Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
Menu
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Strawberry Field
    • Tres Liverpool
    • Relish Liverpool
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • iStay Liverpool
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Strawberry Field
    • Tres Liverpool
    • Relish Liverpool
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • iStay Liverpool
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Search
Close

Escape The Everyday – Escape to Liverpool

Interview with singer-songwriter Martin Stilwell

May 31, 2022
|
By Matthew Jacobson
  • HOME
  • Interviews
  • Interview with singer-songwriter Martin Stilwell

On the release of his new EP, Music Writer, Matt Jacobson interviews singer-songwriter, Martin Stilwell.

“I really enjoy music where I don’t really know what’s going on or how it’s been made.”

Martin Stilwell’s debut Ep comes after an 8 year hiatus. After fronting Liverpool bands Alterkicks and Dead Cities he has taken a leap of faith and decided to go solo with Bathed in Light.  

With over 20 years of music experience Martin Stilwell has a career history of playing around the UK and Glastonbury and T in the Park. The EP is a wonderful addition to his career. An eclectic collection of home recordings all written by Martin – its alternative pop, electronica and melodic folk and for me – on repeat. Influences could be Neil Young, but it’s full of English filters, vibes and vision, a mixed bag of magic so  ‘make room in your collection for this EP.

I wanted to know more about the man himself, so I interviewed Martin about the early years, the decision to go solo and playing live…

Martin Stilwell – Photo courtesy of Mellowtone Records

The early years – what music first captured your imagination and why?

I used to love bands like Ride and Teenage Fanclub when I was about 12 or 13.  My older brother had a big influence – he used to push loads of indie guitar bands on me.

Did you attend gigs around Liverpool and do you recall any stand out concerts?

I always try to get down to the Smithdown Festival and Africa Oye. Brilliant days out always. Can’t beat the Caledonia pub for the variety of stuff they have on as well. In terms of gigs, I went to see Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at the Philharmonic not long ago and it was absolute perfection.

You have previously been in previous bands, fronting the Liverpool-based outfits Alterkicks and Dead Cities, on reflection, how was this experience and what were the highlights from each band?

Alterkicks was a lot of fun. Favourite gigs in that band were always house parties or festivals with our mates. I remember playing an amazing gig in the basement of the old Spekeland pub on Tunnel road. A couple of the lads lived there at the time. Chaotic but brilliant.

Dead Cities was a different thing entirely, I enjoyed the closeness of the 3 of us and making the record. It just felt right. The album cost a fraction of the Alterkicks one and we had total control. A lot of people still talk to me about that record and I’m really proud of it.

The decision to go solo, why was this and why such a long gap in-between releasing music?

After Dead Cities I was in another band for a bit then I had my son so that’s been pretty all consuming. I love being a dad so that’s OK with me. He’s just 7 now and he’s a little more self-sufficient so I’ve had more time for music over the past year or two. I’m not sure how great I am at collaborating with other people with music at the moment – in a full band sense that is. Seemed like the obvious choice to make music under my own name and just do it on my own. My mate Garvan from Docklands Speed Shop has been helping loads with mixing and advice on how to use Logic. He’s my oracle.

Bathed in Light – Martin Stilwell

The EP, Bathed in Light I feel has sounds and influences such as Neil Young, is this a true reflection and can you expand on the influences for the EP?

I’ve always loved Neil Young so I guess there may be a bit of that in there. For this EP I just wanted to do whatever I felt like and not restrict myself to one thing. I really enjoy music where I don’t really know what’s going on or how it’s been made. I’ve created quite a few of my own samples on this EP, and have nicked a few bits here and there as well. I love the album Diamond Mine by King Creosote and Jon Hopkins and the mixture of traditional songwriting with foley type sounds and textures. That said, the EP probably sounds nothing like that to someone reading this.

Are you constantly thinking about writing or do you stop and say time to write a song?

I think about music all day pretty much. I guess I don’t really think about songs that much anymore. I’m more focused on how I might achieve a particular sound or atmosphere. Chords and melodies always seem to come to me – I just want to make sure I have something to say and potentially a new way to express it, whether that’s a 3 min pop song or something instrumental. Having said that though I do spend a lot of time messing around on my acoustic guitar.

Playing live, solo – will this bring more pressure to you?

I haven’t played live in years. I’ll be bringing a few mates with me to perform the EP that’s for sure. It’s a work in progress.

And what next for you?

More music being written and recorded. I absolutely love the process. I’m a bit of laptop geek and love listening to music production podcasts. I only wish I had loads of money to buy everything. I also need to figure out a way of performing the EP live. I may well get my acoustic and head to some of the open mics around Liverpool as well so watch this space. Need to get back on the horse.

With thanks to Martin and Mellowtone records

Matt

Matt Jacobson

Explore Liverpool

READ MORE: Interview with Spoken Word artist Sam Batley

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print

THE LATEST

First look inside new Shakespeare North Playhouse
First look inside new Shakespeare North Playhouse
June 29, 2022
Prior to its official opening in July, new pictures have shown the interior of the…
Ground-breaking new exhibition exploring fashion, football and art arrives at Walker Art Gallery 
June 28, 2022
Ground-breaking new exhibition explores fashion, football and art – as told from the terraces of…
First look at new flagship Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village hotel
First look at new flagship Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village hotel
June 28, 2022
The Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village hotel, which is due to open on July 4 in…
Jazz Saturdays at Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery heat up this summer
Jazz Saturdays at Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery heat up this summer
June 28, 2022
Jazz Saturdays at Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery are heating up this summer in the…
iStay Liverpool
Leading Liverpool accommodation entrepreneur Ann Chambers looks forward to a bright future for the city
June 28, 2022
Ann Chambers, founder and Managing Director of iStay Liverpool, has already built a formidable presence in…
Grosvenor announce three new additions to Liverpool ONE’s F&B line-up
June 28, 2022
Grosvenor has announced three new additions to Liverpool ONE’s F&B line-up, as operators at the…
LOOK Photo Biennial 2022: Climate opens its first chapter with a programme of photographic and visual arts across Liverpool
June 27, 2022
LOOK Photo Biennial 2022: Climate opens its first chapter with a programme of photographic and…
 Official opening date for The Grand Southport announced
Official opening date for The Grand Southport announced
June 27, 2022
The much-anticipated opening date for The Grand on Lord Street has now been confirmed with…

WhatsAppenin LIVERPOOL

Receive WhatsApp notifications about the latest big news, events, offers, competitions and much more!

SIGN UP NOW

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

Useful Links

  • Liverpool Map
  • FAQs Liverpool
Menu
  • Liverpool Map
  • FAQs Liverpool

Stay In The Loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, and offers from across Liverpool!

© 2022 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!