STEALTH Talks About His Forthcoming EP, ‘Chorus’ and Much More!

Stealth recently released the official music video for “Truth Is” directed by Ryan Saradjola at WMA. While still showcasing his soulful vocals, “Truth Is” steps away from the broody and moody tunes he’s become known for. Additionally, “Truth Is” appears on the FIFA 19 soundtrack alongside Barns Courtney, Billie Eilish, Broods, Childish Gambino, Death Cab For Cutie, Gorillaz, Logic, and many more. The new single/video follows Stealth’s smash hit “Gotta Stop Loving You” which has amassed over 1.5 million views on YouTube since it’s release this past summer.

When asked about the making of the video, Stealth said: “All my videos to date have been pretty dark and moody so with this video we wanted to be a little more light hearted. That’s when Ryan Saradjola at WMA came to me with the speed dating idea and I loved it! Essentially it’s two people who have such a connection that they have to be together while everyone else is trying to pull them apart… that’s the whole point of the song. It’s about finding someone and telling them that when it boils down to it, you can’t spend a moment without them.”

“Truth Is”  is available to watch now here: https://youtu.be/yPB-Sgkc6CA.

or to purchase / stream now, here: https://ffm.to/truthis.

His recent Chorus EP, which features production from Michael Angelo (Sam Smith) and Matty Benbrook (Paolo Nutini/Jack Savoretti), is set to drop on October 26, 2018 via Ultra Music. In celebration of the EP release, Stealth will be performing in London at St Pancras Old Church on November 7, 2018. Tickets are available now, here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/stealth-tickets.

Stealth owes much of his success to his hit single “Judgement Day” which was featured on an episode of US TV series Suits, resulting in a phenomenal reaction on both sides of the Atlantic. The track has racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify and YouTube combined and continues to grow everyday. Additionally, “Judgement Day” charted globally in 12 countries on Shazam who described it as “This year’s ‘Take Me To Church.’” The Intro EP which included “Judgement Day” rocketed to no. 2 in the UK iTunes singer/songwriter chart and no. 3 in the US. His follow up EP Verse featured the powerful song “Real Life” which was used on NBC’s The Catch and E’s The Royals and How Much Further (the soundtrack to the new Kia Stinger TV commercial throughout Europe).

Hailing from Birmingham, UK singer/songwriter Stealth crafts highly intimate and powerful blues infused music that reveals the depths of his soul. His strong raspy voice echoes the influence of his idols Howlin’ Wolf and Etta James. Stealth has also been carving a distinct mark on the live scene. He sold out his first ever London headline show at Servant Jazz Quarters in November 2017, and has played in support of Seinabo Sey, Jamie Woon, Zella Day, Tiggs Da Author, Vaults, Kaleo and more. Stealth’s music has been championed by BBC stations Radio 1, Radio 2, 6 Music and BBC Introducing. Not to mention that Stealth has been nominated for 3 Unsigned Music Awards prior to his signing to Ultra Music.

Connect With Stealth Here:

Website: www.stealthmusicuk.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stealthmusicUK

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stealthmusicUK
Instagram: http://instagram.com/stealthmusicuk

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2I61djp
Apple Music: https://apple.co/2I7M0y6

Learn more about Stealth in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background? 

Not a problem thanks for having me 🙂 It currently finds me in my little home studio, and there is “Emily” by Clean Cut Kid playing in the background.

Overall, how do you think 2018 has been treating you and your career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it? 

2018 has been good to me so far! Signing with Ultra was a pretty big moment but getting “Truth Is” on the FIFA19 playlist has been a lifetime goal so achieving that was probably a career highlight for 2018. I never like to set too many goals though, I just go with the flow and take what comes.

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience? Can you see yourself ever doing anything else?

I’ve always been into music since I was very little. My first real experience singing was probably at school in assembly, “He’s got the whole world in his hands” was a bit of a banger back in the day. And there have been times where I’ve considered doing other things mainly out of frustration, but all in honesty I could never really think about it for too long before I quickly shake that thought off. I have the best job in the world, why would I want to do anything else?

How did you come up with your name? Why did you decide not to go by your own real name? Was that an easy decision to make?

I decided against the real name because it’s not that exciting. I wanted to create an air of mystery and intrigue around what I do and who I am.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

I guess that it can be a career at all is pretty surprising. You’re always told that you should be a little more realistic when you’re talking to a career advisor, so the fact that I’m here at all is a welcome treat. Although at times the industry can really grind you down and the writers block can be horrid, without those low points and challenges the highs wouldn’t be half as worth it.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today? What is the music scene like there today?

The pub and club scene influenced me quite heavily back at home. The music performed tends to be more old school soul and blues etc. but where I live currently has had a huge impact on me. I met my mate Ross O’Reilly in Hertfordshire and after a few sessions we wrote “Judgement Day,” and the rest is history.

What was it like signing with Ultra Music and being their first singer-songwriter/blues act? Why do you think they are the right place for you and your music today?

It was very out the blue if I’m honest but going back to your previous question, it was a very welcome surprise. I met Patrick Moxey and Dave Waxman over in NY, played them some stuff and then it just kind of happened. The bricks don’t make a house a home, it’s the people and Ultra are a team who I feel really believe in me.

Let’s talk about your upcoming EP Chorus that you will be releasing in October. What does that feel like? How will you celebrate the official release?

Probably with a few pints and then looping the songs on Spotify (gotta get them streams up) haha.

How would you say that you have grown as an artist since you put out “Judgement Day”? What was it like having it featured in the TV series Suits? 

I’m more open to trying new stuff, which is evident in my latest single “Truth is.” I’ve used an area of my voice not many people have heard me use before. I just want to keep pushing myself. The Suits sync changed my life. No word of a lie. I was living in my car/sofa surfing and from that moment everything has led here.

How do you think your track “Gotta Stop Loving You” prepares listeners for the rest of your EP?  How creatively involved were you with the making the video for it? What was it like making it? 

I think it prepares listeners for how honest and direct this EP is going to be. It’s the most personal music I’ve put out. The video was a really fluid experience. Ryan Saradjola, who directed it, found the locations and just told me to perform. It was my first entire performance piece which was nerve wrecking but me and Ryan really wanted to get across the pain in the song, and I think at the end it really pays off.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period or is your music an escape from all that? Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate? 

My song “How Much Further” which was featured in the Kia Stinger ad, is a protest song, it’s an anti austerity message, so yeah I will sometimes try and vent certain frustrations with society through music. I know there are people who are writing music fueled by the climate, and it’s very much down my street however I’m not sure if there is the audience for the political messages like there was when the likes of Dylan was releasing, I think the general listener is as tired as everyone else and they need an escape sometimes as well, not have a constant barrage of doom and gloom politics. Not to say I think it’s a good thing, I just understand it.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

I’ve grown quite fond of Instagram. I find you can have a bit of a laugh via your story however present a more professional clean cut image in your posts. I must admit it is tough keeping up with posts etc, I have to set reminders to make sure I keep on top of it.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

I’d love to work with Kanye, I just think he’s visionary. I feel like he would be able to make me create things I never dreamed of.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why? 

Grand piano. I might have enough wood to turn it into a boat. Haha and then use the left over strings and make a make shift guitar.

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

Another tough question…….I’d love to be in one of the Marvel films. I love the superhero franchise, they are just so easy to escape into.

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about? What’s next on your agenda?

November 7th I’m playing at St Pancras Old Church, be there or be square.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

Whatever they need. I may have written the song for personal reasons and someone else may listen and like them for completely different ones. As long as they can find comfort and enjoyment in what I’m making, that’s all I can hope for.

(all photography provided by WMA Agency)