"Steadman"
"Steadman"
Steadman is a British indie rock band, formed in Hastings in 1998. The band's original name was The Dharmas, but they changed the name after they canceled their contract with the label Arista, and signed with lead singer Simon Steadman's own label, Freeloader Recordings. Steadman's first album, Loser Friendly, was released in the United Kingdom in 2000. Steadman released their second album, Revive, in 2003, which was produced by Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider. The last iteration of the lineup employed lead singer Simon Steadman, guitarist James Board, bass guitarist David Walton, drummer Russel Field, and keyboardist Chris Murphy.
Steadman's sound is clearly influenced by the Britpop-bands Oasis and Radiohead. The band has also been compared to Richard Ashcroft's band The Verve. Though Steadman has not seen much success, the band has got many good reviews, most notably from Sir Paul McCartney, who endorsed the band in a handwritten note handed to them after having showed up at one of their gigs in the United Kingdom.
Mid 2005 Steadman said "Steal this Music!!" and released their music as free downloads on their website under a Creative Commons licence.
Loser Friendly the band's first album as Steadman. This album was released by Steadman's own label, "Freeloader Recordings", in 2000. Loser Friendly sold approximately 2000 copies through Freeloader Recordings.
Revive has, thus far, been Steadman's most popular album to date. The track "Wave Goodbye" on this album has been featured in television shows, movies, and soundtracks such as Smallville, and New York Minute. The track "No Big Deal" has also been featured on Charmed.
This album has also garnered much attention from the world renowned Sir Paul McCartney. McCartney expressed his interest in the band's song "Carried" above all others. A written quote from McCartney is posted on the Steadman website, it reads:
"The band Steadman have the songs, the musicianship, the energy and the enthusiasm to blow the top off any club, or arena, and if given a listen, have that rare quality
–the ability to deliver!–
I like this band!
P. McCartney"