Stephen Lyons
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
For over seven years Stephen Lyons has been writing and performing original music that combines elements of rock, jazz, and pop. Originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania Stephen started out as an actor in the Classical Theatre. In 2001 he wrote and performed original music for the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival’s folk/rock production of ‘As You Like It’, which received a Lilly Stoates nomination for best production. Stephen writes music that blends acoustic atmosphere, rock and melodic jazz influences. He has been compared to artists like, Jeff Buckley, U2, David Gray, and John Mayer.
Stephen first studied Bel Canto vocal technique under the direction of Barbara Washington-Grant at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia before attending Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales to study Theatre. While at Allentown Stephen formed the band Bone Colored Dawn with jazz guitarist Damon Bonetti. Bone Colored Dawn earned a strong and loyal following with performances that were described as ‘soul-full,’ ‘intimate’, ‘theatrical’, and ‘powerful’.
Stephen’s travels as an actor and singer/songwriter have taken him from Montreal to Naples Florida and everywhere in between. For the past two years he spent time living between New York City and Philadelphia developing material for his first full-length album to be released later this year with Philadelphia producers, Anthony Newett, Jeff Barett and Kyle Ober.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I'm just beginning to assemble players for touring.
Your musical influences
U2, a-ha, REM, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley
What equipment do you use?
A tastycake 500.
