Imagine if your dreams had a soundtrack? If you could hear that abstract painting you love play for you? If the sea, the wind, the rain, the thunder, the lightning, the sunset could make music of their own? How would that be? What would they say?
It’s really just a Scots/Irish guy with a guitar and a few effects pedals, but Stephen isn’t just a singer/songwriter, though he’s that too. There’s a bit more to it, really. His voice and music fills spaces – Inner and outer in a theatrical and soul-touching way.
In a career that, so far, has earned him support slots with such luminaries as Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, Damien Rice, Passenger, Mundy, and Rodrigo y Gabriela, even Irish Icon Paul Brady (himself something of a magician across various genres) has highly praised Stephen. However, now is the time for Stephen to shine alone.
His latest project, the ‘Somewhere in the Light’ album, exemplifies his ethos of capturing the raw energy of his live performance. Born out of personal struggles, the work draws strength from the light of understanding that emerged. You’ll feel it. ‘Somewhere in the Light’ features an exceptional line-up of musicians: Jon Thorne (Yorkston, Thorne & Khan, LAMB) on double bass, Danny Keane (Scott Matthews, Anoushka Shankar, Bat For Lashes) on cello and piano, and Chris Jones on drums. With intricate arrangements and soul-stirring themes, the album promises to transport listeners to a space of profound resonance. Sometimes prickly, sometimes peaceful.
Stephen’s live shows are a testament to his artistry, seamlessly blending live looping, acoustic and electric guitars, and even samplers to create unforgettable performances. Wherever he performs, he captivates audiences with his innovate guitar playing and deeply moving lyrics, offering both introspection and inspiration. Stephen believes that words, when skilfully woven with music, hold the power to heal.
His live performances combine whisper-to-roar guitar parts, live-played sampled drums, vocal loops, and immersive sonic landscapes to create a rich tapestry of sound and voice. Painting vivid pictures of urban decay and nature reclaiming the city, Stephen explores the fertile ground between acoustic storytelling and raw, experimental sonic treatment.
If you like Bon Iver, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and John Martyn, (especially his guitar) you’re good, Stephen’s work also channels that raw energy, and the abandon of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Dirty Three, and Low.
In every performance, Stephen Hodd invites audiences to join him on a journey of healing and self- discovery, combining authentic storytelling with enthralling musical landscapes. As he continues to captivate listeners, both live and on record, Stephen Hodd remains completely dedicated to creating music that moves, inspires, and transforms. It’s working. It happens. It’s different.
Stephen Hodd – https://stephenhodd.bandcamp.com/music
If you would like to book Stephen Hodd please email [email protected] for more info