ill-fated Swansea band Badfinger.
Their 1970 chart-topping smash has since been recorded by more than 180 artists including Shirley Bassey, Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey and was once described by The Beatles’ Paul McCartney as “the killer song of all time”.
Fellow Swansea star Steve Balsamo, for one, couldn’t agree more with the former Fab Four legend’s accolade.
“I suppose Macca’s more than a little qualified to comment as to what makes a good tune,” laughs the former West End Stage star-turned rocker.
“Without You is one of my favourite tracks of all time and a prime case of someone using a terrible heartache they’d suffered to inspire a musical moment that connects with everyone who hears it – which is what every songwriter worth their salt tries to achieve.”
Adding that its poignancy was only compounded by the group’s own tragic story – financial and legal woes led to two members of the group committing suicide tragically young – Balsamo says that the old adage of writing about what you know was crucial in creating something memorable.
“You have to pour yourself, good experiences and bad, into your work because all of us have the same feelings, wants, fears and needs; that stuff’s universal,” he smiles, recalling how he also took tips from another master of the trade.
“When my last band The Storys supported Elton John we’d all stand at the side of the stage watching him every night with our jaws on the floor.
“It was incredible just how many brilliant tunes that man has, from ballads like I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues to out-and-out pop numbers like I’m Still Standing – it was like being given a free pass to the best songwriting school in the world.”
So where do his songs find life?
“Like every other lyricist I used to jot ideas down whenever they came to me, so my house would be crammed with bits of paper with ideas written on them,” reveals Balsamo.
“Now it all goes into my Blackberry so my wife shouts at me less, and if I get inspired on the train or something I’ll lock myself in the toilet and quietly sing melodies into my voice recorder.”
He adds: “But that’s the beauty of it – you go into a room with nothing and, hopefully, you come out with something that’ll move people – alchemy, basically.
“True, you can be scientific about it, and a lot of jobbing songwriters watch the current trends and learn how to craft tunes to order for various different artists, and Guy Chambers is a great example of that.”
But Balsamo believes serendipity could have a role to play in what makes a song special.
“A mate of mine called Steve Booker had a huge success writing with Duffy on her first album and that only happened because he put his London flat on the market and she came round to view it and they got chatting,” he says.
“So perhaps it’s destiny that great tracks like Mercy are born, but maybe that’s just the old romantic in me.”
Whether it’s London Calling by The Clash or Agadoo by Black Lace, the mark of a good pop song is one that will sink its hooks into the listener’s brain and refuse to let go.
And, be it the work of punk upstarts railing against the socio-political mores of modern Britain or a Eurovision-begetting novelty act given to dressing up as giant pineapples, all those songs started life in exactly the same way – as scribbled ideas on a notepad, the back of a cigarette packet or a cocktail napkin.
It’s precisely that journey that will be explored on the BBC from tonight as the network launches a two-month long celebration of and investigation into the craft of songwriting.
Called Secrets Of The Pop Song, the three-part series sees Guy Chambers – the man whose starry CV includes the co-writing credit on Robbie Williams’ mega-hits – dissect the art of penning perfect pop by collaborating with different artists to write a new song each week, while we at home track its progress from the written page to being performed live.
The series, featuring contributions from musical heavy-hitters like Sting and Brian May, will also see Chambers attempt to create a radio-friendly anthem with soul-rockers The Noisettes and team up with celebrated record producer Mark Ronson to score that elusive breakthrough single.
In the first episode though, Chambers will collaborate with American singer Rufus Wainwright to produce a timeless ballad, a skill that would appear to require an ingredient best referred to as ‘The Ex Factor’ – the ability to tap into one’s own heartbreak and channel it to pen a bona fide tear-jerker.
It’s something a lot of Welsh acts are more than acquainted with.
When his relationship with actress and society girl Sienna Miller went into very public free fall, Ruthin-raised actor Rhys Ifans threw himself into working with his rock band Y Peth, whose debut LP The Golden Mile included a tortured confessional called Stonefinger.
“Every little thing you said would break me. All of it came true. Every bit of love I give. You mock it, yes you do,” sang Ifans, before subsequently denying it was about Miller and adding that the lyrics had been penned before they’d even met.
