Stuart Zola
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
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
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!
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
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!
Your musical influences
The Beatles, the Kinks, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Frehel, Queen, Radiohead, Elbow, Brian Eno, Marianne Faithfull and Robert Wyatt
What equipment do you use?
various acoustic guitars
Anything else?
I'd love to pair up with an accordionist to jam and perform!
