Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Listening to Matthew Stead's album Storytime, it's hard to believe he used to be in a punk rock band.

Storytime, released in 2007, is full of whimsical, melodic songs featuring acoustic guitar, harmonica and flute. Two singles have been released from the album - Emma Louise and Honey Said, Honey Said.

Matthew writes all his songs and records them in the spare bedroom at his home in Exeter. His albums and singles are released on his own label, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔward Angel Records.

Many of his songs are stories about locals he bumps into, and there are lots of references to real places and people.

The cover of Storytime (Robert M Johnson)

Matthew describes himself as a folk singer, but his style is also likened to Belle and Sebastian and Nick Drake.

It's a long way from his punk rock days: "I used to be in a punk band called The Mighty Stars," said Matthew. "But a lot of punk music is actually melodic.

"My taste in music is quite different, anything from the Sex Pistols to Nick Drake."

Matthew taught himself to play the instruments (his girlfriend Sarah Foxen also plays flute on Storytime), and he has developed a unique sound: "I use all analogue equipment and it gives the songs that rustic sort of feel which I like.

"I prefer recording to gigging. I like the process of making music in the studio - I find it more satisfying. It's more like creating a work of art really.

"I usually come up with the melody when I'm in the bath or on my scooter, and I add the words later.

Matthew performing live

"I like to just send my songs out into the world through my website and see how it goes."

Which possibly explains why Storytime has gone down so well in France: "I don't know how that's happened - perhaps it's the sort of music they're into," said Matthew.

Storytime is Matthew's second album - his first, The City Lost Me Too - was a limited release which has sold out.

As well as the CD format, Storytime was also released on vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with all the words inside, just like in the olden days: "I love all the retro thing," explained Matthew.

He is now working on a new album which he hopes to release in time for Christmas 2007.

"I'm recording some new material which is a more folk style - I've been listening to a lot of Seth Lakeman."

Matthew is currently in the process of opening a children's book shop in Exeter but would love to make a full-time career in the music industry: "I would like to take it further really, and I'm hoping the website will be a good resource in that respect."

*Matthew appeared on John Govier's late night Radio Show in 2007 and you can hear his interview using the audio link on this page. You can also listen to Honey Said, Honey Said.

Visit Matthew's website for more information - also linked.