Meanwhile, Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones, more used to singing about the minutiae of Valleys life, turned the spotlight on his own private affairs come album number four, You Gotta Go There To Come Back – the gravel-throated Cwmaman vocalist writing Rainbows And Pots Of Gold about his split from a childhood sweetheart.
But surely the peerless pop yardstick by which all else should be measured is Without You, the seminal effort from ill-fated Swansea band Badfinger.
Their 1970 chart-topping smash has since been recorded by more than 180 artists including Shirley Bassey, Harry Nilsson and Mariah Carey and was once described by The Beatles’ Paul McCartney as “the killer song of all time”.
Fellow Swansea star Steve Balsamo, for one, couldn’t agree more with the former Fab Four legend’s accolade.
“I suppose Macca’s more than a little qualified to comment as to what makes a good tune,” laughs the former West End Stage star-turned rocker.
“Without You is one of my favourite tracks of all time and a prime case of someone using a terrible heartache they’d suffered to inspire a musical moment that connects with everyone who hears it – which is what every songwriter worth their salt tries to achieve.”
Adding that its poignancy was only compounded by the group’s own tragic story – financial and legal woes led to two members of the group committing suicide tragically young – Balsamo says that the old adage of writing about what you know was crucial in creating something memorable.
“You have to pour yourself, good experiences and bad, into your work because all of us have the same feelings, wants, fears and needs; that stuff’s universal,” he smiles, recalling how he also took tips from another master of the trade.
“When my last band The Storys supported Elton John we’d all stand at the side of the stage watching him every night with our jaws on the floor.
“It was incredible just how many brilliant tunes that man has, from ballads like I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues to out-and-out pop numbers like I’m Still Standing – it was like being given a free pass to the best songwriting school in the world.”
So where do his songs find life?
“Like every other lyricist I used to jot ideas down whenever they came to me, so my house would be crammed with bits of paper with ideas written on them,” reveals Balsamo.
“Now it all goes into my Blackberry so my wife shouts at me less, and if I get inspired on the train or something I’ll lock myself in the toilet and quietly sing melodies into my voice recorder.”
He adds: “But that’s the beauty of it – you go into a room with nothing and, hopefully, you come out with something that’ll move people – alchemy, basically.
“True, you can be scientific about it, and a lot of jobbing songwriters watch the current trends and learn how to craft tunes to order for various different artists, and Guy Chambers is a great example of that.”
But Balsamo believes serendipity could have a role to play in what makes a song special.
“A mate of mine called Steve Booker had a huge success writing with Duffy on her first album and that only happened because he put his London flat on the market and she came round to view it and they got chatting,” he says.
“So perhaps it’s destiny that great tracks like Mercy are born, but maybe that’s just the old romantic in me.”
Thursday, April 17, 2014
FORGET Abbey Road - Swansea band The Storys have chosen a little-known Llanelli studio to cut their new album.
The six-piece outfit have decamped to the Sonic One Studio in Llangennech for their first stab at laying down material for their third album.
The band was formed in 2003, with Steve Balsamo at the helm, playing a '70s West Coast-influenced country rock style. They have quietly built up a large fan base, which includes some major stars with Elton John personally calling the band to say how much he loved their debut album.
The move saw them support the rocket man at his Liberty Stadium gig last summer.
They have recently returned from touring
Steve said: "I've known Tim for almost 20 years, he used to have a studio in Kidwelly, but opened this place in 2005. It's a superb set-up and Tim is a great engineer, producer and a great guitarist. "It's very inspiring when you work with someone as fantastic as he is. The ideas just flow and he is so quick to put them down, it makes it an absolute joy - sometimes it can be like pulling teeth when you work with people who don't know what they are doing. "I have been all around the world and Tim is as good as anyone I've seen. It's also nice to keep it local."
Although a completion date has yet to be set, the band are likely to try out some of their new material in a special concert in the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on February 26. "We will be showcasing it at the Brangwyn Hall gig - whatever songs get the biggest clap on the night will be going on the next record," the singer joked.
The Swansea gig will give the band's fan base a chance to meet the newest member, who, as Steve says, adds a touch of glamour to the line-up.
