Under The Spotlight - Steve Pledger
Steve Pledger is a sensational acoustic /roots singer songwriter from Somerset who is a firm favourite on the Sonic Bandwagon playlist. Steve’s second album, ‘Striking Matches in the Wind’ has been hailed as “an intense emotional experience of the most inspired kind” by our very own Andy Barnes, which you can read all about here. Steve will be in the studio for live session and interview on June 12th which promises to be an unmissable show. In preparation, here is Steve ‘Under the Spotlight’ where you can find out his favourite bands, his favourite films, who his very interesting ideal dinner guest list would be, and an extremely thought provoking event he’d like to witness in the future.
Music
Who are your top 5 favourite bands/artists? Currently, and in no particular order; Rush, Ryan Adams, Graham Parker, Louden Wainwright iii, Bruce Springsteen.
What song best describes you? ‘I Think I’m Going Bald’ - Rush
What has been the best gig you’ve attended? For the sheer impact it had on me at the time; the first time I saw Martyn Joseph live, Hitchin, Herts, 2005.
What is the best gig you’ve ever played? I can think of a couple of possibles, but the one that’s particularly in my mind is one I played last week in Thurnby, Leicestershire. It was just one of those nights…
What is your favourite thing about being in the music industry? Connecting with others; either through the music or simply meeting so many good souls as part of what I do. Love it!
TV / Film / Literature
What are your top 5 favourite films? (Currently, and in no particular order) Apocalypse Now, It’s A Wonderful Life, This Is Spinal Tap, The Truman Show, Koyaanisqatsi.
What are your top 5 favourite television shows of all time? (Currently, and in no particular order) Frasier, Black Books, West Wing, QI, Band of Brothers
What is your favourite music related film? If I’m allowed a music documentary (as opposed to the ‘ROCKumentary’ of Tap!) then I’m going for ‘Rush: Behind The Lighted Stage’. An absolute gift to any fan of the band but irrespective of that, a revealing and endearing insight into the inner workings of a group of musicians and close friends that is ultimately incredibly uplifting, whether one is a fan or not. Superb film!
What is your favourite book? Right now, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’, by John Steinbeck. A monumental and deeply moving tirade against exploitation and a cry for dignity for all people.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? It may seem a little lazy and unimaginative, but I think if would have be the title of a song from my first album, namely ‘Good Intentions & Apologies’. The track is a self-confessional song anyway and I think the title pretty much sums me up: I mean well but screw up a lot.
Personality
Name one of your favourite quotes? ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ Attributed to Margaret Mead in several variations.
What is your biggest fear? That I’m not living the life that my own convictions require of me, and that I might one day be afforded the dubious luxury of a deathbed on which to regret that I got so much, so wrong… perhaps even the very convictions I failed to live by. (And spiders)
What makes you laugh the most? My wife. That’s not a glib put-down; she genuinely makes me laugh like no one and nothing else.
Describe yourself in 1-5 words? Conflicted idealist, means well. Bald.
What place would you like to visit that you haven’t already? Canada
Hypothetical
If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Do all from love. There are no further rules.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Play piano… properly. Why don’t I then? Fair question…
If you could go back in time, what is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? ‘Keep dreaming but don’t forget to put the bins out.’ (Something my good friend Simon Twigg once said to me… It’s my second favourite quote and excellent advice for anyone!)
If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? (Future) Mankind’s realisation that individualistic and self-serving ambition to the detriment of others and to the planet will ultimately destroy us all. And in that moment, the dawn.
If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Adolf Hitler, George W Bush, Josef Stalin and Mahatma Gandhi. Sometime in the early 20th century, around 7:30pm, not too near the kitchens.
Inside the ‘Pure Studio’’
What is your favourite word? Solemnity
What is your least favourite word? Juxtapose
What switches you on? Humour
What switches you off? Arrogance
What sound or noise do you love? Birdsong (Corny but true)
What sound or noise do you hate? Eating/Chewing
What is your favourite curse word? Not a big one for swearing, really. I find a heartily exclaimed ‘Buttocks!!’ to be effective and suited to most situations. :o)
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Writing questionnaires.
What profession would you not like to do? Conservative Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: I could not live with myself.
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? ‘All those regrets you were worrying about a minute ago? I’ve got it covered… come in.’
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