Check out my interview with Stedman!
What can you tell us Aussies about you. How and where did it all begin?My singing Career started in 1983 with my brother and 3 sisters in a town called Romford, Essex. My mother formed us into a singing group and my father came up with the name “Five Star”.
What first got you interested in music?
I guess growing up and listening to music constantly in our Family seemed like the most natural thing to do!! I’ve always wanted to be in music, whether it be singing or dancing… It’s just that something in your soul…
Who inspires or influences you to make great music?
I get inspired by all sorts of music and artists!! My influences are some of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Mavin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Denise Pearson.. I love to listen to Classical Music, soft Rock, Pop music and l love Kylie, she’s awesome!!
Are there any Tours or gigs planned for the future?
There are quite a few gigs coming up in different Countries around the World as we speak!! Off to Africa, India, Abu Dhabi, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, China, Japan, Australia, Spain, Italy and most of Europe and the States!!
What are some of the biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
As an Artist, i hope to accomplish writing good meaningful songs!! Songs and lyrics that can touch someone in the way of relating to the words… It could be something they understand, a message of hope!! The 2nd thing that i would love to accomplish as an artist is to give back to others!! My Charity “water for life straw” is about bringing not just hope, but bringing these amazing straws that help people who have no choice but to drink dirty water.., to be able to give these straws out for free!! The Straws you simply drink with them and you get 99.9% clean water, ridding of all diseases in dirty, unsafe water!!
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
My first solo single “Love U More” is due out in April 2012 with several remixes!! The Album “Eliminate” due out around June time with a second single due out just before the Album release…Lots of Radio, TV, Press and I’m doing some Tour dates with the family (Five Star) around the World as well as doing a promotional Tour of my own and i’m looking forward to meeting some of the fans out there to say a personal thank you to them for their support!!Success, what is the secret to success and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?
For me, the secret of success is knowing when to leave your job at work!! Not bringing it into your personal life, Not taking yourself so seriously, and learning to have fun in everything you do!! My solo career has just started, so for me so far the highlight is having my Album completed!! With Five Star however, it is having sold over 45,000,000+ Albums to the groups name!!!
Which current Stars in the industry do you highly rate?
I have to say that i do like…. Kelly Rowland, Beyonce, Adele, Lady GaGa and Nicole Scherzinger!! They are Showmans at what they do.. It’s showbiz and they to me do it so well…How would people best describe you and your music?
People of describe me as being a perfectionist!! Both in myself and my Music… Also a lot of people are surprised about my Music and songwriting. The Album has a variety of songs, Ballads, Hip-Hop, Soul, a little rap, Rock and Opera all infused with that Pop element to it all… I’m proud of my work so far. I hope that people like what they hear.
Tell us a bit about your first EP or Album?
The first EP “Love U More” will have around four different remixes by different Remixers!! The entitled song is written about someone truly special in my life…. Once you here the lyrics, you will understand!!
Do you have any exciting projects in the works?
I have several projects that i’m currently working on right now as well as my music and Charity. I’m just finishing up my own Perfume Cologne for Men and Perfume Spray for Women.. The bottle has been designed and now i have to design the scents for both male and female. Shortly after that I will be launching my own Luggage Line, soon after that my Fashion Line..
The Industry is huge, where do you see yourself in a few years from now?
I’d like to know that i’m having fun, really enjoying my music for the next few years!! I’d just take it day by day and hopefully earn the respect of my peers in and out of the industry.. We’ll see what the future brings..
Name of few of your favorite Aussie Artists?
Wow, I had the biggest crush on Olivia Newton-John, love her music… Kylie Minogue, good entertainer, Natalie Imbruglia, love her songs and songwriting!! Cody Simpson is kool and Missy Higgins..
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what it means to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It’s strange to me to how much the music Industry has changed and yet it’s going back to how it was when Record Companies ruled!! Only this time around the artist and small labels make the rules!! There is less in records sales but more control for the artist when they are touring and selling their own merchandise….The use of social media is amazing thanks to the likes of Steve Jobs… I think it is important to be in control of your own destiny, with or without a major label behind you!! It constantly changes on you, and it can be hard to keep up with all what’s going on!! To take care whilst in this industry, it’s always good to look things up about the field of work that one is pursuing.. It’s an exciting Industry right now, and you have stay with it to be person or Celebrity you want to be in it..
Aussie Word Blog….
SMILE… Live your life today and everyday… Don’t hold back… I Love Australia ….Love and Peace xx Stedman x
Wow that was a lovely, inspiring and simple interview Sted, loved it xx
My O My….great words of wisdom Sted and my friend Siggy Dealz Jackson said it best YOU HAVE TO PROMOTE YOU, as you've stated its important to be in control of one's own destiny!!
Great job in putting out your EP cant wait for the Album n i will alwayz luv u more peace n kool runnings!!