Ian Stephenson

Ian Stephenson is a highly regarded musician and composer known for his playing in bands such as Kan, Baltic Crossing and 422.  His recent work to create a solo show utilising live electronics and looping is underway following a successful first performance at Sage Gateshead, where he is currently an associate artist.

As a composer he writes new pieces combining classical and jazz influences with traditional folk elements, mostly for choir but also orchestra, big band, traditional brass band and more traditional folk ensembles.  He has a close relationship with the 2016 BBC Choir of the year ‘Voices of Hope’, for whom he has written several pieces.

Since 2014 he has operated a successful recording studio Simpson Street Studios, now based at Coquetdale Music Trust, a converted church in Thropton near Morpeth, Northumberland.  He has produced albums and tracks for artists such as Alistair Anderson, Kathryn Tickell, Rachael McShane, The Outside Track and dozens more.  More recently the studio has started to offer videography services, producing live music promo videos for folk bands, and recently produced a full length DVD of Hannah James’ Jigdoll.