Stewart Prosser Talks New EP, Musical Instruments And More
Trumpet player, composer and member of 1980s band The Style Council, Stewart Prosser is releasing his first solo work as a triptych of tracks. Entitled ‘Far From Home’, the EP will be released digitally through Elm Tree Records on Friday 14th February 2025. He very kindly spoke to us about the EP and more:
When did you begin songwriting?
In my early 20s, when I began to feel able to express myself on the trumpet.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Standing in front of a tall candle-holder at my grandmother’s house miming to the Beatles’ ‘She Loves You’ with my sister. It was serious stuff!
Your debut solo EP ‘Far From Home’ will be released on Friday 14th February 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
I wanted to reflect how I was feeling about the state of the world and the impact on young people trying to make their way. I was hearing simple, sparse statements and questions.
Where did you record the EP and who produced it?
It was recorded at Herne Studios in Hampshire and produced by multi-instrumentalist Jody Smith. The mastering was undertaken later by Lucky Kilmartin.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the EP recording sessions?
I was knocked out when I first heard the full mixes of the tracks. Suddenly everything was in multicolour. A very emotional moment.
You have released your new single ‘Fogbound’. What was the story/inspiration behind that track?
The composition was prompted by my deep concerns about how difficult the world has become for young people to navigate. The melody came to me as I was trying to capture a mood that sits somewhere between jazz and ambient sounds. From searching for meaning to reflecting on the right path, I hope the track speaks to personal fortitude, optimism and resilience.
Who played on the EP with you?
My producer collaborator, Jody Smith. A musical genius.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I have an Aston Spirit microphone that I love. It captures every nuance and frequency of the trumpet sound so clearly.
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice trumpeter?
The two most important things to do are to focus firstly on your sound – trying to develop a full, round, warm and stable timbre; technique and scales can follow. And to listen to as many trumpet players as you can; from Bix Beiderbecke all the way to Ambrose Akinmusire. What are they saying? What emotions are they channelling?
Was it a difficult EP to write?
Actually, no. The melodies and soundscape came to me quite quickly as a story and I knew I could say what I wanted in three tracks, with a clear narrative line between them.
Who designed/created the EP artwork?
The photography is by the LA-based artist Jacq Justice and the cover layout by designer Miles Prosser.
Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a) Punchbag – full of momentum and optimism.
b) Lost Dawn – so many social foundations have been lost for our younger generations.
c) Fogbound – mournful and questioning, yet hopeful.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
A small body of work that is a catalyst to help others to reflect on their own paths. And leaving something that is a part of a greater sense of kindness and optimism in the world.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I love my Taylor trumpet and my Couesnon flugelhorn (which is as old as me!). Wouldn’t be without either.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I was born in Winchester. Storied, Arthurian, freighted, rooted and grand.
How do you look after your voice?
My trumpet is my voice. Daily simple, long note warm-ups that open-up the sound.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. A story of a troubled relationship in the aftermath of the second world war, set in the beauty and remoteness of the North African desert.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Kenny Wheeler – the album Deer Wan.
Miles Davis – My Funny Valentine, a live recording from a 1964 Lincoln Centre concert.
The Beatles – Beatles For Sale.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025 to support the release?
I am planning a couple of small venue outings later in the year.
What makes Stewart Prosser happy and what makes you unhappy?
Simple: Love and hate. Love makes me happy and hate, the opposite.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jacq Justice
Stewart Prosser is releasing his first solo work as a triptych of tracks. Entitled ‘Far From Home’, the EP will be released digitally through Elm Tree Records on 14 February 2025.
Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/stewart2025