"Unfortunately Dai Smith left the band last year, but has been replaced by a fantastic singer songwriter called Rosalie Deighton who has toured as a support act with the band over the last couple of tours," he said. "She really adds to our sound, she's a fantastic singer and a signed songwriter. Apart from the glamour, her fantastic voice brings great harmony. She really enhances the Storys
town beyond the trees
The Storys Following the release of TOWN BEYOND THE TREES in March of this year, the Storys have continued to go from strength to strength and ultimately shape their career as a long-standing Americana/country-rock band on the
A label in Warners signed it and put some money into the project, which allowed us to tour overseas. We sold quite a few records, and Warners wanted us to make a second album. We went into Real World with Jon Kelly and made the album in 5 weeks, during which time everyone at our label was sacked and the label shut down! A great fan of the band and head of the label, Nick Stewart saved the day, by getting the album back for us.
So here we are at the beginning of the journey again!" From
The band now stays as a five piece for the time being, consisting of Steve Balsamo on vocals and guitars, Andy Collins on vocals and bass, Rob Thompson on guitars and vocals, Brian Thomas on drums and percussion and Alan Thomas on keys, mandolin and banjo. Their style is often described as a '70s west-coast influenced sound,' but encapsulates deeply organic influential acoustics, crafted with passion, harmony and a masculine rush of adrenaline and compassion that ultimately shines through. With a sound that encompasses the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and the songwriting skills and talents that are now offered by three of the five members, the outcome is something quite extraordinary.
Welsh band get Elton's helping hand
Welsh band get Elton's helping hand
Mar 4 2006, Karen Price, Western Mail
A Welsh band chosen by Elton John to support him on his forthcoming UK stadium and arena tour are hoping his 'midas touch' will bring them major stardom. Relatively unknown, The Storys - featuring formerWest End star Steve Balsamo
and five of his friends - set up their own label to release their debut album.
But now the Swansea New York
The superstar has been full of praise for The Storys after hearing a copy of their self-titled debut album.
'They have made a fantastic debut album, and I am really excited that they will be playing with me on tour,' said Sir Elton.
About three weeks ago, Balsamo received a call from his manager John Waller telling him to expect a call from The Piano Man himself.
'I said, 'Is this a joke?' And then Elton called up,' said Balsamo, who shot to fame in theWest End playing Jesus Christ Superstar. 'He told me he had been given a copy of
our album and couldn't stop playing it. He said he absolutely loved it and
spent the next 10 minutes telling me how great he thought it was. He then asked
if we would like to support him on tour. It's very hard to put into words how I
felt. Someone I respect as an amazing artist and songwriter rates what we are
doing. Afterwards I thought, 'Did he really call?""
The Storys also features Andy Collins, Dai Smith, Rob Thompson, Brian Thomas and Alan Thomas and they range in age from thirties to fifties. They recently signed a four-album deal with Warners and they describe their music as '70s West Coast-influenced. They are now preparing to perform to hundreds of thousands of music fans as part of Sir Elton's 11-date tour, which opens at MEN Arena,Manchester Wales
The Storys initially thought they would only be playing the stadiums. 'Elton called me back a week later and asked if we wanted to do the indoor arenas too.'
The band now hopes that some of Sir Elton's magic will help them on the road to major stardom.
His ability to spot great new musical talent is legendary. He brought Anastacia, Scissor Sisters and James Blunt to the attention of the public over the past few years. The first time he saw the Scissor Sisters perform live he proceeded to purchase a glut of their self-titled debut CDs and share them with all of his friends.
Since first gaining Sir Elton's support, they have headlined major festivals, such as the V Festival, played to millions with a storming set at Live 8, and won a clutch of industry awards, including three major prizes at last year's Brit Awards. Sir Elton is now collaborating with them on their new album.
He was also an early supporter of James Blunt. He dubbed You're Beautiful a fresh descendant of his 1970 breakthrough, Your Song. Blunt has now topped both the singles and album charts and last month he won two major Brit accolades, including Best British Male, and this week he topped the Billboard chart inAmerica
But Balsamo is not looking too far ahead. 'I would not like to be presumptuous at all really,' he said. 'It's just a great honour to play to a lot of people, which is exactly what we want to do. We are a live band but, of course, the idea of raising our profile and selling lots of records is attractive.'
