Stuart Zola
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Born in Glasgow but now living in Birmingham, I've fronted many bands over the years but decided to go out in my own right a few years ago. Although scary, I love it cos it's all down to me! If I don't rehearse well enough, I can't blame the drummer when mistakes happen!
I enjoy playing live but find it difficult to find decent venues as Landlords don't want to pay money for acoustic solo acts when they can get 'open mic' entertainment for free. I love small venues with candles and tables or lively pubs where the audiences are open minded enough to list to more than just karaoke and tribute acts.
My partner Jean Davison is also a singer songwriter and we support each other as much as we can. She's been a great help and support to me since I had my accident and she is also booked to play at Birmingham Artsfest this year for the first time (in the Art Gallery on the Saturday afternoon) and it's great to see her progress and the recognition she is getting
I enjoy playing live but find it difficult to find decent venues as Landlords don't want to pay money for acoustic solo acts when they can get 'open mic' entertainment for free. I love small venues with candles and tables or lively pubs where the audiences are open minded enough to list to more than just karaoke and tribute acts.
My partner Jean Davison is also a singer songwriter and we support each other as much as we can. She's been a great help and support to me since I had my accident and she is also booked to play at Birmingham Artsfest this year for the first time (in the Art Gallery on the Saturday afternoon) and it's great to see her progress and the recognition she is getting
Do you play live?
I've just recently got back on my feet - literally! After a longtime in a wheelchair I can now rebuild my live work. Apart from Birmingham Artsfest in September, I'll be playing a private gig at Pantenion Hall in wales in August and will be doing some performances at the soon to be opened 'Abri' Cafe on Cheapside, Birmingham. In the meantime... it's back to square one by doing open mics and any other appearances I can get to get back into the scene as it were!
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
It's fantastic! It's humbling to think that someone on the otherside of the world is a click away from hearing your music, it's a really exciting time to be alive and to be any kind of artist. The downside is that millions of people now have the same access to the market and the competition for recognition is greater.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Definately! I don't like the business side and just love writing, recording and performing, so if someone else could do the admin/selling type stuff and let me get on with what I do...feel free... where do i sign?
Band History:
I started writing in the early 1980's mainly synthy stuff and then learned to play the guitar. Joined a few bands over the year and loved that but went solo in 2005.
In 2007 I wrote the songs for the Sarah Woods play 'Box' which was commisioned and by The Birmingham Rep which I really enjoyed (even though it involved saying a few lines). In the course of doing Box, I met Jan Watts a local playright and she asked me to write songs for her play 'Zipline' I then wrote songs and music for the play 'Fire and Light' by John Eaglesfield who I also met in the cast of Box. I really love projects like this and would like more commisions.
Two months after doing Box... I had my accident!
In 2007 I wrote the songs for the Sarah Woods play 'Box' which was commisioned and by The Birmingham Rep which I really enjoyed (even though it involved saying a few lines). In the course of doing Box, I met Jan Watts a local playright and she asked me to write songs for her play 'Zipline' I then wrote songs and music for the play 'Fire and Light' by John Eaglesfield who I also met in the cast of Box. I really love projects like this and would like more commisions.
Two months after doing Box... I had my accident!
Your influences?
The Beatles, the Kinks, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Frehel, Queen, Radiohead, Elbow, Brian Eno, Marianne Faithfull and Robert Wyatt
Favorite spot?
My beloved Glasgow and also Paris! (J'ai deux amours!)
Equipment used:
various acoustic guitars
Anything else...?
I'd love to pair up with an accordionist to jam and perform!
Photos