Steve Laffy

Story

Steve has been a professional drummer gigging, recording, song writing and teaching drums for over 40 years. Born and raised in London he spent 25 years working with many top London bands. He built his career playing at famous London venues and events such as Notting Hill Carnival, Hammersmith Apollo, Jazz Cafe,100 Club, The Marquee Club etc and then nationwide at many top UK clubs, theatres and festivals including Glastonbury, Womad, Green Man, Shambala etc. Steve's international work has included gigs and tours across the UK, Ireland, Europe from Italy to Norway and world wide as far as Mexico and Japan. He has played many styles of music and with a diversity of well known artists such as: William Bell, Zoot Money, Daniel O´Donnell, Chris Jagger, The Foundations, England, Maluju, Abdul Raheem, Kangaroo Moon, Bristol Reggae Orchestra, Baka Beyond, Pete Gill, Eddie Martin... and many more. Steve is still working and developing his drumming style, and now writing and recording music and rehearsing at his own studio in South Wales and teaching on-line.

Profile

Professional Drummer

Instruments

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is my way of expressing myself when words are not able to do that. It gives me the ability to express my thoughts and feelings, with the hope that these may resonate with other people and help them to feel less alone.

What is your music dream?

To make other people and myself happy and connected to the world

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Myself

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Otis Reading, John Lennon, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield and many more

What inspires you to make music?

Life, creativity and inspiration.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Hope, peace and love for the world.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Honoured, privileged and excited.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Being a working musician is a challenge these days. More government support for live music a grants.

What do you think of Drooble?

Great and invaluable, thank you.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Not enough financial support for new music and musical opportunities.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes I like to get out and see new and interesting local music.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Determination and persistence.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

The Sons of Kemet, Rhythm Rising, Jama