Mar 4 2006, Karen Price, Western Mail
A Welsh band chosen by Elton John to support him on his forthcoming UK stadium and arena tour are hoping his 'midas touch' will bring them major stardom. Relatively unknown, The Storys - featuring former
The superstar has been full of praise for The Storys after hearing a copy of their self-titled debut album.
'They have made a fantastic debut album, and I am really excited that they will be playing with me on tour,' said Sir Elton.
About three weeks ago, Balsamo received a call from his manager John Waller telling him to expect a call from The Piano Man himself.
'I said, 'Is this a joke?' And then Elton called up,' said Balsamo, who shot to fame in the
The Storys also features Andy Collins, Dai Smith, Rob Thompson, Brian Thomas and Alan Thomas and they range in age from thirties to fifties. They recently signed a four-album deal with Warners and they describe their music as '70s West Coast-influenced. They are now preparing to perform to hundreds of thousands of music fans as part of Sir Elton's 11-date tour, which opens at MEN Arena,
The Storys initially thought they would only be playing the stadiums. 'Elton called me back a week later and asked if we wanted to do the indoor arenas too.'
The band now hopes that some of Sir Elton's magic will help them on the road to major stardom.
His ability to spot great new musical talent is legendary. He brought Anastacia, Scissor Sisters and James Blunt to the attention of the public over the past few years. The first time he saw the Scissor Sisters perform live he proceeded to purchase a glut of their self-titled debut CDs and share them with all of his friends.
Since first gaining Sir Elton's support, they have headlined major festivals, such as the V Festival, played to millions with a storming set at Live 8, and won a clutch of industry awards, including three major prizes at last year's Brit Awards. Sir Elton is now collaborating with them on their new album.
He was also an early supporter of James Blunt. He dubbed You're Beautiful a fresh descendant of his 1970 breakthrough, Your Song. Blunt has now topped both the singles and album charts and last month he won two major Brit accolades, including Best British Male, and this week he topped the Billboard chart in
But Balsamo is not looking too far ahead. 'I would not like to be presumptuous at all really,' he said. 'It's just a great honour to play to a lot of people, which is exactly what we want to do. We are a live band but, of course, the idea of raising our profile and selling lots of records is attractive.'
The Storys -five-album deal
The Storys received a bumper Christmas gift this
year, signing a five-album deal with the Warner Group record label.
The major deal means their recent release, The Storys, will be put out worldwide on Warner's Korova label.
Frontman Steve Balsamo says: "We are delighted. Wednesday, December 21, was an auspicious day to sign the deal. It was the winter solstice and it was also Dai's birthday.
"We did a bit of celebrating and played a great gig that night at the Ginglik Club in
The Storys are the first band to be signed to the relaunched Korova label. Steve says its rejuvenation is a sign of a positive move in the music industry to recognise diverse and mature tastes that are looking for something more substantial than pre-teen pop.
"I think since the success of acts like KT Tunstall and James Blunt, there is a move to meet more adult tastes."
On the back of the deal the band will head off to one of the most important music events in the international calendar, South By South West, out in Austin, Texas, in March.
Grandaddy of Grunge Neil Young will be there and other acts making the trip include KT Tunstall, Beth Orton, Tom Verlaine, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Death in Vegas.
The Storys will head off for mega music-networking shindig Midem, in
Steve says his previous rocky deal with Sony gave him some invaluable experience.
"We are completely positive about this. They are taking the whole album, lock, stock and barrel, so we feel we are steering this one from the beginning.
"We have all been working so hard at this for so long. And we have put the record out on our own, so we know we can do it ourselves."
The Storys
What's the Storys?
Mar 10 2006 , Gavin Allen, South Wales Echo
His huge shadow hung over the conversation from the second it started. Plain fact: Welsh band The Storys have been handed the coveted support slot on Elton John'sUK
"Totally surreal," said singer/guitarist Steve Balsamo. "Our manager called and said, Brace yourself. Elton John is going to call you in 10 minutes. So I spent 10 minutes dancing around the room and then he called, 'Hi Steve, it's Elton'. I have met a lot of famous people but I've never been so tripped out as I was speaking to him."
Elton's backing clearly pays off - just ask James Blunt, Anastacia, Ryan Adams or the Scissors Sisters.
