Gareth Lewis Talks New EP, Stone River And More

Welsh singer-songwriter and musician Gareth Lewis will release his new EP ‘Roots’ in April 2024 and will also perform with his band Stone River. We were intrigued and wanted to learn more and he kindly agreed to talk to us: 

Who is in Gareth Lewis & Stone River and what do they play?

I’m a Swansea born singer/songwriter influenced by my love of rock, blues, country and gospel music. I’ve had a long career in music with various band, but in more recent years I’ve been releasing music as a solo artist. My songs have been regularly playlisted on BBC Radio Wales, Planet Rock Radio and countless online stations worldwide. My band Stone River was put together in 2023 for live performances and features Chris Hinchy (drums), Alex Draisey (Guitar), and Dean Anthony (Bass). Dean and I also played together in Dukes of Hafod, our Americana influenced band, which reached the finals of the Nashville based International Songwriting Competition in 2014.

Your new ‘Roots’ EP is released in April 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?

This EP was originally intended to be an album, but as I was writing a lot of songs in different styles, I decided to put the best of them on an EP and focus on recording a more cohesive album this year to release in 2025. The EP features 5 songs, plus a radio edit of one. The songs are a real mixed bag of rock, blues, country and pop. I have a lot of diverse influences, which you will hear throughout this EP.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

I record all my songs with James Weaver Music, who’s based in Mumbles, Swansea. I’ve been working with James since 2018, he produces all my music.

You also have your new single ‘What Got Us Here, Won’t Get Us There’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I co-wrote this song with an Austrian singer/songwriter named Stefanie Drexler. We wrote the song during a Zoom writing session. It’s ultimately about longevity in relationships. It’s a universal truth that relationships push us to our limits, but it’s the commitment to ride the waves together that makes them truly special. What Got Us Here, Won’t Get Us There’ celebrates the strength found in growth and understanding, reminding us that the journey, though challenging, becomes richer with each shared step.

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?

Well a few years ago I wrote a song called ‘While The Devil Plays The Tune’ which I always envisaged the story in the song as a movie. It’s a western underdog story… so I’d love to do a score to a country and western type film like Young Guns or Lawless. I’m ashamed to say I don’t read a lot of books, but I watch a lot of movies!

What is your earliest musical memory?

Listening to my mother’s 45” vinyl single of Twist & Shout by The Beatles, and listening to my dad play guitar.

 Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love Gretsch guitars and Fender valve amps… I have a 25 year old Fender Telecaster which I use for slide guitar. I keep guitar effects to a minimum and try to let the natural sound of the guitar and amp shine through.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Swansea is my hometown, and to quote Dylan Thomas “Swansea’s a lovely ugly town.”

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the EP recording sessions?

A memorable story is when I recorded the opening track on the EP “Don’t Mean a Thing.” It was a special day because my 12 year old son, now 13 who’s also a singer/songwriter writer, came to the studio with me for the first time, and recorded backing vocals on the track. That was a special moment for us both.

 Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

Yes. I am currently putting together a Welsh tour to support the EP release, shows include dates in:

Swansea – 12th April Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing

Llanelli – 27th April The Second 45

Cardigan – 31st May The Cellar Bar

Newbridge – 25th May Newbridge Memo (for TIWNFEST)

Cardiff – Date tbc The Moon Club

How do you look after your voice?

 By warming up properly before gigs, drinking plenty of water and steaming my vocal cords.

Was it a difficult EP to write?

No. It’s a collection of songs that had been written over time, when I wasn’t thinking about a particular theme or style, I was just writing whatever I felt. The best ones ended up on this EP.

Do you have any further music releases planned?

Yes. There will probably be another single from this EP. I’ll also be recording a full album with my band Stone River to release next year. I’m also working on an album of acoustic songs with my son Joseph.

What makes Gareth Lewis happy and what makes you unhappy?

Hardest question of all!

I’m happiest when I’m in the studio working creatively on song ideas… or spending time with my family. The music industry in general can often make me unhappy.. it’s competitive nature and the fake people. There’s a lot of nice people too, but on the whole I love making music, but don’t enjoy the business of music.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Lloyd of Stay Focussed Photography, Swansea

Gareth Lewis new EP ‘Roots’ is releaased in April 2024.

You can purchase it here: https://garethlewismusic.com/product/984346 

His latest single ‘What Got Us Here, Won’t Get Us There’ is out now.

Listen here: https://garethlewis.hearnow.com/what-got-us-here-wont-get-us-there 

In addition, Gareth Lewis & Stone River will perform a ‘Roots’ EP Launch show on Friday 12th April 2024 at Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. Tickets are priced at £11 each and are onsale now here: https://www.swanseagrand.co.uk/GarethLewisAndStoneRiver 

For more information visit his official website here: https://garethlewismusic.com/home