Jan

28

Stephen Duffin: Raw Soul

January 28, 2008 |

Raw Soul - Stephen DuffinIt all began in a Belfast rock band named Coalesce with Stephen Duffin writing songs and playing bass and acoustic guitar. While mainly singing vocal harmonies, frequent impromptu folk/rock acoustic performances during the middle of the band’s set saw “Duff” assuming more lead vocal responsibilities. This quirky, energetic rock band lasted the college years with highlights including gigs with Watercress in QUB student’s union and Belfast’s prestigious Empire music hall.

Music was to be no side-show though for Stephen Duffin, who left his academic bandmates to further his musical education given any opportunity. He found himself in the USA on the “New Jersey turnpike rolling on a wet night” towards his first solo acoustic performances in bars along the Jersey shore. The transition between band and solo performer - though daunting at first - became a natural progression with songwriting duties presenting an exciting further challenge now the input was from one quarter only.

Hearing the first ripples of applause during a solo performance while singing his own song was a massive milestone of affirmation. Not least as the venue was a stone’s throw from the biggest influence of them all… [who dat? - ed] Stephen Duffin returned home with singular intent to work tirelessly at his craft while gigging as much as possible.

Over the next few years Stephen would perform all over Ireland, from Wicklow Sailing Club to Sandino’s Derry, busking from Galway to Dublin along the way. He recorded three demos: The Ernest Demonstration, The Driven and Breaking to Belong which resulted in the expansion of his audience through the airplay he received on BBC Radio Ulster, Radio Idirlion and Radio Failte.

Notable gigs included support slots with Frances Black during Feile an Earraigh, Janet Holmes at Common Grounds and with John Spillane at Belfast’s Culturlann in December 2006. Such gigs enhanced Stephen Duffin’s already burgeoning reputation as a passionate, soulful and witty performer, unashamed of his Belfast roots.

Stephen Duffin’s debut EP Raw Soul recorded at Blueroom studio, Donaghadee was released in Spring 2007. More: http://www.stephenduffin.com


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