Musicians first album gets into the groove with vinyl
Stephen with his new album - photo Stuart Littleford
A Saddleworth musician has created what he describes as “an unusual mash of different styles” on the first album produced from his bedroom-based recording studio.
Stephen Evans, 29, of Greenfield released the new album in May.
He plays bass guitar with the highly acclaimed local band Twisted Wheel and decided to produce the 14 track album entitled ‘Sickly’ on his own record label ‘Play and Record Records’. The project or band is known as ZX+.
He also had it pressed on white vinyl as he’s not a fan of digital music.
Stephen is a multi-talented musician. He sings on all the tracks, and also plays all the musical instruments ranging from guitars to percussion.
He told Saddleworth News: “Being in a band means you sometimes have a lot of time on your hands between tours and writing has always been a passion of mine.
“I enjoy recording with the equipment I have at home and this album isn’t something I’m trying to sell off the back off Twisted Wheel. In fact most of the songs probably wouldn’t fit their style anyway.”
“I would say the album is an unusual mash of different styles.”
He explained that as a youngster he was influenced by bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks, as well as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
“I also like punk and indie and I’m also a great fan of The Jam and some of this influence is reflected in the album.
“I think the process of listening to music is diluted these days. People listen to music whilst doing other things – it’s not getting their full attention.
“I’m not a fan of digital music. I prefer feeling the record in your hand and reading the lyrics, it’s all part of the musical experience. This was the main reason I decided to use vinyl,” he added.
Reviews from five online music websites have been excellent and there are now only 150 copies of the album left.
He is hoping the sale of this first album will raise enough money to fund a future project.
Copies of the album can be purchased online for £10 at www.playandrecordrecords.blogspot.com
It can also be purchased at Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange in Manchester, Jumbo Records and Crash Records in Leeds, Probe Records in Liverpool and Vinyl Tap in Huddersfield.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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