Fast Five: Jim Stapley

When did you begin making music, and did you ever ponder a different career?

I have always played music. I started at five years old. But I started writing songs when I was around fourteen I think. Before that I always wanted to be a fighter pilot in the RAF.

How would you describe your music?

Thats an easier question for you to answer than me. I’ve discovered that describing my music in terms that people understand means pigeon holing it, which I’m not comfortable doing. There are a lot of different elements to this album and to my music in general. I’d say mostly its a direct musical version of my loves, strengths, weaknesses and feelings. If you’re looking for a category, I’m sure you already have one in mind.

What have you been up to so far and what can we expect over the coming months?

Well, recently I moved to New Orleans, U.S. So I’ve been soaking a lot of the music up over here and writing some new tracks whilst working on the edits and video edits for ‘We Found Love’. Also moving
house takes a moment, so you can imagine what moving countries is like…. I’m not sure what the coming months hold. I’m hoping some live appearances.

If you could duet with anybody who would it be and why?

In my dream of dreams it would be Bruce Springsteen, I’m a huge fan. His song writing is direct and at times heartbreaking. I cover many of his songs for fun. When going through the lyrics, you’ll often here me
shout ‘holy s**t’ and ‘F*******K!!!!’ purely because I think he’s brilliant. His voice is so unique, it coveys the emotion of his lyrics incredibly. If I end up 0.1% the artist he is, I’ll be a very happy
man.

What’s your desert island disc and why would you take this one album?

I’d take my iPod…. less space, more music.