19 May 2025
EEvery Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Belfast artist Stephen McCorry to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I was born and raised in Belfast and I guess my love of music was always somewhat innate. Like most people in this game, the records played by our parents probably had a pretty sizeable subconscious impact. I started playing guitar in my mid-late teens, I guess I blame Noel Gallagher for that. For the longest time, I only wanted to learn and play his songs. Singing came much later for me.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
I’m greatly influenced by the soulful pop/jazz rock of artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Steely Dan and Van Morrison. But today I spend most of my time listening to jazz acts such as Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.
How would you describe your sound?
Broadly speaking, I think my music is a fresh take on the piano-based, horn-driven soft rock and R&B of the 1970s, with some of my songwriting dipping into other genres including Vocal Jazz, Americana and Blues.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Lombard Street is my latest release and was written as a relationship deteriorated in San Francisco. I thought it was interesting to see certain character flaws reflected in the architecture of the city around me. Essentially, it’s a song about misguided perceptions and expectations in relationships.
What’s your local music scene like?
I’ve always found the music scene in Belfast to be very encouraging. I have a strong community of musicians around me and I’ve been very fortunate to share stages with some fantastic local acts. Like every city, we have challenges with venues and spaces to play, but those that exist are typically very supportive.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m working towards releasing my debut album, while trying to figure out which of my home demos cut the mustard for the next record.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
There’s an American jazz musician called Vilray, of Rachael & Vilray, and I adore his compositions. It would be a pleasure to cook something up with him.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I busk a lot and I’ve had all sorts of interactions doing that; from duets with strangers and random musicians joining in on fiddles, to pavements of people dancing and having money and equipment pilfered, it can all get a bit absurd really.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I’m obsessed with Irish breakfast tea and probably drink about 4 litres of it a day.
You can find out more about Stephen on his website or via Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify or YouTube Music.
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