"There's no guarantee it will happen for us, but if nothing else happens with this album, having Elton John validate the songs like that is worthwhile."
Validation is a big but accurate word and there's no hiding the fact that Balsamo is unashamedly parading that validation (who wouldn't?) hoping his career of aborted launches is finally paying off.
"I've been close a few times, yeah. I think we have a lot of respect from artists we have worked with, but we do want commercial success. In medicine, if you put in 12 years work you will be a consultant and we've put in our 12 years, we want our consultancy."
The six-strongSwansea
Their unusual set-up of four singers - Balsamo plus Andy Collins (bass), Dai Smith (guitar) and Rob Thompson (guitar) with Brian Thomas (drums) and Alan Thomas (keyboards) - is bleached with experience and Radio 2 loves their 1970s West Coast influence.
"We were in a pub called the Red Lion in Barnes,London
Those words show Balsamo has trodden this road before and knows promises often lead nowhere.
"When I had a deal with Sony it was very much a case of 'Let's throw some money at it all and see what sticks'. But it feels very different this time. I hope it is."
His huge shadow hung over the conversation from the second it started. Plain fact: Welsh band The Storys have been handed the coveted support slot on Elton John's
"Totally surreal," said singer/guitarist Steve Balsamo. "Our manager called and said, Brace yourself. Elton John is going to call you in 10 minutes. So I spent 10 minutes dancing around the room and then he called, 'Hi Steve, it's Elton'. I have met a lot of famous people but I've never been so tripped out as I was speaking to him."
Elton's backing clearly pays off - just ask James Blunt, Anastacia, Ryan Adams or the Scissors Sisters.
"There's no guarantee it will happen for us, but if nothing else happens with this album, having Elton John validate the songs like that is worthwhile."
Validation is a big but accurate word and there's no hiding the fact that Balsamo is unashamedly parading that validation (who wouldn't?) hoping his career of aborted launches is finally paying off.
"I've been close a few times, yeah. I think we have a lot of respect from artists we have worked with, but we do want commercial success. In medicine, if you put in 12 years work you will be a consultant and we've put in our 12 years, we want our consultancy."
The six-strong
Their unusual set-up of four singers - Balsamo plus Andy Collins (bass), Dai Smith (guitar) and Rob Thompson (guitar) with Brian Thomas (drums) and Alan Thomas (keyboards) - is bleached with experience and Radio 2 loves their 1970s West Coast influence.
"We were in a pub called the Red Lion in Barnes,
Those words show Balsamo has trodden this road before and knows promises often lead nowhere.
"When I had a deal with Sony it was very much a case of 'Let's throw some money at it all and see what sticks'. But it feels very different this time. I hope it is."
steve Balsamo -debutalbum
Na onenigheid met platenmaatschappij Sony, ondervond steve's
eerste album "all I am" grote problemen met het uitbrengen ervan.
Maar achter de schermen bij de BBC wales talenten jacht "Just Up Your
Street", straalt de walese zanger en acteur een verbazingwekkende
zekerheid uit,terwijl hij zich voorbereidt om deze wedstrijd te jureren. Hij
spreekt met ons over het kwaad dat muziekwereld heet en waarom Nashville
werkelijk is wat het is.
Is, sinds de beëindiging van het contact met Sony, je motief om de muziekwereld in te gaan veranderd?
Nee, helemaal niet. Ik wilde de muziekwereld in omdat ik gek ben op muziek, en dat is nog steeds het geval. Muziek is een constant gegeven: iets wat nooit verandert. Maar wat ik heb geleerd over de platenindustrie de laatste jaren heeft mijn ogen werkelijk geopend. Je hebt muziek en de zakelijke kant ervan. Ze zouden eigenlijk niet samen moeten gaan.
Wat gebeurt er nu met "All I am"?
Ik promoot hem nu zelf nu de samenwerking met Sony officieel beëindigd is. Er was niks mis met het album, Alleen met de mensen die het wilden uitbrengen. Je gelooft die onzin niet. Er zijn echt geweldige platen gemaakt die de kans niet krijgen, en dat ligt aan de manier waarop die mensen werken. Maar het voelt geweldig om het heft nu in eigen handen te nemen.
