For some, artistic creation is purely a technical effort. They know the formula to achieve the desired result, and pursue it steadily. For others, making art has a completely different meaning: to simply let their work be permeated by their authenticity, researched as honest and pure personal expression. England-based singer and songwriter Stephen William Hodd is clearly part of the latter, showcasing an inspired and intimate musical style.
Just a few elements, but making them matter. In his latest record, ‘A Live Performance for a Friend’, Hodd strips it back to just an acoustic guitar and a mic. What follows is a genuine sonic journey into his passionate storytelling, framed by bucolic, slow-tempo guitar goodness. Since the opener ‘A Man Like I’, it is clear what the goal is: to connect the performer and the listener with unfiltered, raw emotions, perhaps capturing the essence of a live performance, more than recorded music.
In fact, Hodd records the EP in one take, track after track, as a demo for a friend. This gives it a charming impromptu quality, something you don’t hear a lot these days. Notable is Stephen William’s evocative and malleable vocals, capable of navigating different registries absolutely effortlessly. Describing the idea behind the record, he explains: “I find it so liberating and emboldening to surrender to the release of such a pure moment in time. I am reminded of the possibility that when the lights go out in the external world a light comes on within.”
Recommended! Discover ‘A Live Performance for a Friend’ on Spotify:
