Biography
About Stephen
Stephen has written numerous short stories, poems and novels, since leaving school and whilst pursuing his musical career, more of which below. In 2008 his novel “The Art of Being Dead” was published by Bluemoose Books, to some critical acclaim - Ian Oldfield of Waterstones said “ a remarkable first novel that is as dark and complex as it is beautifully written”, and Scott Pack, now a publisher at Harper Collins, compares the book to Ian Banks’ Wasp Factory, and says “ …a brilliant book. Stephen Clayton is a significant new writer and should be hailed as such”. Julian Cope, a fan of Steve’s band, said “I’m delighted he’s still a high achieving motherfucker”!
Steve has appeared on local TV and radio, and there is a link to a podcast on the Yorkshire Post where you can hear Steve talk about his book and musical career http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/outloud-from-yorkshire-post/id257355226
Over the years he has continued to paint in oils, water colour and ink and has had work used on the covers of albums. You can see some examples of his artwork on this site.
As the drummer, keyboards and bass player for the rock band The Way We Live, Steve signed a recording contract in 1971 with John Peel’s label Dandelion records and released an album “A Candle for Judith”. On John Peel’s suggestion the band changed its name to Tractor, and in 1972 released an eponymous album, which received much critical acclaim and airplay, achieving success in UK record charts and continuing popularity in European charts.
Steve has also worked as producer/ arranger with a number of rock musicians over several years, and provided drum lessons at various levels. He more recently collaborated with a number of performance poets and musicians, playing percussion at readings and other art festivals. He recently wrote the lyrics for a stage musical based on the life of Andy Warhol, in collaboration with another Dandelion artist, John Trevor, who wrote the score.