Heb je in deze onrustige tijd nog gelegenheid gehad om nieuwe nummers te schrijven?
Oh, dat moet ik, absoluut! Ik schrijf iedere dag, waar ik ook ben, of het nu in de studio is of thuis met een dictafoon en mijn gitaar. Ik woon in Chiswick, net om de hoek bij Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones huis, dus er is inspratie genoeg.
Door dit album en Jesus Christ Superstar heb ik heel wat van de wereld gezien en het heeft me de gelegenheid gegeven te werken met de meest gewelidge musici. De gaafste klus was het schrijven met Tim Schmidt van the Eagles. Voor mij is dat altijd DÉ band geweest, The Eagles zijn je van het!
Het is moeilijk om van je musical-label af te komen. Sla je met je nieuwe nummers een andere richting in?
Ja, zeker. Ik had een reuze interessant musical-aanbod maar ik was ook bezig om een band samen te stellen. Ik nam mijn beslissing om het af te slaan in Nashville - vlakbij Cardiff, dat is de plaats waar ik gek op ben,waar ze musici echt waarderen.
Hoe dan ook, de band gaat Grand Canyon heten.
Ik wil 5 zangers op het podium en een band bestaande uit 5 leden die echt samen gaan werken. Het wordt een mix van the Eagles en Jackson Brown met een vleugje Crosby Stills and Nash - maar met een lading heftige beats. Wat David Gray deed voor Bob Dylan wil ik doen voor The Eagles. We zouden zelfs een tour kunnen doen met iemand zoals Wilco.
Wilco en Ryan Adams zij echt doorgebroken bij het grote publiek als songwriter. Hoe sta jij daar tegenover?
Ryan Adams is fantastisch. Ik denk echt dat goede songwriters meer gewaardeerd worden tegenwoordig. Ik denk ironisch genoeg dat dat het enige positieve is wat uit deze popster-onzin is voorgevloeid. Ze zeggen in shows tegenwoordig meer over songwriters. En wanneer ze een nummer op de radio draaien zeggen ze nu ook wie het nummer geschreven heeft, of het nu Cathy Dennis of Don Henley of Tom Waits is.
Cardiff, London, Nashville... wat is het volgende?
Ik vind het momenteel heerlijk om in Londen te wonen maar ik ben in veel plaatsen geweest en Cardiff is echt één van de meest levendige plaatsen in de wereld. Het is zó veranderd - Ik snap echt niet waar al het geld vandaan komt. Ik heb de theorie dat ze olie onder de baai hebben en het niet iedereen vertellen. Ja, ik vind het heerlijk om hier terug te komen.
Is, sinds de beëindiging van het contact met Sony, je motief om de muziekwereld in te gaan veranderd?
Nee, helemaal niet. Ik wilde de muziekwereld in omdat ik gek ben op muziek, en dat is nog steeds het geval. Muziek is een constant gegeven: iets wat nooit verandert. Maar wat ik heb geleerd over de platenindustrie de laatste jaren heeft mijn ogen werkelijk geopend. Je hebt muziek en de zakelijke kant ervan. Ze zouden eigenlijk niet samen moeten gaan.
Wat gebeurt er nu met "All I am"?
Ik promoot hem nu zelf nu de samenwerking met Sony officieel beëindigd is. Er was niks mis met het album, Alleen met de mensen die het wilden uitbrengen. Je gelooft die onzin niet. Er zijn echt geweldige platen gemaakt die de kans niet krijgen, en dat ligt aan de manier waarop die mensen werken. Maar het voelt geweldig om het heft nu in eigen handen te nemen.
Heb je in deze onrustige tijd nog gelegenheid gehad om nieuwe nummers te schrijven?
Oh, dat moet ik, absoluut! Ik schrijf iedere dag, waar ik ook ben, of het nu in de studio is of thuis met een dictafoon en mijn gitaar. Ik woon in Chiswick, net om de hoek bij Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones huis, dus er is inspratie genoeg.
Door dit album en Jesus Christ Superstar heb ik heel wat van de wereld gezien en het heeft me de gelegenheid gegeven te werken met de meest gewelidge musici. De gaafste klus was het schrijven met Tim Schmidt van the Eagles. Voor mij is dat altijd DÉ band geweest, The Eagles zijn je van het!
Het is moeilijk om van je musical-label af te komen. Sla je met je nieuwe nummers een andere richting in?
Ja, zeker. Ik had een reuze interessant musical-aanbod maar ik was ook bezig om een band samen te stellen. Ik nam mijn beslissing om het af te slaan in Nashville - vlakbij Cardiff, dat is de plaats waar ik gek op ben,waar ze musici echt waarderen.
Hoe dan ook, de band gaat Grand Canyon heten.
Ik wil 5 zangers op het podium en een band bestaande uit 5 leden die echt samen gaan werken. Het wordt een mix van the Eagles en Jackson Brown met een vleugje Crosby Stills and Nash - maar met een lading heftige beats. Wat David Gray deed voor Bob Dylan wil ik doen voor The Eagles. We zouden zelfs een tour kunnen doen met iemand zoals Wilco.
Wilco en Ryan Adams zij echt doorgebroken bij het grote publiek als songwriter. Hoe sta jij daar tegenover?
Ryan Adams is fantastisch. Ik denk echt dat goede songwriters meer gewaardeerd worden tegenwoordig. Ik denk ironisch genoeg dat dat het enige positieve is wat uit deze popster-onzin is voorgevloeid. Ze zeggen in shows tegenwoordig meer over songwriters. En wanneer ze een nummer op de radio draaien zeggen ze nu ook wie het nummer geschreven heeft, of het nu Cathy Dennis of Don Henley of Tom Waits is.
Cardiff, London, Nashville... wat is het volgende?
Ik vind het momenteel heerlijk om in Londen te wonen maar ik ben in veel plaatsen geweest en Cardiff is echt één van de meest levendige plaatsen in de wereld. Het is zó veranderd - Ik snap echt niet waar al het geld vandaan komt. Ik heb de theorie dat ze olie onder de baai hebben en het niet iedereen vertellen. Ja, ik vind het heerlijk om hier terug te komen.
bio Steve Balsamo ( dutch)
Steve is geboren in Wales op 19 mei 1971 (sterrenbeeld stier). Eigenlijk is hij half Welsch en half Italiaans, zijn vader is van Italiaanse komaf.
Hij kwam tot zingen via omwegen zoals pianostemmer, optreden in vele bandjes en hij studeerde aan de kunstacademie.
Hieronder de originele biografie zoals Sony rond 2002 over hem heeft opgesteld:
Met zijn afgedragen spijkerbroeken en wild haar komt Steve niet over als een behoorlijke uitslover. Hij is erg rustig. Bereid om overal over te praten, van filosofie tot literatuur, het bovennatuurlijke gestimuleerd door zijn rol als Jezus in Jesus Christ Superstar, tot het praten over zijn jeugd-ervaringen zoals optreden in bandjes in de omgeving van Zuid Wales. Bij Steve voel je je erg op je gemak.
Het begon allemaal vrij bescheiden in Swansea, zuid Wales, toen zijn vader, een chef uit Venetië, met zijn moeder trouwde.
"Het perfecte recept voor een zingend kind", grapt Steve. Zijn vroegste muziek herinneringen zijn van zijn vader die luid teksten van Mario Lanza zingt en zijn moeders lieve slaapliedjes: Jim Reeve's romantische balads.
Maar na een verwijdering uit het schoolkoor, met het argument dat ze vonden hij niet kon zingen, legde hij zich toe op het uitoefenen van kunst en studeerde schilderen aan de kunstacademie. Gelukkig stopte hij nooit met zingen, al badend zong hij Elvis-imitaties. Hij wilde zichzelf bewijzen dat hij wél toon kon houden.
De liefde om te zingen bloeide weer op op 17 jarige leeftijd, toen hij vermoedde dat zijn toenmalige vriendinnetje meer van Bon Jovi hield dan van hem. Een interesse in zingen en nummers componeren was geboren. "Het klinkt misschien wat zwak, maar ik moet eerlijk bekennen dat jalouzie me motiveerde", zegt hij lachend. Hij zette vanaf dat moment diverse bands op die langs clubs en pub's tourde, nummers die erg rock waren , compleet met lang haar, op tafels springen, branie schoppen en de bezoekers de stuipen op het lijf jagen.
Na een serie "Lijden voor de kunst" (niet erg interessante baantjes), om zichzelf te onderhouden terwijl hij optrad, vergaarde hij een plek op de Universiteit van Bristol, waar hij Grafische kunst kon gaan studeren. Hij sloeg dit aanbod af en schreef zich in bij de plaatselijke muziekschool, waar hij de rol van Jezus speelde in de productie van Superstar. Hij realiseerde al snel dat hij, met zijn 3 1/2 octaven reikende stem, samen met zijn daverende optreden, het publiek tot tranen roerde.
Toen, op 21 jarige leeftijd, besloot hij de bandjes en opleiding achter zich te laten om naar Londen te vertrekken, waar hij al snel een rol in de musical "Les Miserables" aangeboden kreeg, maar waar hij zich ellendig in voelde.
"Het was een soort van cultuur-schok voor me, ik ben niet het type dat graag in maillot staat, en kon me niet vinden in deze productie. Ik kwam uit optredens met bandjes in clubs en het hele theater-gebeuren was echt buitenaards voor me. Maar hoewel ik het verafschuwde, kreeg ik gewelidige vrienden en realiseerde me dat dit toch de weg was die ik in moest slaan", zegt hij.
"Alles wat je doet, leidt ergens heen".
Na Les mis ging Steve weer naar huis, pakte een gitaar, leerde zichzelf spelen en ging weer verder met het componeren van nummers.
"Ik hield ervan om emotionele melodiën te schrijven, melodiën die mensen ontroerden".
Vanaf dat moment was het voor hem duidelijk dat zijn ambities lagen bij het componeren en zingen.
In die tijd woonde Steve een workshop in Cardiff bij, georganiseerd door de Prince's trust, speciaal voor werkloze musici.
Hij was daar zó succesvol, dat hij gevraagd werd om het Prince's Trust Masters of Music concert te openen in Hyde Park in 1996.
The Who, Alanis Morisette, Eric Clapton en Bob Dylan waren een paar van de artiesten die de 150.000 fans vermaakten die dag.
" Ik was doodsbang", zegt Steve, " maar vreemd genoeg verdween dat gevoel toen ik het podium betrad en mijn eerste nummer inzette, de zenuwen zakten weg en ik dacht bij mijzelf: beter dan dit kan het nooit worden". Maar beter werd het toch.
Een vriend maakte hem erop attent dat Andrew Lloyd Weber op zoek was naar een zanger/acteur die de rol van Jezus zou spelen.
Hij pakte de kans om zijn stem te laten horen, vastbesloten om de rol te krijgen. Ondanks zijn gebrek aan West End-ervaring was hij degene die de rol toegewezen kreeg, gekozen uit de duizenden die auditie deden.
Zijn optreden was een revolutie, de recenties vol lof en de posters hingen in bushokjes in de hoofdstad. In een televisie optreden over JCS kreeg hij niet alleen Andrew Lloyd Weber aan het huilen, maar slaagde er ook in om de verkoop van de kaarten met 160.000 pond (lees: 240.000 euro) te verhogen, en dat in een half uur!
Maar wat Steve werkelijk wilde, was een platencontract. Die kans kwam bijna gelijktijdig met zijn succes in JCS. De gok die hij genomen had bleek het waard te zijn, Steve werd door diverse grote maatschappijen benaderd.
Je laat Andrew Lloyd Weber en de kans op faam en geld in het theater niet in de steek als je er niet van overtuigd bent van je eigen capaciteiten! Steve tekende bij Columbia Records en begon met het componeren en opnemen van zijn eerste album.
Steve zegt het volgende over zijn debuutsingel "All I am": Ik hou ervan als de muziek uit je hart komt en dat het écht is.
Mensen zijn tegenwoordig goed ontwikkeld, ze prikken zó door nep heen. Voor mij gaat het om actueel zingen en en echte nummers.
Daarom ben ik het meest beïnvloed door nummers uit mijn verleden.
Artiesten zoals The Beatles, The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye en luide stemmen zoals Robert Plant en Paul Rodgers.
Maar ik hou ook van de uitstraling van Jeff Buckley, Coldplay Travis en REM.
©www.stevebalsamo.net©
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